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 . . . .

America’s most charming small-town main streets

by Elias Siegelman | May 11, 2026

America’s small towns continue to attract travelers looking for slower and more authentic experiences. From historic downtowns to scenic streets filled with local shops, these places still capture the feeling of classic Americana. Many travelers now prefer charming...

8 best places to travel if you are a Taurus

by Elias Siegelman | May 11, 2026

Taurus travelers love comfort, good food, beautiful views, and relaxing vacations. As an earth sign ruled by Venus, Taurus is all about enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Instead of packed schedules and stressful trips, most Taurus people prefer cozy hotels, peaceful...

The best time to visit Punta Cana for sunshine and savings

by Elias Siegelman | May 10, 2026

Punta Cana has long been one of the Caribbean’s most popular beach destinations thanks to its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and year-round tropical warmth. But while the destination may always look picture-perfect on social media, the timing of your trip can...

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Design Your Own Arizona Road Trip Itinerary

by Elias Siegelman | 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 Elias Siegelman | 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 Elias Siegelman | 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 Elias Siegelman | 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 Elias Siegelman | 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 Elias Siegelman | 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.

What surprises first-time travelers about Viking River Cruises

by Elias Siegelman | May 8, 2026

Viking River Cruises were not something that immediately came to mind for many travelers. They are often associated with older guests, quiet itineraries, and structured sightseeing. That perception changed after a personal family trip along the Danube River, following...

13 Things to Know About the NCL Jade Cruise Experience

by Elias Siegelman | 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 Elias Siegelman | 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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This stunning Idaho highway is America’s most beautiful lonely mountain drive

by Elias Siegelman | May 10, 2026

For travelers who love the freedom of the open road, few experiences compare to a scenic mountain drive. Across the United States, iconic highways have become bucket list adventures, offering dramatic landscapes, unforgettable viewpoints, and a true sense of escape....

8 travel mistakes even frequent travelers forget before a trip

by Elias Siegelman | May 8, 2026

Anastasiia Nelen/Unsplash Most travelers think the hard part is booking flights and packing bags. But according to travel experts, the real issues often come from the small things people forget before leaving. These are the details that seem minor at first but can...