Welcome to Backroad Planet!
I’m Howard, a guy from Central Florida who believes taking scenic routes, scouting historical sites, and immersion in local flavor are the best ways to travel. Whether it be road trips across America, fly-drives to international destinations, or cruises on the mighty waters, I invite you to use Backroad Planet’s destination stories, travel guides, and planning resources to design your own adventures. Please contact me if I can assist you in any way.
Catch you on the backroads . . . .
Recent Posts
9 U.S. Destinations Visitors Say Feel Exhausting Instead of Enjoyable
From overwhelming crowds to rigid logistics and nonstop sensory overload, these popular U.S. destinations often demand more energy than they give back. Visitors say the fatigue adds up fast.
9 U.S. Tourist Towns Where Inflation Is Hitting Visitors the Hardest
From island cities to inland hubs, these U.S. tourist towns reveal how inflation changes the travel experience. Visitors arrive expecting familiar prices and leave wondering where their budget went.
8 Tourist Heavy U.S. Regions Facing Water Shortages Travelers Ignore
These popular U.S. travel regions look carefree on the surface, but growing water shortages are quietly reshaping how long they can keep welcoming visitors.
design your own Road trip
Design Your Own Arizona Road Trip Itinerary
Design your own Arizona road trip with Backroad Planet’s suggested destinations, activities, scenic drives & heritage railways, plus our exclusive planning resources.
Design Your Own Georgia Road Trip | USA
Design your own Georgia road trip with Backroad Planet’s suggested destinations, activities, scenic byways & historic trails, plus our exclusive planning resources.
Design Your Own Upstate New York Road Trip
Design your own upstate New York road trip with Backroad Planet’s suggested destinations and activities, plus our exclusive itinerary planning resources.
Design Your Own Tennessee Road Trip
Design your own Tennessee road trip with Backroad Planet’s itinerary planning resources, recommended destinations, Civil War and Civil Rights historical sites, plus 16 themed trails and byways.
How to Plan an Oregon Road Trip
A collection of Oregon road trip ideas and itineraries for the Tualatin Valley, the Tillamook Coast, the Mt. Hood Territory, and the Columbia River Gorge.
Design Your Own Louisiana Road Trip
Design your own uniquely Louisiana road trip with routed scenic byways, a River Road plantations map, itinerary planning hacks, and a wealth of resources.
OCEAN & RIVER CRUISES
13 Things to Know About the NCL Jade Cruise Experience
A Backroad Planet baker’s dozen of candid observations and random reflections from repeat sailings aboard the Norwegian Jade cruise ship.
Cruising with NCL: An Insider Guide
Cruising with NCL just got easier with this Backroad Planet collection of tips, tricks, and opinions compiled by two avid Norwegian Cruise Line insiders.
15 Things to Know About the NCL Bliss Cruise Experience
A list of random observations and candid reflections from a 15-day Panama Canal sailing aboard the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship.
ROAD TRIP PLANNING RESOURCES
12 Common Highway Scams That Catch U.S. Drivers Off Guard
Highways hide scams like fake crashes, phony cops, and false breakdowns. Stay alert and protect yourself from these costly tricks.
15 Scenic Drives Through the Rocky Mountains
Drive the Rockies’ most scenic roads, from alpine passes to canyon routes, with views, wildlife, and mountain towns waiting at every bend.
10 Scenic Drives Through Native American Lands
Scenic drives across Native American lands blend breathtaking views with living history, where every mile connects natural beauty with centuries of tradition.
AUTOMOTIVE RESOURCES
Avoid Getting Ripped-Off by Mechanics: 9 Tips for Roadtrippers
A veteran automotive technician offers 9 tips for roadtrippers to avoid getting ripped-off by mechanics when an unexpected breakdown happens on the road.
How To Prepare Your Car For Summer
Before you head out on a summer road trip, get your car in top-notch shape with these essential vehicle maintenance tips.
How to Choose the Best Car for Your Cross-Country Road Trip
Gas mileage, storage space, and extra features are all important considerations when purchasing a new vehicle for a cross-country road trip.