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Biking the Canary Islands
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New Destinations for 2027
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Trips for Solo Travelers
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Follow the Leaders: Their Top Trip Picks for 2026
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Turning Values into Action: The Give Back Field Project Program Year in Review
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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.

Woman standing on an outdoor patio looking into a jungle and a small lake
July 29, 2025

The Temple, the Sapling and the Path to Healing

This is the story of Robin Schoenthaler—a journey of profound loss, resilience and the unexpected ways travel can help us heal. After the heartbreaking loss of her infant son, Robin’s Backroads trip to Thailand became a turning point in her path toward hope. We’re deeply honored to share her story.

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Japanese-style building surrounded by red and green trees
July 24, 2025

Your First Trip to Japan: The Japan Crash Course

Japan is a dream destination for adventure travelers, a place where cultural depth meets breathtaking natural beauty. Traveling to Japan for the first time is an unforgettable experience, and while it is modern and highly efficient country, it’s also a place where etiquette and social harmony are de…

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Town full of white and brown buildings with a church bell tower in the center
July 24, 2025

Seven Things We Love About the Canary Islands

Just off the northwest coast of Africa, right by Morocco, this Spanish archipelago boasts dazzling beaches, dramatic landscapes and a rich blend of cultural influences. Its seven islands hold a world of wonders from volcanic terrain to white-sand beaches. Still undiscovered by North American tourist…

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Bird's eye shot of Italian countryside villa and vineyard.
July 17, 2025

On Finding Pesto, Beauty, Community and (Dis)connection in Italy

When my partner Brian and I moved from Boston to Cape Town, we were excited for a new adventure, but sad to be so far away from the people we love. Living an ocean and hemisphere away from my parents is not always easy, but through Backroads we’ve been able to keep our connection strong by meeting u…

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Group of people riding bikes on a road on a hill, grassy hills in the distance
July 15, 2025

Inspired by the World’s Greatest Race: Ride France’s Most Epic Routes

Bonjour, cycling fans! The Tour de France is back, rolling through France’s most jaw-dropping landscapes in a whirlwind of energy, grit and glory. Since 1903, this legendary race has challenged the world’s best riders with grueling climbs, thrilling sprints and heart-pounding finishes. Each year, th…

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Wide shot of autumnal forest during colorful sunset.
July 10, 2025

North Carolina, Your Old Friend

Once you become acquainted with western North Carolina, you start to think of it like an old friend. Maybe it’s the sound of the afternoon rain cooling the vibrant forests; the sweet, tangy morsels of classic barbeque on your lips; the sound of the fiddle dancing through the air, traversing decades…

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Two hands holding up glasses of champagne
July 8, 2025

The Most Romantic Cities to Bookend Your Backroads Trip

Some cities are made for love. Whether it’s the dreamy canals of Venice or the Eiffel tower twinkling against a sunset sky, certain places have that irrepressible spark. If you’re looking for the perfect backdrop for a couple's getaway, look no further. We’ve paired our favorite romantic cities with…

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Puffin on a cliff ledge
July 7, 2025

How to See Puffins in Iceland

What do you know about puffins? They're smaller than penguins, they live in Iceland, and they're cute. Great! Unfortunately, they're also elusive little creatures, with unique and specific migratory patterns and a habit of nesting in remote hundred-meter cliffs. Like the Northern Lights, puffins are…

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Outdoor hot tub surrounded by tall plants and trees
June 27, 2025

As Seen on Screen: The 8 Best Trips for Movie & TV Buffs

We love watching Hollywood make fantastical worlds out of some of our favorite travel destinations, but there’s nothing quite like experiencing them in real life. These star corners of the globe have been featured in famous films and television series – check out the list below and join us to become…

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Group of people smiling in front of an art mural with two bikes on either side
June 26, 2025

Bicycle Island: Cuba Community Ride

Backroads first introduced Cuba People-to-People tours in 2013. These tours follow an itinerary licensed by the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) under a category called “Support for the Cuban People.” The Support for the Cuban People license allows us to tr…

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