by Howard Blount | Apr 4, 2021
Surviving the year of COVID: an update on the silent months, the prospect of safely resuming travel, and the announcement of a new direction for Backroad Planet. This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to our our Disclosure/Disclaimer page for more...
by Howard Blount | Jul 23, 2017
Transcontinental bicyclist Adrian Marziliano shares six lessons learned cycling solo through Latin America, powerful lessons about biking, life, and the kindness of strangers. Note from Howard: In December of 2016, I interviewed Adrian Marziliano, a young man who had...
by Howard Blount | May 26, 2017
The Smoky Mountains were the summer vacation destination of my youth. Photos and boyhood memories inspire me as I plan a return to Franklin North Carolina. This post is sponsored by Visit North Carolina and Discover Franklin, but all thoughts and opinions are my own....
by Howard Blount | Mar 24, 2017
Ever wanted to quit your job, hit the road, and never look back? In our interview, David Hayes leaves it all behind to embark on a cross-country solo bike ride. At Backroad Planet we enjoy sharing the stories of intriguing people who embark on epic journeys, such...
by Howard Blount | Feb 2, 2017
Nathan Kolk’s epic US road trip was a 13,000-mile adventure that included a stolen vehicle, friendly strangers, and a new perspective on life and travel. Note from Howard: In the spring of 2016, I interviewed Nathan Kolk, a young man who was about to embark on A...
by Howard Blount | Jan 23, 2017
A confirmed traveling cinephile declares his love for travel and the movies, and discloses how his passions converged at an antebellum mansion in Louisiana. Note from Howard: Jim Swilley and I have been friends since our first day as college roommates in 1976. I was...
by Howard Blount | Dec 30, 2016
People and places are the reason for travel. This year-in-travel photoessay features my family, friends, traveling companions, and the destinations we visited in 2016. Disclosure: Some links in this article are to travel brands and destinations that have sponsored my...
by Howard Blount | Sep 22, 2016
Do Fathom Impact Travel activities have lasting value in the Dominican Republic, or is this approach merely the latest trend in cruise voluntourism? UPDATE: Fathom ceased operation as a cruise line in June 2017. The MV Adonia was returned to service in...
by Howard Blount | Sep 9, 2016
EDITORIAL: Some say yes, others say no! Thoughts and observations to help you decide whether you should travel to states with discriminatory laws. Although I do not shy away from politics and religion in my personal life, it is rare that I address such polarizing...
