How to prepare your cycling trip: essential tips for all types of travelers
Organizing a bicycle holiday can be a fantastic way to experience a destination up close, offering flexibility, adventure, and a connection to the environment. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, friends, or as a couple, cycling is one of the best ways to discover new destinations. Here’s a guide to help to organize your bike trip step-by-step:
Choose the right destination
The first step in planning your cycling trip is choosing a destination that fits your level of experience and preferences. To find out which one suits you best, you need to ask yourself :
Are you looking for scenic coastal rides, charming countryside trails, or perhaps a more challenging mountainous route?
Do you prefer a laid-back experience with plenty of stops, or a more intense cycling challenge?
Tailor your route to your group
Whether you are planning a family trip, a solo adventure, a getaway with friends, or a romantic holiday, your cycling route should reflect your group’s needs.
For families, we recommend safe, flat routes with frequent stops for sightseeing, ensuring that both adults and children enjoy the trip.
Solo travelers can explore more adventurous paths, but we’ll still provide detailed maps and route information to keep you on track.
Couples might prefer scenic routes through picturesque villages, while groups of friends can enjoy more rugged terrain with some challenging climbs to add a little competition to the trip.
Pick your accommodation
Cyclist-friendly stays: look for hotels, B&Bs, or hostels that cater to cyclists. Make sure they have secure bike storage.
Book ahead for busy areas: depending on the season, it may be necessary to book in advance, especially in tourist-heavy regions.
Camping: If you prefer a more adventurous approach, consider camping along the way. Just make sure to plan campsites that are close to your route.
Bike rental & gear
Choose the right bike: whether it’s your own bike or a rental, ensure it's suited to the terrain. For flat or road-heavy trips, a road bike or touring bike is perfect. You can also opt for an electric bike, which is a solution if the participants' levels are too different.
Essential gear: do not forget the basics like a helmet, lock, repair kit, spare tubes, tire pump, water bottles, lights, and panniers or a bike bag for storage.
Clothing & packing: pack smart—bring only the essentials and organize them efficiently. Opt for brightly colored cycling gear, quick-drying tops, padded shorts, and cycling gloves to stay comfortable, especially in unpredictable weather. A waterproof cycling jacket is highly recommended, and a lightweight windproof jacket can always come in handy.
Bike checks: get your bike serviced before you leave.
Your equipment is key to ensuring a successful trip.
Preparation
Cycling is an excellent way to stay fit, but it’s important to be physically prepared for the demands of a cycling trip. Start training a few weeks before the trip. For families or less-experienced cyclists, practice shorter rides before the trip to ensure everyone is comfortable and confident.
Transport and logistics
Getting to your starting point: if your route starts far from home, think about how you’ll get there with your bike. Some trains and buses accommodate bikes, but you might need to book in advance.
Luggage options: if you don’t want to carry everything on your bike, look into services that transfer luggage between stops, or plan for lightweight packing in panniers.
Choosing the best way to plan your cycling trip
When planning your cycling trip, you can choose to organize everything yourself, book with a travel agency, or join a guided group tour. Each option has its advantages. Planning it yourself gives you full control and flexibility, but it also requires more time and effort. With an agency, you’ll save time, as all logistics—like accommodations and luggage transfers—are taken care of. If you prefer more structure and support, a guided group tour ensures you have expert guidance throughout the journey, leaving you free to enjoy the ride without worrying about details.
Enjoy the trip
The best part of any cycling trip is the freedom to explore at your own pace. Take time to enjoy the scenery, stop at local cafés, and discover hidden gems along the way. Whether you are bonding with family, sharing laughs with friends, or enjoying a peaceful solo ride, a well-prepared cycling trip will leave you with memories for a lifetime.