Berkeley, California, a city renowned for its innovative spirit and outdoor enthusiasm, quietly harbors a significant legacy in the world of adventure travel. For decades, it has been the home base for pioneering companies that have redefined how people explore the globe’s most remote and breathtaking corners. Among these, Wilderness Travel, established in 1978, stands out as a true originator, guiding travelers to uncharted territories long before accurate maps and marked trails were the norm.
Founded by Bill Abbott, Wilderness Travel embodied a spirit of intrepid exploration from its inception. “The early trips were long and expeditionary,” Abbott recalls, emphasizing the company’s foundational ethos of venturing “off the map.” Their itineraries were legendary, featuring daring journeys like a “live-off-the-jungle” expedition through the Upper Amazon, sea kayaking explorations of Tierra del Fuego’s western fjords, and treks across Patagonia’s nascent national parks – regions then utterly devoid of tourist infrastructure.
While Wilderness Travel has evolved over the years, now offering over 200 trips across more than 80 countries with more comfortable accommodations ranging from yurts to boutique hotels, the core adventurous spirit remains undiluted. Abbott notes the changes in destinations like Patagonia: “When we go to Patagonia now, there are beautiful lodges and well-marked trails and bridges over the rivers,” he explains, “But it’s still remote, it still feels off the beaten path. And it’s still absolutely beautiful.” This enduring commitment to authentic wilderness experiences is a hallmark of Berkeley’s contribution to travel.
Berkeley’s influence in adventure travel extends beyond Wilderness Travel. Backroads, another internationally acclaimed company founded in Berkeley in 1979, shares a similar dedication to active and authentic travel. Initially focused on cycling trips, Backroads, headquartered in West Berkeley, has broadened its offerings to include hiking, culinary, and multi-activity tours, even incorporating slower-paced “Dolce Tempo” options.
Avery Hale, Backroads’ executive vice president and daughter of founder Tom Hale, observes a growing desire for deeper travel experiences. “Many of our guests seem to want to slow down a bit,” she states, “At the same time, they still want something authentic, and active, something that connects them to a place beyond tour buses and gift shops.” The surging popularity of Backroads, with 2024 projected to be their busiest year, underscores this trend towards meaningful, outdoors-focused travel. Hale believes this reflects a broader societal shift: “In a world of remote working and artificial experiences people are looking for deep, authentic, meaningful connections and outdoorsy, active trips.”
Tom Hale, founder of Backroads, with his daughter Avery Hale, the company's vice president, highlighting the family-run nature of this Berkeley-based adventure travel business.
Bill Abbott of Wilderness Travel attributes this resurgence of interest in adventure to a fundamental human drive. “It feels natural to be on the road,” he suggests. “Genetically and historically, humans have been nomadic and adventure-seeking. There now seems to be a general reawakening of people’s adventurous side.” This innate human desire for exploration is perfectly catered to by Berkeley’s wilderness travel expertise.
The Genesis of Berkeley’s Adventure Travel Pioneers
The stories of how Wilderness Travel and Backroads began are tales of personal passion evolving into influential businesses. Bill Abbott’s journey started in his twenties with extensive travels through South America. “I was hitchhiking, spending as little as I could, exploring Peru, Bolivia, Patagonia, even hitching down the length of the Amazon river and sleeping in a hammock for several months,” he recounts. Initially envisioning a career in travel photography, Abbott’s experiences led him to found Wilderness Travel, though he humorously admits, “I made a mistake; I actually had to stay here and run the trips.”
Bill Abbott, the founder of Wilderness Travel, pictured in his office in Berkeley's Gilman District, showcasing the local roots of this global adventure travel company.
Tom Hale of Backroads followed a similarly unconventional path. After briefly working in environmental planning post-graduation from UC Berkeley and UCLA, Hale had an epiphany in 1979. “Then, in 1979, I woke up with the idea that I wanted to take people on bike trips,” he explains. Despite limited cycling experience (primarily commuting) and no business background, Hale plunged into entrepreneurship with characteristic Berkeleyan zeal. “I put all my energy into it,” Hale states, even embarking on a 5,000-mile cycling trip across the western U.S. to prepare for launching his company.
