The cycling season is almost over. But new adventures are already calling. Many cyclists are already planning their next cycling holiday. That’s great! We’ll give you some tips right away to consider. 15 tips for your next cycling holiday that will make your vacation unforgettable! Some of them may seem obvious, but most of the tips you’ll find will be useful.
1. Avoid the tourist hotspots and discover hidden gems
Checking off bucket lists; we haven’t been doing that for a while now. The well-known places like the Ventoux en Stelvio Their beauty is due to the stories, but there is so much more to discover and see? Don’t you want to climb a mountain with 100 people at the same time? Then go for lesser-known regions like the Jura in France or the Bavarian Forest in Germany. Here you’ll find beautiful routes without the crowds of tourists and discover something truly new.
2. Combine bike fun with wellness
A trend that is increasingly emerging: the combination of cycling and wellness. Think of the thermal baths in Italy Dolomites or beautiful spa resorts in Slovenia. Perfect for recovering your muscles after a day of climbing and descending. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for this in Germany and Austria as well.
3. Look for accommodations with bike facilities and especially a washing machine.
We’re familiar with the trend of traveling lighter, with less gear. For a week of cycling, you’d prefer to bring as little as possible. A washing machine at your location is great, just as is bike tools and the ability to quickly buy a tire. After all, it seems easy to pack everything into the car, but you’d rather travel as light as possible, especially if you’re going on a bikepacking trip! Check out our article on Different labels for bike hospitality.
4. Book a bike package for ultimate convenience
Check if there are bike tours where luggage is transported daily to the next accommodation. This allows you to see more of a country, and you don’t have to worry about transportation; often there is also a guide included (see tip 7). Always top-notch. One of the most famous in the Alpine region is Eurobike Luggage Transfer
5. Check the local markets and festivals for a unique experience
In the city Bolzano You have the Törggelen in October, a special period. wine festivals Just before the wine harvest in France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, these are also delicious. Or how about a cheese market in the Jura? These kinds of local activities can give your cycling holiday that little extra. It’s also a nice change between cycling and enjoying the good life.
6. Explore frontier territories for a versatile travel experience
Border posts in Belgium, Tri-border points, old bunkers or other military fortifications. Border regions and related stories are very common. Would you like to cycle through a tri-border point? Luxembourg might be the best tip, but you can also discover a lot of beautiful things on the border between Switzerland/Germany/France or in Italy/Switzerland/France. Also consider Friuli Venezia Giulia, With a beautiful route, you can travel to Austria, Slovenia, and even Italy. You have the advantage of three different cultures and landscapes, without having to travel long between the regions.
7. Take a local guide for a day
I absolutely recommend this tip. In Switzerland, we have often traveled with guides, but also in Italy or Spain. You just take a left when you think you need to take a right. The result is a more enjoyable experience. Guides vary in type and price. Calculate that for a day you will spend a few hundred euros. So, with a group, it is smarter to do this. Additional tip: In popular cycling regions like the Alps, the Dolomites, or the Pyrenees, local guides often know the most beautiful car-free and off-road climbs. Ideal for an MTB adventure
8. Choose a self-sufficient cycling holiday with bikepacking
Go for it Bicycle touring, That means ultimate freedom! You can travel from place to place, book in advance or find a place to stay on the spur of the moment. This gives you the freedom to adjust your route based on the weather or the atmosphere on the spot. Especially in the mountains, this last aspect is very convenient.
What's also nice: a route like La Pedalata or an event like Nature is a bike his beautiful encounters with this phenomenon.
9. Explore regions with great cuisine and equally great routes
Think of the wine routes in Alsace or the cider routes in Normandy. After a day of cycling, you can visit local wine or cider farms for a tasting. You can also find this kind of delicious route in Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and even the Netherlands. Not to mention the Burgundy region.
10. Keep in mind the European siesta times
Between 12 and 3 in southern countries, shops and restaurants often close, especially in the summer. You’re still thinking of scoring somewhere? Sorry! Make sure to plan your lunch early or bring your own for the journey. This way you won’t be left without food after a tough climb. Although there’s always a petrol station nearby for a quick (unhealthy) snack.
11. Don't forget your travel insurance
This is always worth checking. Not only your travel insurance, but also the insurance of your belongings is important. The stories of damaged bicycles with transportation, stolen bicycles, or other types of inconvenience that are not covered—that can keep you awake for weeks. It’s a small effort, but it can save a lot of hassle if something goes wrong.
12. Look at the elevation profiles of your routes
Have you found your ideal hotel or apartment? Then open a route planner and plan a coffee tour around your location. (+/- 30km) On my trip in the Auvergne I discovered that there was no flat meter around my campsite. A point of attention, especially if you are not used to climbing or if you are working on improving your fitness.
13. Join an event
An event can be a great way to explore a region without having to think too much. If you choose a cyclo, be aware that there are many other cyclists. That’s fun, but it also means you have to be a bit more alert on the street. Make sure you register in time. Especially the big events like the Maratona and Marmotte sell out quickly.
14. Learn about the local cycling culture and rules
In the Netherlands, we are used to having cyclists as the kings of the road, but that doesn’t apply everywhere in Europe. In France, wearing a helmet is mandatory outside built-up areas for children under 12, and in Italy, rear lights are mandatory. Check out our article with ‘crazy bike rules’‘that you would like to remember!
15. Take the time for a good bike check-up
You won’t be the first to go on holiday with worn-out brake pads. Or with a nearly worn-out rear tire. Or a bike that rattles. It’s all possible, but you can prevent it. Schedule this appointment with your bike mechanic, or do the maintenance yourself. If you schedule it, do it well in advance (allow for a week’s leeway). If an item needs to be replaced unexpectedly, it can sometimes take a few working days (due to availability). If you’re going on vacation on Friday, take your bike for a quick drive the weekend before.
Hopefully, now you will be looking forward to your next cycling holiday with a fresh perspective and a happy mood. We would be happy to give you more tips.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.