Hero Slider Images
Image
Biking the Canary Islands
Title
New Destinations for 2027
CTA Title
Read More
Image
Group of people hiking on a trail with large mountains in the distance
Title
Trips for Solo Travelers
CTA Title
Read More
Image
Sky view of a town by the coast of the ocean
Title
Follow the Leaders: Their Top Trip Picks for 2026
CTA Title
Read More
Image
Woman taking photos of a large iguana on the beach
Title
Turning Values into Action: The Give Back Field Project Program Year in Review
CTA Title
Read More
Formatted Text

Welcome to The BackBeat!

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.

Backroads Leaders in Biking Gear
November 16, 2018

The Life of a Backroads Trip Leader

I’ve been a Backroads Trip Leader for seven years and one of the most frequent questions I’m asked by my guests is, “What’s the life of a Backroads Trip Leader like?” It’s a simple question, but not an easy one to answer. When I applied for a leader position at Backroads, I had no idea of the comple…

Read more
Multnomah Falls in Oregon
November 7, 2018

Waterfalls of Oregon's Columbia River Gorge

The sights and sounds of waterfalls have always captivated me. Whether it's due to the security my brain feels near a clean freshwater source or the aesthetic beauty of the surrounding ecosystem, I just feel so invigorated. I've chased waterfalls from Western Canada to South America to Asia and have…

Read more
Backroads bikers socializing at a coffee shop
October 18, 2018

Can Turning Off Your Smartphone Improve Your Life?

It might seem ironic to highlight the benefits of disconnecting from technology via an online blog, but I'm not here to say technology is bad. On the contrary, smart devices help us connect with others, allow for new learning, and can provide deeper insights into topics as diverse as politics and sc…

Read more
Land Sailing in France
October 11, 2018

Ten Adventurous Family Vacation Ideas in Europe

Nothing beats traveling with your family—experiencing new things through the fresh eyes of your kids, while instilling in them a sense of adventure and new perspectives. Europe is full of ideal family trip destinations that are close enough to be accessible, yet far enough away to be new and excitin…

Read more
Trolltunga
October 5, 2018

Hiking in Norway

Bright green moss and dewy ferns filled the understory, while a thick fog engulfed the treetops. Through the mist, I could make out craggy mountains, with over a dozen waterfalls cascading down the sides. Farther ahead, the deep azure blue of a glacier peeked out from the summit of a rocky pass.

Read more
Vitoria Falls Sunset
September 27, 2018

Experiencing Africa's Victoria Falls

In a spectacular explosion of froth and spray, the Zambezi River plunges abruptly into a crack in the earth, like spilled water disappearing between two paving stones. Hitting the rocky bottom of the gorge, the water kicks vertically upwards, as though the shock of the river's sudden disappearance h…

Read more
Loire Valley Family Bike Tour with Backroads
September 26, 2018

Loire Valley Family Bike Tour Video

It has all the makings of a fairy tale. Storybook castles. Towers, flying buttresses and flawless gardens. Fertile fields, graceful rivers and idyllic biking routes. Exquisite treats at patisseries and gourmet meals. The Loire Valley—a family getaway that ends with "happily ever after."

Read more
Dolomites
September 14, 2018

Dolomites Multi-Adventure Tour Video

Northern Italy's Dolomite Mountains are one of Europe's great alpine playgrounds. When we were lucky enough to have world travelers Roamaroo join us on our Dolomites Multi-Adventure Tour, we challenged them to create a video that captures the excitement, beauty, luxury and adventure of this amazing…

Read more
Santiago Pilgrimage
September 14, 2018

Walking the Camino de Santiago

To truly understand the significance of the Camino, you have to travel at least a part of it yourself. I did, and what I discovered is that at the heart of this storied path of quaint villages, picturesque landscapes and historical relics lies a deep spiritual journey—one that began with Roman-era C…

Read more
Dalmatian Coast Family Vacation
September 14, 2018

Croatia's Dalmatian Coast Family Multi-Adventure Video

Croatia's Dalmatian Coast is one of the premiere family adventure destinations in Europe.

Read more