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Welcome to The BackBeat!

Welcome to The BackBeat, the Backroads blog. Looking for pro tips and a peek behind the scenes on trips around the world? We’ve got you covered. Tips and tales from the road and trail? Find it right here. Inspiration for your next epic adventure? Welcome to The BackBeat.

tres
January 31, 2020

Six Tips to Improve Your Adventure Travel Photography

People often ask us for advice on how to improve their chances of winning our annual photo contest. Read on for some tips to improve your travel photography and come up with some prized photos!

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Tom Hale with Backroads in India
January 21, 2020

Tom Hale: My Year with Backroads

As the founder and owner of Backroads, people often expect me to have some special insight into how our trips run. It's true that I was a Trip Leader in the earliest days of Backroads, but nowadays I'm busy running the company from Berkeley and every chance I get to visit the field is precious. Ah, for the footloose days of being a leader.

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Hahnenkamm Ski Course
January 17, 2020

Hahnenkamm Streif - Austria's Epic Ski Race

Imagine blasting down an icy slope, blinded by fog and flat light, nothing protecting you besides a helmet, goggles, and a spandex speed suit. Enter Hahnenkamm Streif: the world’s most demanding and dangerous downhill course.

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January 7, 2020

Top 5 Lakes in the Canadian Rockies

The color of the lakes in the Canadian Rockies is unlike anywhere else. Jaw-droppingly turquoise? Yes. Stunning? Any time of the year. And with so many lakes to pick from, there’s no way you can go wrong! That said, the Canadian Rockies are massive, as they span from Banff to Jasper to Kananaskis County, and your time may be short, so read on to hear about the crème de la crème!

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Castle ruins in scotland
January 7, 2020

Scotland : Land of Music, Myth and Whisky

As a former Glasgow bartender, I’ve spent most of my working life writing lists of “cool Scottish stuff” on napkins for passing tourists. I couldn’t be more excited to give you some bona fide inside knowledge that will bring your Caledonian adventure to life!

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Dogsled Race in Alaska
January 7, 2020

Alaska's Iditarod: "The Last Great Race"

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 some common misconceptions, and then relate some of my favorite facts about the race.

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January 7, 2020

The Three Types of Family Trips

We recognize that throwing a bunch of children of all ages together isn’t necessarily the best way to travel with your family. That’s why we’ve developed three specific types of family trips. Keep reading to see the differences between them and find out which one is right for your family.

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December 24, 2019

Ljubljana: Europe's Hidden Gem

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

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Colorful Death Valley
December 20, 2019

Biking Death Valley, Where Backroads Began

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.

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December 18, 2019

Five Reasons Why the Loire Valley is the Quintessential French Experience

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.

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