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
Inside the MSC Cruises Guest Experience
Step inside the MSC Cruises passenger experience with a critical review of activities, entertainment, dining, and guest relations challenges passengers may face.
An MSC Cruise Line Review: From the Outside In
A revealing look at the MSC cruise line, its history, classes of ships, destinations, and onboard services, compared and contrasted with other popular lines.
The Viking Great Lakes Explorer: An Expedition Travelogue
Join an 8-day Viking Great Lakes expedition from Milwaukee to Thunder Bay. Explore Mackinac Island, hike the Canadian wilds, and sail the fabled “Gitche Gumee.”
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
Inside the MSC Cruises Guest Experience
Step inside the MSC Cruises passenger experience with a critical review of activities, entertainment, dining, and guest relations challenges passengers may face.
An MSC Cruise Line Review: From the Outside In
A revealing look at the MSC cruise line, its history, classes of ships, destinations, and onboard services, compared and contrasted with other popular lines.
A Princess Western Europe Cruise: Ports & Shore Excursions
A travelogue of ports and shore excursions in Norway, Germany, Belgium, and the UK while on a Princess Western Europe cruise from Copenhagen to Southampton.
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The Ultimate Road Trip Planner Part 1: Pre-Planning
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ROAD TRIP PLANNING RESOURCES
How to Find Unique Sites for Your USA Road Trip Itinerary
Load your USA road trip itinerary with hidden scenic views, secret swimming holes, abandoned historical sites, and the best off-the-beaten-path locations!
Take a Drive on America’s National Scenic Byways
Plan your next road trip by including a drive along one of America’s National Scenic Byways, Parkways, or All-American Roads.
The Ultimate Road Trip Planner: Part 3 Itinerary
Organize your road trip research into a daily itinerary including activities, lodging, dining, and informational travel documents.
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.