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.

Cycling in Copenhagen, Denmark
April 30, 2015

Cycling Copenhagen

Though the Dutch may claim the title for Amsterdam, Copenhagen is considered by many to be the biking capital of the world. In fact, half of all Danes commute to work by bicycle. While bicycle commuting is gaining momentum in many major cities in the United States, touted as a mode of transportation that is friendly to the environment and the waistline, it hasn't quite infiltrated American culture in the same way. If one looks closely at Danish society, you'll see that the impact of bicycles on the physical and cultural landscape of its cities runs deep.

Read more
Teton Adaptive Sports DPort by the lake
April 23, 2015

Leaders Giving Back

To be bewildered, amazed and humbled by nature is a phenomenon that most of us are familiar with. Nature in its purest form is a compelling force that provides profound lessons about our place on this planet. It pushes our boundaries. It challenges our definition of comfort. But most importantly, nature can help us realize what we're capable of. The concept of personal growth through outdoor activity and the chance to share that experience with others is what allures many of us to become Backroads leaders. It's also what inspires many leaders to volunteer to help make these experiences accessible to underserved populations.

Read more
Backroads biking trip in Glacier and Waterton National Parks
April 17, 2015

Glacier & Waterton Lakes Bike Tour Video

Beyond the obvious opportunity to explore some spectacular landscapes, the idea behind this trip is simple: why settle for just one renowned national park when you can explore two - and cross an international boundary in the bargain? Biking through Glacier National Park on the Montana side of the Rockies, then crossing the US-Canada border into Waterton Lakes, you enjoy stunning rides and stay at historic park lodges that are typically booked-up far in advance.

Read more
A Backroads Family Biking Vacation in the Loire Valley, France
April 7, 2015

Plan the Best Family Trip Ever

Is there anything better than hearing your teenager tell you that you made a great decision (words you likely don't often hear)? Better yet is hearing that they had the best vacation ever and it was with you—wow! The key is to get everyone involved and make most of the decisions before you go, so the choices you do make on your trip are as simple as what to eat off the menu.

Read more
Gourmet falafel - famous middle eastern dish
March 25, 2015

Is it Kosher?

In Israel is kosher the norm, not the exception. Therefore, traditional Middle Eastern dishes such as falafel, shawarma and shakshuka are uniquely spiced up with rich culture and historical depth.

Read more
Crater Lake Oregon biking
March 12, 2015

Oregon by Bike

Oregon is beautiful. From its forests to its deserts, dunes to mountains, vineyards to rivers, it rarely ceases to amaze. But it’s best experienced from the saddle—a bike saddle, that is. I’ve been lucky enough to ride, camp and explore 750 miles of the state I once called home.

Read more
Cafe sua da, Vietnamese coffee
March 3, 2015

Vietnamese Coffee Culture

In Vietnam, coffee culture is as deep and rich as just about anything else. On old brick sidewalks and in old colonial shops adorned with art deco tiles, old men sit on small stools in the morning and afternoon. They sip little cups of iced-coffee rocket fuel, or as they would say, cafe sua da (or ca phe sua da), while playing checkers and cards.

Read more
Biking in Thailand
February 25, 2015

Thailand Bike Tour Video

For nearly 25 years we've created biking routes that take you deeper into Thailand, winding through forests, farmland and small hamlets that are well off the beaten tourist path. A great day of riding in gorgeous surroundings becomes all the more special when you're greeted by farmers, shopkeepers and monks who know Backroads well and invite you to stop in for a visit. We're confident you won't find that kind of welcome with any other company.

Read more
February 20, 2015

Five Local Secrets of Ojai, California

Famous for its natural health and healing culture, Spanish architecture and spectacular surroundings, Ojai offers a unique blend of modern spirituality and rustic authenticity in Southern California.

Read more
Marin Coastline, California
February 6, 2015

The Northern California Coast

I grew up in San Francisco and moved to Marin County (a stone’s throw over the Golden Gate Bridge) decades ago when I got married. Surrounded by so much natural beauty for so long, I’ve come to take the trees, the coast and the open spaces for granted. It wasn’t until I started traveling more that I realized how special this place is and how blessed I am to call it home.

Read more