Welcome to The BackBeat. Looking for pro tips and a peek behind the scenes on trips around the world? Tips and tales from the road and trail? Inspiration for your next epic adventure? Find it all on The BackBeat.
The Iditarod is one of the most epic dogsledding races in the world, but outside of Alaska, few even know what it is. How long is it? Why is it known as "the last great race"? And do they really race with dogs? As a man who has mushed a few teams myself, I like to start with a brief history, dispel…
Half the size of Switzerland, yet brimming with attractions - from Venetian coastal resorts in the south to the majestic Julian Alps and emerald-green lakes in the northwest - Slovenia is a hidden jewel still buried in misunderstanding
Did you know that Backroads has a short biking trip to Death Valley? Or that Death Valley was the FIRST Backroads trip led by company founder Tom Hale 40 years ago? Read on for an overview of the ins and outs of this sun-filled desert getaway to see if it's right for you.
The Loire is without doubt the ultimate starting point for France. Here are five reasons why a tour of the Loire Valley is the perfect introduction to French culture.
We were 19 strangers meeting for the first time at the airport in Heraklion, Crete. We all had a common passion for cycling, hiking, seeing the world, and eating great food. Our easily identifiable Backroads jerseys came in handy while we were waiting for each other's arrivals.
The moment we stepped out of the vans, we were absolutely swarmed with smiling, laughing and shouting children. Dani, one of the Backroads Trip Leaders, originally from Spain and one of the friendliest people I’ve ever met, swam through the sea of children to get to me and said, “Hey man, you’ve got…
Choosing the Right Tour Company for You Anyone can claim to be "the best," and it's easy for a travel company to wax poetic in its marketing. But delivering on that promise is another thing. You don't want to find out the hard way--mid-vacation--that the travel company you've chosen doesn't meet you…
Ever stayed somewhere so fabulous that you never wanted to leave? These two wilderness lodges on New Zealand's South Island have left one of our leaders awestruck!