Navigating the Unpredictable Terrain of Global Travel
Adventure travel inherently involves the unexpected. From weather disruptions to geopolitical events, unforeseen challenges are part of the industry’s landscape. “There’s nothing that’s a headline that’s good for our business,” Abbott remarks, acknowledging the constant need for adaptability.
Avery Hale echoes this sentiment. “Not a week goes by that something doesn’t happen,” she says. “In the past few years, we’ve had to work around flooding in New Zealand, flooding in Yellowstone, wildfires in Europe . . . Or the snow doesn’t melt in the Rockies and the roads are closed. These things happen all the time.” The key, she emphasizes, is nimbleness and constant preparedness to adjust itineraries and logistics. Recent examples include both Backroads and Wilderness Travel suspending trips to Israel due to ongoing events.
Scott Abbott, Wilderness Travel’s marketing director and Bill’s son, highlights the critical role of strong local partnerships in navigating these disruptions. “Our local connections aren’t just our business partners. They are our eyes and ears on the ground,” he explains. “Having these relationships keeps us informed. And being informed helps us keep everyone safe.” These long-standing relationships, cultivated over decades, are invaluable assets for Berkeley’s wilderness travel companies.
Sometimes, unexpected events can even lead to memorable and unique experiences. Avery Hale recounts a Backroads trip to the San Juan Islands where a regional power outage occurred. “The whole region was blacked out,” she remembers. “The hotels couldn’t serve dinner. So our leaders went out and bought groceries and made a picnic for everyone. Not just for our guests but for everyone at the hotel. It’s the kind of thing our trip leaders get used to doing on the fly.” This adaptability and resourcefulness are hallmarks of the adventure travel ethos nurtured in Berkeley.
A Generational Shift in Berkeley’s Travel Leadership
Both Wilderness Travel and Backroads are currently undergoing a significant transition as the founding generation prepares to pass the leadership baton to their children. Bill Abbott is planning for retirement, and Tom Hale is looking towards a future where he can focus on strategic growth and perhaps even take a weekend off. The next generation – Avery Hale, Scott Abbott, and his sister Nicole Abbott – are already deeply involved in the daily operations of their respective companies.
For these next-generation leaders, taking the helm is not just about continuing a family business; it’s about carrying forward a deeply held passion. Nicole Abbott, vice president at Wilderness Travel, explains, “I wouldn’t have taken over (just) any family business. It’s something I’m very passionate about. It’s very tangible — you can see people going out and coming back connected to so many cultures and parts of the world.” Scott Abbott adds, “Owning a business can be a ton of work. But the privilege comes from working with so many people around the world. I feel like I’ve been given this worldwide family.”
Avery Hale pictured dining with her father, Tom Hale, the founder of Backroads, illustrating the family legacy and succession within Berkeley's adventure travel sector.
The founders’ continued involvement, even in advisory roles, is welcomed by the next generation. Avery Hale notes, “Sure, my dad will be giving me advice, that’s who he is. But I really respect and look up to him. I love having him to lean on.” This blend of experienced guidance and fresh perspectives positions Berkeley’s wilderness travel companies for continued success.
Rooted in Berkeley, Reaching the World
One aspect that remains steadfast for both companies is their commitment to Berkeley as their home. Bill Abbott initially established Wilderness Travel on Solano Avenue before moving to the Gilman District. “The Bay Area was, and still is, a hotbed for adventure travel,” Abbott states. “It’s an international hub from which you can get pretty much anywhere.”
Avery Hale emphasizes the unique character of Berkeley itself as a crucial factor. “Berkeley attracts people who love the outdoors, who are involved in their community and the world at large,” she says. “We have an educated, active population that can and does support an active travel company.”
Ultimately, for Bill Abbott, the impact of Wilderness Travel transcends business metrics. “What I’ve learned over the years is that no matter what you see or hear about ‘this place is bad, or this group is bad’ is that pretty much everyone in the world has a kind heart and is just fascinating. We just provide ways to meet them.” This philosophy, deeply rooted in Berkeley’s values of global citizenship and open-mindedness, encapsulates the essence of Berkeley’s enduring contribution to wilderness travel.
