Berkeley, California, renowned for its innovative spirit and proximity to diverse natural landscapes, has long been a fertile ground for adventure travel companies. Among these, Wilderness Travel stands out as a pioneer, shaping the landscape of immersive and authentic global explorations. Founded in 1978, Berkeley’s Wilderness Travel, under the guidance of Bill Abbott, initially charted courses through uncharted territories, relying on sheer grit and a spirit of discovery rather than detailed maps and established infrastructure.
“The early trips were long and expeditionary,” recalls Abbott, the visionary behind Wilderness Travel. “All our trips were based on trying to get off the map.” This ethos led to groundbreaking expeditions, including navigating the Upper Amazon jungles and kayaking through the remote fjords of Tierra del Fuego, ventures that redefined the boundaries of adventure tourism. Even treks in Patagonia, in areas newly designated as national parks, were characterized by a raw, untamed beauty, devoid of trails or bridges.
While Wilderness Travel has evolved over the decades, now offering over 200 trips across more than 80 countries with more comfortable accommodations ranging from yurts to boutique hotels, the core philosophy of venturing into the wild remains intact. “When we go to Patagonia now, there are beautiful lodges and well-marked trails and bridges over the rivers,” Abbott notes, “But it’s still remote, it still feels off the beaten path. And it’s still absolutely beautiful.” This enduring spirit of wilderness travel, rooted in Berkeley, continues to attract adventurers seeking authentic and transformative experiences.
Berkeley also fostered another prominent name in adventure travel: Backroads. Established in 1979, Backroads, initially focused on cycling tours, has expanded its repertoire to include hiking, culinary, and multi-activity trips, catering to a diverse clientele. Avery Hale, Executive Vice President of Backroads and daughter of founder Tom Hale, observes a growing trend towards slower, more immersive travel. “Many of our guests seem to want to slow down a bit,” Hale explains. “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 record-breaking bookings for 2024 underscore this desire for genuine, outdoor-centric travel experiences, a testament to the enduring appeal of Berkeley’s approach to adventure.
Tom Hale founded Backroads in the 1970s, pioneering active travel experiences from Berkeley. His daughter Avery now leads as Vice President, continuing the legacy.
Bill Abbott of Wilderness Travel emphasizes that this innate human desire for exploration fuels the success of wilderness travel. “It feels natural to be on the road,” he states. “Genetically and historically, humans have been nomadic and adventure-seeking. There now seems to be a general reawakening of people’s adventurous side.” This resurgence in the call of the wild is perfectly met by the offerings of Berkeley-born wilderness travel companies.
The Genesis of Berkeley’s Adventure Travel Pioneers
The story of Wilderness Travel began in Bill Abbott’s twenties, sparked by his extensive journeys 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,” Abbott recounts. Initially envisioning a career in travel photography, his expeditions led him to the realization that organizing tours would be a way to share his passion and enable others to experience these remote corners of the world. Though his initial plan shifted from photography to tour operation, his adventurous spirit remained the driving force.
Bill Abbott, the founder of Wilderness Travel, pictured at his Gilman District office in Berkeley, reflecting on decades of pioneering wilderness travel experiences.
Similarly, Tom Hale’s path to founding Backroads was unconventional. After studying at UC Berkeley and UCLA and briefly working in environmental planning, Hale had an epiphany in 1979. “Then, in 1979, I woke up with the idea that I wanted to take people on bike trips,” Hale explains. Despite limited cycling experience beyond commuting and minimal business background, Hale’s passion propelled him forward. He even embarked on a 5,000-mile cycling journey across the western U.S. to solidify his vision before launching Backroads, demonstrating the same adventurous spirit that defines Berkeley wilderness travel.
Adapting to the Unpredictable Terrain of Global Travel
Adventure travel, by its very nature, is subject to unforeseen disruptions. Weather events, political instability, and global crises can challenge even the most meticulously planned itineraries. “There’s nothing that’s a headline that’s good for our business,” Abbott remarks, acknowledging the inherent volatility of the travel industry.
Avery Hale echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the constant need for adaptability at Backroads. “Not a week goes by that something doesn’t happen. 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.” This requires a nimble approach and a readiness to adjust plans on the fly. Both Backroads and Wilderness Travel have demonstrated this resilience, notably by suspending trips to Israel in response to current events.
Scott Abbott, Marketing Director at Wilderness Travel and Bill’s son, attributes the company’s agility to its strong, long-standing relationships with local partners. “Our local connections aren’t just our business partners. They are our eyes and ears on the ground. Having these relationships keeps us informed. And being informed helps us keep everyone safe.” These deep-rooted connections enable swift responses and ensure traveler safety and well-being amidst disruptions.
Sometimes, unexpected changes can even enhance the travel experience. Avery Hale recounts a Backroads trip in the San Juan Islands where a regional power outage led to a memorable impromptu picnic organized by trip leaders. “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 anecdote highlights the resourceful and guest-centric approach that defines Berkeley’s adventure travel companies.
The Next Chapter: A Family Legacy of Adventure
Both Wilderness Travel and Backroads are undergoing a significant transition as the founders prepare to pass the torch to the next generation. Bill Abbott is planning for retirement, while Tom Hale is transitioning to a more strategic role, entrusting day-to-day operations to their children. Avery Hale, Scott Abbott, and Nicole Abbott are all actively involved in leading their respective companies, ensuring continuity and preserving the founding values.
Growing up immersed in the world of adventure travel, the next generation is uniquely positioned to lead these Berkeley institutions into the future. Scott Abbott’s first Inca Trail trek at ten months old and Avery Hale’s childhood adventures in a Piccolo bike trailer exemplify their lifelong connection to the industry.
Nicole Abbott, Vice President at Wilderness Travel, expresses her passion for the family business: “I wouldn’t have taken over (just) any family business,” she states. “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 echoes this sentiment, highlighting the global community fostered by Wilderness Travel: “Owning a business can be a ton of work,” Scott acknowledges. “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 with her father, Tom Hale, the founder of Backroads, continuing the family legacy of active and immersive travel experiences.
While the founders may step back from daily operations, their influence remains a guiding force. Avery Hale acknowledges her father’s ongoing role: “Sure, my dad will be giving me advice, that’s who he is,” she laughs. “But I really respect and look up to him. I love having him to lean on.” This blend of experience and fresh perspectives promises a vibrant future for Berkeley’s adventure travel legacy.
Berkeley: The Ideal Launchpad for Global Adventures
A key decision that unites both families is their unwavering commitment to Berkeley as their home base. Bill Abbott’s initial move to Solano Avenue and later to the Gilman District underscores Berkeley’s strategic advantages. “The Bay Area was, and still is, a hotbed for adventure travel,” Abbott affirms. “It’s an international hub from which you can get pretty much anywhere.”
Avery Hale emphasizes the unique local community that supports their businesses. “Berkeley attracts people who love the outdoors, who are involved in their community and the world at large,” she explains. “We have an educated, active population that can and does support an active travel company.” This engaged and globally-minded community provides a strong foundation for Berkeley’s adventure travel sector.
Ultimately, for Bill Abbott, the essence of wilderness travel transcends mere business success. “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 of human connection and global understanding, cultivated in Berkeley, defines the enduring legacy of Wilderness Travel and Backroads.
