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 . . . .

These 7 Crossings Have a Way of Making Confident Travelers Nervous

by Elias Siegelman | Mar 19, 2026

Seven border crossings stand out for strict security, harsh terrain, and tense conditions that can unsettle even seasoned travelers.

Your Room Feels Safe: 9 Things You’re Not Checking

by Elias Siegelman | Mar 19, 2026

A room may look safe, but overlooked risks like faulty outlets, weak privacy, and slippery floors can still cause problems.

Lifeguards See It Every Day: The 9 Things Swimmers Keep Getting Wrong

by Elias Siegelman | Mar 19, 2026

Lifeguards spot the same swim mistakes daily, from poor supervision to false confidence and ignored warning signs.

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Viking Christmas River Cruises: A Rhine Getaway Travelogue

by Howard Blount | Jul 30, 2017

Viking’s Christmas river cruises offer the best of Europe’s medieval castles, cathedrals, and storybook towns, with festive Christmas markets in every port.

18 Reasons to Cruise the Mediterranean on the Viking Star

by Howard Blount | Mar 1, 2016

A luxury sailing on the Viking Star is the perfect way for destination-oriented travelers to cruise the Mediterranean and tour Europe’s great port cities.