2016 Backroads Trends Include Significant Growth in Electric Bikes, Active River Cruises and Multigenerational Family Travel
Story by Backroads
Active Travel No Longer Niche Segment; One of Fastest Growing Areas in Travel Industry
Backroads, the leading active travel company offering biking, hiking, multi-sport and family trips across the globe, announced its forecasted trends for 2016, based on bookings and research. The company, who reported record sales in 2015, is seeing significant growth in a number of key areas, including multigenerational families traveling together, electric-assist bikes (eBikes) and its active River Cruise program, which launched last year.
The coming year also marks a breakthrough moment for active travel: it is no longer perceived as a niche segment of the travel industry as a whole. This shift may be attributed to people catching on to the fact that healthy doesn’t have to mean boring.
Here are some of the top trends in active travel that Backroads will be offering in 2016:
The Family That Bikes Together...
It’s never too early to teach kids the importance of regular exercise, but it can be difficult for busy families to make time to be active together. Backroads Family Trips feature exciting adventures for everyone (and some alone time for adults as well), and due to the popularity of Family Breakaway Trips—for families with older teens and 20-somethings—the company is doubling the number of excursions they will offer in 2016. Since active grandparents are increasingly joining in the fun, Backroads trips offer a wide variety of mileage and route options as well as activities that people of all ages and athletic abilities can enjoy.
Free Upgrade to Electric Bikes
Launched two years ago and rapidly growing in popularity with guests, eBikes are designed to give an extra push when needed. They are a great way to level the playing field when guests with varying cycling abilities and interests travel together. In 2016, Backroads will offer eBikes at no additional cost on all Biking Trips in Europe, North America and Hawaii.
In 2016 the new, state-of-the-art Garmin Edge Explore 1000 GPS device will be included on all Biking Trips in Europe, North America and Hawaii. They’re easy to use, offer easy-to-follow-directions and come pre-loaded with all routes and route options specific to each trip.
Take a Hike
Walking and Hiking trips have really taken off, especially for Backroads guests who want to travel actively but aren’t interested in a cycling trip. Backroads is known for introducing travelers to some of the best hiking trails in the world, including parts of the Camino de Santiago in Spain, the Inca Trail in Machu Picchu and the Pacific Crest Trail in California.
All Aboard!
Backroads introduced River Cruise Biking adventures last year and customer response was overwhelming. In 2016, the company will offer new exciting destinations and even full-ship “takeovers,” where every passenger on board is a Backroads guest. Backroads lets people explore the world’s waterways the active way.
“Our trips are designed for people who want to explore the world actively, and those who are looking for a truly life-changing experience in the New Year,” said Tom Hale, founder and president of Backroads. “As we head into 2016, we’re excited to offer more great travel destinations than ever in our almost 40-year history. From Colombia to Joshua Tree to an active River Cruise on the Mekong, we want to give our guests the best trips of their lives.”
Give the Gift of Backroads This Holiday Season
Is there an active friend or family member on your gift list? Consider giving a Backroads gift certificate this holiday season, or any season. Gift certificates are available in any amount and can be applied by the recipient toward any Backroads vacation (pending availability). Contact Backroads at 800-GO-ACTIVE (800-462-2848) to purchase.