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 . . . .

13 Things to Know About the NCL Jade Cruise Experience

by Howard Blount | Jun 18, 2023

A Backroad Planet baker’s dozen of candid observations and random reflections from repeat sailings aboard the Norwegian Jade cruise ship.

How to Explore Visby On Your Own

by Howard Blount | Mar 12, 2023

Explore Visby, Sweden, on your own with Backroad Planet’s downloadable guide to the UNESCO World Heritage medieval city, church ruins, and botanical gardens.

Cruising with NCL: An Insider Guide

by Howard Blount | Feb 12, 2023

Cruising with NCL just got easier with this Backroad Planet collection of tips, tricks, and opinions compiled by two avid Norwegian Cruise Line insiders.

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Design Your Own Arizona Road Trip Itinerary

by Howard Blount | Mar 8, 2020

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

by Howard Blount | Sep 22, 2019

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

by Howard Blount | Apr 28, 2019

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

by Howard Blount | Oct 12, 2018

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

by Howard Blount | Oct 29, 2017

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

by Howard Blount | Aug 13, 2017

Design your own uniquely Louisiana road trip with routed scenic byways, a River Road plantations map, itinerary planning hacks, and a wealth of resources.

13 Things to Know About the NCL Jade Cruise Experience

by Howard Blount | Jun 18, 2023

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

by Howard Blount | Feb 12, 2023

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

by Howard Blount | Jan 30, 2023

A list of random observations and candid reflections from a 15-day Panama Canal sailing aboard the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship.

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How to Find Unique Sites for Your USA Road Trip Itinerary

by Howard Blount | Jun 11, 2017

Load your USA road trip itinerary with hidden scenic views, secret swimming holes, abandoned historical sites, and the best off-the-beaten-path locations!