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.
April 9, 2026
America’s National Parks: Adventures that Bring Out the Kid in Everyone
Backroads offers nearly 100 Biking, Hiking & Walking and Multi-Adventure experiences in 21 of the most beautiful national parks in the US—from Acadia to Zion. We’ve taken care of everything so you can immerse yourself in the wonders on thoughtfully designed itineraries led by our expert Trip Leaders…
Our Trip‑Leader‑approved river cruise packing tips: experience‑tested advice to help you have everything you need for an unforgettable active travel cruise along Europe’s waterways.
Whether you’ve decided to get a head start on summer, find yourself with unexpected time off or are just a little behind on planning, here is a selection of trips departing in May and beyond that still have a spot waiting for you. No stress, just one phone call. But do act fast; while these trips ha…
Happy feet make all the difference on an active trip. When your footwear is dialed in, you can focus on the ride, the trail and the moments in between. A little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to choose the right hiking shoes and keep your feet comfortable, supported and ready for whatever t…
Island life truly has a je ne sais quoi that slows you down, awakens your sense of wonder and naturally disconnects you from the rest of the world. At Backroads, we also love islands of all shapes, sizes and climates! Here’s a list of our European island trips to consider for your next getaway.
Give me a vacation in September over any other month of the year. Crowds wane, temperatures mellow and popular destinations relax from the tourist crush and ease back into the local routine. I love how the food changes with the season too: peach pies are amazing, chestnuts and cranberries begin to a…
The MICHELIN Guide’s list of the best places to travel in 2026 highlights destinations where cuisine reflects a strong sense of place. Several of these regions also happen to be Backroads destinations, where we take you on active adventures deep into the landscapes and culture of a region. While the…
I recently returned from my third Backroads trip. My latest trip, the Patagonia Lake District Multi-Adventure Tour, looked a little different from the others. Besides the obvious—my previous trips were both in Europe and this trip was to Argentina—my January 2026 trip was my first Backroads trip in…
Our staff in the field are intrepid travelers with expertise in the countries where they work. They also have another thing in common: they have a deep appreciation for their regions and are always excited to share their favorite stories. I asked some of them recently about traveling to the same des…
Think you know your 30s & 40s Backroads adventures? From volcanic islands to alpine ridgelines, bluegrass country to glacier-carved wilderness, each itinerary has its own signature setting and style. Read the clues and see if you can spot what sets them apart. Some may seem similar at first glance,…