Hi there!
We’re April and Daryn Kilfoyle. Welcome to Bad Backs with Backpacks, our digital home away from home.
Who we were
We were a fairly typical middle-aged couple: full-time professionals, two nearly adult kids living at home, two cars and a mortgage, plus a Pomeranian to keep us busy.
We had our kids young, out of step with our peers. While our friends were jet-setting about and exploring the world, we were changing diapers and lugging babies to daycare. It sucked! So we promised ourselves when the kids were grown/we were nearer to retirement, we’d begin our adventures.
Life – changing news
In January 2021, aged 44, I received a cancer diagnosis that turned our life on its head. One year and three surgeries later I earned a clean bill of health, but my priorities had shifted 180°. I realized I didn’t have time to wait around hoping my goals and dreams would achieve themselves. It was up to me to make them happen.
My goal? To see as much of the world as I possibly can while there’s still daylight, with my favourite human by my side. My dream? To make writing about it my full-time job.
What to expect
Here at Bad Backs with Backpacks, comfort is king. The travel blog market is overflowing with fit and delicious young nomads having beautiful, inspiring and rugged adventures. They are years (maybe even decades) away from caring about quality compression garments, orthopedic mattresses, or the farmacia with the best selection of eye drops in Barcelona.
But we are +/- fifty years old and honestly, that stuff is our jam. Our bad backs, wonky ankles, dry eyes and hot flashes will do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.
Second, we love big ticket attractions and want to see as many as possible, but we also love adventure beyond the tourist traps. We truly believe the best places for food, fun and culture lay just off the beaten path, and our goal is to find (and share) as many of them as humanly possible.
Since you found us, you probably feel the same, so welcome, friend! Here you’ll find our very best resources, recommendations, and guides to the most comfy travel and favourite hidden gems in every place we visit, as tried and tested by these middle-aged adventurers. We’re happy to have you along for the ride!
April + Daryn
