The world leader in the active travel segment, the company Backroads, recently unveiled its latest collection of trips, designed specifically for the dynamic demographic of travelers in their thirties and forties. These are carefully selected itineraries from their rich portfolio that offer deep and meaningful experiences, ideal for those who crave impressive adventures, cultural connection, and a regenerating escape from everyday life, all tailored to their fast-paced lifestyle filled with numerous obligations.

The new collection, which was announced last month, includes nearly three dozen inspiring trips with more than 70 departure dates worldwide. Already in the initial presentation phase, exceptionally strong interest was recorded, especially for epic adventures in some of the world's most famous landscapes. Among the most sought-after were hut-to-hut hiking in the Dolomites, lodge-to-lodge trekking in Peru, and multi-adventure trips through destinations like Greece, Sardinia, Corsica, Costa Rica, and Alaska.

Tailored for a generation on the move

These early indicators confirmed a clear trend: travelers in their 30s and 40s are actively seeking small-group trips that offer more than just physical activity. They want connection, challenge, and cultural depth. This happens at a stage in life when many of them are ready to turn their long-held travel dreams into reality, while also finding precious time for themselves amidst the demands of parenthood and career building. This generation does not see travel as a mere luxury, but as a necessary respite for recovering from stress and burnout, and as an opportunity for mental and physical well-being.

An additional boost to this trend comes from the economic context. Namely, it is predicted that this age group will be the beneficiary of a great intergenerational transfer of wealth, which could reach an incredible $27 trillion by 2045. This opens up additional opportunities for them to prioritize meaningful, experience-based travel over material goods. This is precisely where Backroads finds its niche, offering seamless logistics, expert trip leaders, and exceptional hotels waiting at the end of each fulfilling day. This eliminates the stress of planning and allows travelers to fully immerse themselves in the adventure they desire.

"These itineraries have long been favorites of our guests, and for good reason—they are comprehensive, dynamic, and full of discovery," said Avery Hale Smith, Director of Experiences at Backroads. "We designed this collection with a deep understanding of where travelers in their 30s and 40s are in life—balancing ambition and adventure, career and curiosity. The goal is to offer incredible experiences that feel both energetic and relaxed."

Highlighted adventures that capture attention

As flagships of the new collection, five adventures have particularly stood out due to high interest right from the announcement:

• Hut-to-Hut Hiking Tour in the Dolomites: This trip offers the opportunity to conquer legendary mountain ridges, spend the night in cozy mountain huts (Italian: rifugio), and experience the raw, unfiltered beauty of the Italian Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is an experience that combines physical challenge with incredible alpine landscapes. Find the ideal accommodation in the Dolomites to start your adventure.


• Walking & Hiking Tour in Switzerland: A walk through alpine meadows and charming mountain villages, while enjoying Swiss chocolate, fondue, and breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. This is a journey that nourishes both soul and body.


• Multi-Adventure Tour in Santorini and Crete: A combination of hiking ancient trails, biking through olive groves, and tasting exquisite Greek cuisine while exploring the most beautiful islands of the Aegean Sea. Each island offers a unique culture and experience. Explore accommodation on Santorini or accommodation on Crete.


• Multi-Adventure Tour in Sardinia and Corsica: Discovering hidden beaches, rugged coastlines, and vibrant island culture on this sunny journey between Italy and France. Experience the unique blend of two Mediterranean cultures and explore accommodation in Sardinia.


• Lodge-to-Lodge Trekking Tour in Peru: An epic Andean adventure that follows ancient paths, like the famous Salkantay Trail, all the way to the mystical Machu Picchu, with stays in comfortable high-altitude lodges. This is an experience that combines the spirituality of the ancient Incas with modern comfort. Secure your accommodation in Peru to acclimate before you go.

All these new trips, aimed at travelers in their thirties and forties, are available for immediate booking, with the first departures scheduled for spring 2026.

A wide spectrum of active holidays worldwide

Besides the highlighted tours, the collection offers a rich selection of different types of active holidays, satisfying a wide range of interests and fitness levels. Each trip is designed to provide an authentic experience and an in-depth exploration of the destination.

Walking & Hiking Tours

For those who love exploring the world on foot, there are tours like "A Taste of the Camino de Santiago" in Spain, exploring the Canadian Rockies (including heli-hiking), a journey through Cinque Terre and Tuscany, the aforementioned Dolomites and Peru, as well as lodge-to-lodge trekking in the Pyrenees and a classic hike in Switzerland.

Multi-Adventure Tours

These tours combine multiple activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. Explore the glaciers and coast of Alaska, exotic Bali, the unique Basque Country, the highlands and coast of Costa Rica, charismatic Cuba, the Portuguese regions of Algarve and Alentejo, sunny Thailand, and the aforementioned tours of the Dolomites, Santorini and Crete, and Sardinia and Corsica.

Biking Tours

Fans of two wheels can choose from numerous routes: from Berlin to Prague, from Krakow to Budapest, or from Madrid to Porto. There are also tours through California's wine country, the Columbia River Gorge and Willamette Valley in the USA, Ireland's counties of Cork and Kerry, Kentucky, Maine, Scotland, the island of Mallorca in Spain, the Italian regions of Puglia and Basilicata, from Quebec to Montreal in Canada, from Sweden to Denmark, and through Vietnam and Cambodia.

Backroads, the company founded in 1979 by Tom Hale, has been regarded as a leading innovator in active and adventure tourism for over 45 years. Guests join their trips to bike, hike, and do much more on expertly planned adventures that highlight the unique character of each destination. The company offers hundreds of destinations worldwide and various travel formats, including private tours, women-only trips, more relaxed Dolce Tempo programs, and family trips tailored to different age groups of children.