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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.

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 hi…

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Machu Picchu
May 2, 2025

The Mysteries of Machu Picchu

It's hard to deny that Machu Picchu is a truly grand feat of engineering, but why was such an impressive structure abandoned? War? Disease? Divine intervention? Learn more about one of the greatest archaeological mysteries in human history, as well as how to explore it on your next visit to Peru!

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Two bikers resting on a cliff overlooking the sea
April 30, 2025

Best Cycling Tours to Discover Portugal

Imagine: the sun is shining and a gentle sea breeze blows off the Atlantic coast. You’re riding your bike, soaking in the stunning scenery. And then you roll into a quaint village and decide to stop for a snack. What you’re greeted with is the most delicious pastel de nata (custard tart) you’ve ever…

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Person standing under an active waterfall
April 25, 2025

Best Outdoor Adventures in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has activities for seasoned thrill seekers and inexperienced explorers alike. We’ve spent nearly 30 years in this Central American paradise finding the best hikes, bike rides, rivers and beaches as well as building longstanding local connections.

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red house on the side of the road with bikers in front
April 24, 2025

Hudson Valley: New York State's Best-Kept Cycling Secret

The Hudson Valley’s rolling hills, scenic rivers and charming small towns are a magnet for cyclists like me. The hills are perfect for getting a burn, you’re rewarded with well-earned views and of course, there’s a cruisy valley descent.

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April 24, 2025

Top Five Mountain Ranges to See in Your Lifetime

The view from a mountaintop is always worth it and always inspires us. But the strange thing is, the view from the top seems to obscure the actual, physical toil it took to get there. Inevitably, we find ourselves lacing up our hiking boots again or putting our cycling shoes back on to climb yet ano…

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Man and woman walking up stairs on a path on a hill
April 22, 2025

Active Multi-Adventure Tours in Portugal: Small Groups, Big Travel Experiences

From world-class cycling and hiking to kayaking, yoga and even wildlife cruises, our Portugal trips are sure to surprise you, delight you and intrigue you at every corner. We offer a range of Multi-Adventure Tours in Portugal that will satisfy your—and your family’s—craving for exploration. Let me t…

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Guest with bike on pier, overlooking bay full of sailboats.
April 21, 2025

Five Reasons to Travel to Maine

Ready for an epic New England adventure? Get an insider's perspective on why Maine is a perfect place for an active vacation.

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Hikers at Ten Peaks
April 21, 2025

Best Five Hikes in Banff National Park, Canada

Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada is a hiker's paradise. Backroads offers spectacular hiking trips there—walking and hiking through Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks or taking it to the next level and hiking by helicopter! If you'd rather explore the park on your own, here are our top fiv…

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Sky view of brown brick buildings surrounded by a valley of trees and crops
April 18, 2025

Savoring the Journey: The Art of Slow Food and Slow Travel in Italy

They say that the memory of tastes and smells is the strongest and longest-lasting of them all. Well, if I had to describe what my childhood tasted and smelled like, I would say olive oil and warm bread.

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