Adventure travelers can now explore farther and prepare more effectively thanks to a new strategic alliance between EF Adventures and Backcountry. The partnership brings together EF Adventures, a leading provider of guided active travel experiences, and Backcountry, a premier online destination for outdoor equipment and apparel.

As part of the collaboration, Backcountry becomes EF Adventures' preferred outdoor gear partner. Travelers booking EF Adventures trips will gain access to expertly curated gear recommendations, exclusive discounts on outdoor apparel and equipment, and membership benefits through Backcountry Summit Club Plus. In return, Backcountry customers will enjoy special offers and added perks on select EF Adventures hiking, cycling, and multi-activity tours.

A major highlight of the partnership is the planned launch of The Backcountry Tour Collection, powered by EF Adventures. These specially designed departures will cater to outdoor enthusiasts by blending EF Adventures' immersive travel experiences with Backcountry's outdoor expertise. Some departures are expected to feature appearances by Backcountry athletes and team members.

To help travelers prepare for their journeys, Backcountry's Gearhead experts will create destination-specific packing and gear guides tailored to EF Adventures itineraries. Participants will also receive access to exclusive promotions on recommended products.

Bhutan Hiking: The Trans Bhutan Trail
This 14-day trekking experience takes travelers through the scenic landscapes of the Eastern Himalayas along Bhutan's historic Trans Bhutan Trail. Highlights include visits to remote villages, ancient monasteries such as Tiger's Nest, and opportunities to engage with local communities while discovering Bhutan's culture and natural beauty.

Recommended gear includes:

Italy Cycling: The Dolomites & Italian Alps
Cyclists spend eight days conquering some of Italy's most renowned mountain routes, including climbs featured in the Giro d'Italia. The itinerary covers iconic passes such as Sella Ronda, Stelvio, and Gavia while showcasing the culture and landscapes of the Dolomites and Italian Alps.

Suggested equipment includes:

New Zealand Multi-Adventure: North & South Islands
This 15-day journey combines activities such as hiking, kayaking, rafting, and e-biking across New Zealand's two main islands. Experiences include exploring Waitomo's glowworm caves, trekking through Tongariro National Park, kayaking in Milford Sound, and learning about Māori culture.

Featured gear recommendations include:

Travelers participating in EF Adventures tours will also have opportunities to access Backcountry Summit Club Plus membership benefits, while Backcountry customers can take advantage of exclusive discounts on select EF Adventures departures.

EF Adventures currently offers more than 40 guided trips spanning 25 countries across five continents. Activities range from hiking and cycling to kayaking, yoga, and ziplining, all combined with cultural experiences and local interactions. Designed for travelers seeking authentic experiences beyond traditional tourist routes, the tours emphasize meaningful connections with destinations, communities, and landscapes. Reservations can be secured with a $150 deposit, and interest-free installment payment options are available through both EF Adventures and Backcountry.

Heidi Durflinger, CEO of EF World Journeys USA, said the partnership aligns with EF Adventures' mission of helping active travelers discover unique destinations while learning from expert local guides. She noted that access to Backcountry's gear expertise will make it easier for travelers to embark on their journeys feeling prepared and inspired.

Kevin Lenau, President of Backcountry, emphasized that the company's Gearhead specialists are dedicated to helping outdoor enthusiasts find the right equipment for their adventures. He added that the partnership supports Backcountry's vision for Summit Club Plus by expanding member access beyond gear and expertise to include exceptional travel experiences around the world.

Sweepstakes Celebrates Partnership Launch
To mark the launch of the collaboration, EF Adventures is offering a special sweepstakes. One grand prize winner will receive an EF Adventures trip for two valued at up to $20,000, a $2,000 Backcountry gift card, a Backcountry Summit Club Plus membership, and personalized support from a Gearhead expert to assist with trip preparation.

Entries can be submitted through efadventures.com between June 23 and June 30, 2026. Official rules and eligibility requirements apply.

MIMARU, Japan’s premier apartment hotel brand catering to families and managed by Cosmos Hotel Management Co., Ltd., recently reflected on a special Children’s Day celebration held on May 5 at ANO-NE Kids Club in Tokyo’s Ginza/Yurakucho district. The event provided children from Japan and various countries with an opportunity to connect through interactive play and cultural activities.

A total of 26 children participated in a variety of experiences, including active games, bilingual story sessions, and traditional Japanese craft workshops. The program was designed to give children a welcoming environment to explore and socialize while allowing parents to enjoy personal time around the city. This approach aligns with ANO-NE Kids Club’s mission of enhancing family travel experiences.

The event highlighted how children can build friendships naturally, often without relying on a shared language. Through collaborative activities and play, participants formed connections with ease, a result reflected in the highly positive feedback gathered after the event.

International families make up 51% of ANO-NE Kids Club’s visitors, representing more than 30 countries and regions. Since the club’s launch, staff members have frequently observed children overcoming cultural and linguistic differences through spontaneous interaction. During the Children’s Day event, these connections became particularly evident as children who had just met engaged in teamwork, communication, and shared play.

“Seeing the children interact so naturally reminded me that adults are often more aware of language differences than children are,” said Mao Mochizuki from the Management Planning Office at Cosmos Hotel Management. “Children seem to have an innate ability to connect across borders. Spaces like ANO-NE Kids Club help create opportunities for those meaningful interactions to happen.”

Post-event evaluations revealed an average satisfaction rating of 9 out of 10. Parents also valued the chance to spend time independently, confident that their children were participating in a secure, enjoyable, and enriching environment.

As family travel preferences continue to change, more parents are looking for experiences that balance quality time for both children and adults. According to Mochizuki, the club’s goal is straightforward: “We want parents to fully enjoy moments for themselves during their travels, while children build lasting memories and friendships with peers.”