Hero Slider Images
Image
Blooming flowers on a green hillside

Active Travel Trends for 2025

Read More
Image
boats in clear blue water on a cove

10 Best Europe Vacation Tours for Families

Read More
Image
Large valley of crops with mountains in the background

An Unlikely Journey

Read More
Image
Row of homes in the UK

Nine Trips, Four Nations, One Kingdom: Which UK Adventure Fits You?

Read More
Formatted Text

Welcome to The BackBeat!

Your go-to guide for epic adventures. Dive into tales from the road and trail, straight from our expert Trip Leaders, and get the inside scoop on planning your next escape. From pro tips and a peek behind the scenes to bucket-list destinations and unforgettable travel stories, inspiration is here.

Two people riding bikes with large water bins attached, with a dried tree in the distance
June 2, 2025

Beyond the Safari: Building Community in Tanzania

When I first joined Backroads, I never imagined how far this adventure would take me—literally and metaphorically. From cycling and hiking the far corners of Europe, trekking the jungles of Central America to guiding guests in the vibrant cultures of Asia, I’ve been privileged to learn, grow and share in some of the world’s most extraordinary places. But nothing has felt quite as much like coming home as leading trips in Tanzania.

Read more
Bike leaning on a wooden post next to a road, with two lambs walking across
May 29, 2025

Biking in Scotland–The Key to Happiness?

Scotland. A land known for its misty mountains and distilleries with history hiding behind every corner. But beyond the castles and bagpipes there’s a whole world to be explored–by bike!

Read more
Biker riding past red tile rooftops.
May 29, 2025

Must-See Spots in Andalusia

My first time in Andalusia, I arrived in the enchanting city of Granada in the evening. I walked on narrow streets snaking through ancient neighborhoods and cramped bazaars on my way to my lodging for the night. Up on the hill, overlooking the city, was the citadel of La Alhambra. It was glowing reddish-orange, outlined by the thick black of the night sky. It was powerful and majestic, a historic stronghold whose presence was an artful backdrop to a vibrant city. Granada was fully on display. So began my love of Southern Spain.

Read more
Overlook Beach Aqua Water Norway
May 22, 2025

Why the World’s Happiest Countries Might Just Be Your Next Great Adventure 

Every year, the World Happiness Report reminds us of something we already knew—some places just feel, well, happier. That feeling comes from a unique blend of connection, nature and balance, plus a certain je ne sais quoi that shifts in subtle, fascinating ways from place to place. In this year’s CNBC list of the happiest countries on Earth, seven of the top ten are places you can explore with Backroads.

Read more
Group of 4 people riding their bikes in an alleyway of a rustic town, surrounded by stone buildings
May 20, 2025

Connecting Cultures: How Community-Led Travel Enriches Your Journey

In a world where travel is more accessible than ever, many travelers now seek deeper, more meaningful experiences that go beyond simply visiting a destination—they want to

Read more
Wooden tray of cakes and pastries
May 16, 2025

Is Scotland the New Up-&-Coming Foodie Destination?

Battered Mars bars, newspaper-wrapped fish-and-chips and haggis is what Scottish food is all about, right? Well, this may have once been the case, but the modern food scene in Scotland has transitioned from beige fried food to innovative menus exploding with local farm produce and twists on traditional dishes. Given the abundance of rich green fields with a water source every 200 meters, it’s no surprise Scotland is rapidly blossoming into one of the most impressive culinary destinations in the world.

Read more
Man and woman hugging in front of Machu Picchu
May 15, 2025

Ever Wonder What Happens When a CEO Takes the Backroads?

As a CEO, I’m used to leading. I’m used to planning the route, setting the pace and carrying the weight of decisions. But when I travel with Backroads, I get to set all of that down—and it’s one of the healthiest, most soul-refreshing choices I make all year. This spring, I had the joy of taking my sixth Backroads trip: a six-day hiking adventure in Peru, including unforgettable hikes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Llamas followed us along winding mountain paths, ancient ruins rose around us and every step seemed to carry a deeper lesson—not just about travel, but about life, leadership and creativity.

Read more
Rafting Big Smiles Costa Rica
May 13, 2025

What Families Love About Our Costa Rica Tours

Imagine the sound of your kids laughing as they go white water rafting. Imagine the joy on their faces as they zip-line over rain forests or spot a sloth for the first time. Better yet, imagine the fun you’re going to have when you’re doing these things too!

Read more
Two women smiling while walking through a field of tall weeds
May 9, 2025

Why Women’s Adventure Travel Is Booming—And Why It Matters

When we launched our new Women’s Adventures at Backroads, we figured there’d be interest. We had high expectations the first few departures would fill, but we didn’t expect just how fast it would all take off. Within weeks, the response came pouring in—and just like that, we were working overtime to keep up. I’ll be honest, I was surprised at first. But when I really sit with it, maybe I shouldn’t have been.

Read more
Mom and daughter smiling in front of a large lake
May 6, 2025

Doing Hard Things with a View: Lessons from a Canadian Rockies Hiking Adventure with My Mom

Adventure travel isn’t always about peak performance or picture-perfect moments—it’s about pushing boundaries, embracing discomfort and discovering strength in unexpected places. In this heartfelt personal essay, guest blogger Dani Wiesenthal shares her transformative experience on an all-women’s hiking trip through the Canadian Rockies with Backroads. From sore muscles and self-doubt to breathtaking vistas and connections with the other women travelers, this story captures the raw, real magic of venturing into the wild—especially when shared with someone you love.

Read more