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 . . . .

Quail Hunt Plantations in Thomasville GA featured - Home

Encounter Historic Quail Hunt Plantations in Thomasville GA

by Howard Blount | Updated on Sep 15, 2020

Explore a country estate, tour a Neoclassical mansion, and plan special events at two historic quail hunt plantations in Thomasville GA.

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10 Distinctive Places to Stay in Coastal Mississippi

by Howard Blount | Published on Aug 30, 2020

Backroad Planet’s lodging guide features a select listing of boutique hotels, B&Bs, resorts, and other unique places to stay on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Favorite Mississippi Gulf Coast Restaurants featured - Home

18 Favorite Mississippi Gulf Coast Restaurants

by Howard Blount | Updated on Aug 30, 2020

A curated collection of popular Mississippi Gulf Coast restaurants. From Bay St. Louis to Pascagoula, enjoy 18 local favorites for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

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Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park on a One-Day Trip

by Howard Blount | Updated on Mar 9, 2020

On a one-day trip, don’t miss the best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park! Explore Hidden Valley, discover Barker Dam, trek Wall Street Mill, climb Skull Rock, and so much more along these nature trails and short walks.

The Haunting Town of Rodney, Mississippi: A Photo Essay

by Ashleigh Coleman | Updated on Sep 27, 2019

A Southern photographer’s haunting images from a bridal shoot and seasonal flood portray her intimate connection with the ghost town of Rodney, Mississippi.

How to See the Real Florida: 11 Essential Web Sites

by Howard Blount | Updated on Jun 4, 2019

Eleven authoritative web sites run by locals are great resources to help you plan a road trip or travel itinerary to see the REAL Florida.

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24 Viking River Cruise Insider Tips

by Howard Blount | Updated on Sep 5, 2019

24 Exclusive Viking River Cruise insider tips tailored for first-time cruisers to help make your European journey the cruise of a lifetime!

10 Favorite North Georgia Waterfalls

by Howard Blount | Updated on Aug 27, 2019

Ten incredibly beautiful North Georgia waterfalls you can easily schedule into your road trip or vacation.

Louisiana’s River Road Plantations

by Howard Blount | Updated on Oct 13, 2019

Take an historical drive along the Mississippi River, and visit Louisiana’s Great River Road plantations. Maps, itinerary, and helpful links included.

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4 New Viking Mississippi River Cruise Routes Announced

by Howard Blount | Published on Mar 30, 2020

Four Viking Mississippi River cruise itineraries are scheduled to bring guests to America’s Heartland beginning in 2022, aboard the purpose-built Viking Mississippi.

Viking Cruises to Norway & the UK: An “Into the Midnight Sun” Travelogue

by Howard Blount | Updated on Feb 19, 2020

Have you ever dreamed of sailing with Viking Cruises to Norway and the UK? Backroad Planet’s annotated travelogue explores the 15-day “Into the Midnight Sun” itinerary, introduces its scenic destinations, and evaluates its shore excursion options.

Viking Ocean Cruises: A Guide for Planning a Voyage of a Lifetime

by Howard Blount | Updated on Mar 3, 2020

A guide for planning, booking, and embarking on a Viking Ocean Cruises voyage of a lifetime, featuring exclusive insider tips from Viking Explorer Society members.

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How to Find Unique Sites for Your USA Road Trip Itinerary

by Howard Blount | Updated on May 31, 2019

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