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Cycling holidays are an increasingly popular way of seeing the world, with potential itineraries in just about every corner of the globe. They’re a great way to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people, regardless of your level of expertise: if you can ride a bike, there’s a destination and route map that’s right for you.
For many of us, normal life moves at a crackling pace, so taking to two wheels is a great way to force yourself to slow down and smell the roses. A well-planned cycling itinerary means there’s no hurry to get from A to B, and because you’re moving at a slower pace, you’re far more likely to notice the finer details that you tend to miss when moving at motorised speed. You can pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at a scenic spot along the way, or pause at every village and vineyard for refreshment breaks, and at the end of the day, you’ll feel you’ve earned yourself a celebratory bowl of pasta or frothing pint of beer.
Consider just how much work you want to put into this trip: are you looking for a hire-and-go situation or do you prefer your itinerary, accommodation, meals and transportation to be pre-arranged? Are you treating your holiday as a get-fit boot camp, or would you prefer an e-bike to take care of some of the work? These are important questions to consider in the planning stages, and your personal travel manager can help you find a tour operator with the right level of involvement and assistance to suit. Whatever you choose, it’s a good idea to do some bike-riding before you go – getting bike-fit will greatly enhance your enjoyment. You might also want to brush up on the basic of bike maintenance – although many cycling holiday operators provide on-the-ground support, it’s useful to know how to fix a puncture or put on a chain.
In a nutshell, there are two ways to approach a cycling holiday: establish a base and use it as a hub to explore the surrounding villages and countryside, or follow a point-to-point itinerary that allows you to stay in a new location every night. Both options have their merits: the first allows you to settle in and really get to know a destination in depth, while the second allows you to cover more ground.
It’s the age-old question: lycra – to wear or not to wear? For some people, comfort is everything and bike pants are the only option, but for others, what works well on a bicycle saddle works less well when you want to stop for lunch at a pretty bistro on the town piazza. Our advice: figure out what works best for you. If your sartorial standards preclude you from being seen in public in bike pants, a gel-filled seat cover is a great option, as are cycling under-shorts that can be worn under normal clothing.
From the olive groves of Tuscany to the paddy fields of Vietnam, whatever your desired destination you’ll find a cycling holiday to suit. We recommend you choose a destination that suits your fitness level and preferred level of exertion – don’t choose ten days in the Alps if you’re not prepared to put in the serious training beforehand. It’s also a good idea to combine your destination with an area of interest – wine lovers can head for Chile’s Ruta del Vino while nature lovers might prefer Tasmania’s 400-kilometre Launceston to Hobart route.
Whether it’s a two-week meander down the banks of the Danube or a weekend in Capetown’s Western Winelands, your personal travel manager can help you choose and plan an idyllic cycling holiday.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
