Unforgettable Adventures In Patagonia, Japan, And Beyond: Backroads Expands 2026 Travel With Casual Hotels

There’s good news for adventurous travelers who want to get a feel for the local culture. To broaden their offerings for the 2026 season, travel company Backroads will introduce 11 new destinations featuring “Casual Hotels.” These hotels provide a laid-back, culturally immersive experience, as opposed to the more prescriptive luxury hotels. These new destination offerings will include the picturesque fishing villages of Mallorca, the expanse of Patagonia, and even the lovely rural areas of Japan.

Given the active nature of their travel options, including biking, hiking, and multi-adventure tours to destinations around the globe, Backroads has appropriately expanded its offerings for 2026. They will continue to honor the company’s philosophy of active travel by merging exploration, culture, and physicality in a more integrated manner. Their new Casual Hotels range from locally inspired inns to boutique hotels and quaint lodges, all of which provide a more immersive experience for travelers.

Immersive Journeys from Authentic Custom Itineraries

Backroads welcomes travelers expanding past the superficial activities in favor of more immersive experiences that highlight the culture of everyday life of each location being visited. These new Backroads journeys center on areas that won’t always accommodate luxury hotels and instead highlight stays that are different and inspired by local culture. These new accommodations are meant to embody the heart and soul of each location so travelers can appreciate local culture through genuine hospitality and comfortable amenities.

Travelers can’t wait to traverse some of the most inspiring areas in the world, including the Italian Dolomites, where visitors hike between mountain refugios. Other guests enjoy the hospitality of Mallorca, where they cycle through stunning beachside villages. Guests in these areas appreciate the natural beauty and authentic character of the locales, from family vineyards to ancient villages.

Offering New Custom Itineraries in Iconic Global Destinations

Travelers will notice new Backroads journeys reach every continent as they cross the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia, traverse the rugged coast of Portugal, and enjoy the quiet countryside of Japan. Guests will experience the adventure of discovering Iceland’s volcanoes and cycle along the stunning cliffs of Portugal.

Every travel plan has the same exceptional design by Backroads as well as the same legendary support and expert Trip Leaders. But the Casual Hotels have a more relaxed and easygoing interpretation, focusing more on comfort and the stylization of local culture. An example of this would be the Refuge du Montenvers, a landmark of the French Alps, where guests will appreciate a different part of history in mountaineering. Or the Old Faithful Inn in the U.S., celebrated for its “parkitecture.”

A Personalized and Relaxed Experience

Backroads created these trips in response to guests wanting more relaxed travel and stays. Backroads has sought every opportunity to mix active itineraries and offers relaxing components for guests. The itineraries are created as a combination of active exploration, relaxation, cultural, and personal enrichment.

In Japan, visitors will appreciate the calmness of the countryside as well as the local history. There will also be some time focused on community events, like the cherry blossom viewing festivals, or on guided history walks or tours to learn about the local history and culture. In the same way, travelers to the Patagonia region will be able to hike the wild and stunning landscapes and then stay at an inn that is thoughtfully designed to fit the beautiful scenery, offering dramatic views.

Backroads has already seen a lot of early interest in its scheduled 2026 Biking, Hiking & Walking, and Multi-Adventure Trips with Casual Hotels. There is a demand for comfortable, culture-rich, and authentic lodging that balances comfort with the exploration factor. This shows a strong interest in intimacy with the place being traveled to, focused on adventure.

It is also worth noting that over half of the new trips added to the itineraries are also in the 30s & 40s Collection. The collection centers on the spirit of discovery and authenticity, which is aimed at the younger, more adventurous, and deeper travel experience. The trips are beautifully designed as a mix of camaraderie and fitness, with the bonus of having experiences that are unforgettable.

What Makes a Backroads Trip Special?

Tom Hale, the founder and president of Backroads, stated that what makes the company’s trips unforgettable is the value of the experiences, not the quality of the accommodations. Along a Backroads trip, you experience the sense of adventure of the trip, the camaraderie of the other travelers, and the opportunities to see unique and overlooked pieces of a destination.

This approach is particularly evident in their new itineraries, which, while not purely focused on luxury, incorporate the essentials of authenticity and local culture. Whether it’s hiking remote trails in the Dolomites or cycling through small villages in Portugal, the commitment to creating meaningful experiences is evident.

Conclusion: A Journey of Discovery and Relaxation

As Backroads prepares to unveil its 2026 Casual Hotels itineraries, it also demonstrates its commitment to travelers who prioritize immersive regional exploration and active adventure travel. From the stunning coastline of Mallorca to the rugged wilderness of Patagonia, the company’s new offerings will showcase the right juxtaposition of exploration, culture, and comfort. It is unequivocal that Backroads’ clientele is ready for journeys that get them to the heart of every destination, for early bookings are again showing increasing demand.

For travelers hoping to stretch their physical limits, or for those who wish to relax in spectacular locations and soak up the culture of a destination, the new itineraries from Backroads will cater to those seeking a real adventure and a unique experience.

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