The answer to the question in the title is not easy. Of course, the right area for your cycling holiday depends on many factors. At least, for us it certainly does. Of course, if you want to cycle Alpe d'Huez, you have a lot of variables off. But then again. What period, where you are going to stay, how long you want to be there, with whom and we could list a few more. Below is a list of tips for preparation. A disclaimer though: nothing is as changeable as the weather and past results....naja you probably get it.
Mountains or no mountains
This is perhaps the most important consideration before you start. Do you want to climb, or don't you want to climb? And if you want to climb, should it be the high mountains, or do you actually want more short climbs. Of course, this again depends on the purpose of your holiday, which we will come back to later. It also depends a bit on how fit you are, who you are with, how long you are going for and whether you have been in the mountains before. A first introduction to the Stelvio you don't like to do without having climbed a longer mountain first. Same goes for Mont Ventoux or any other classic. General tip: go with a group of like-minded people, with relatively similar fitness and similar goals. Then your cycling holiday will be a success.
Holiday or training camp
If you are working towards a goal, for example conquering the Stelvio or riding a cyclo a la the Maratona or the Marmotte, it pays to train specifically for it. If you are away on a cycling holiday for a week or a long weekend, you will want to make as many altitude metres as possible, preferably at higher altitudes. Then you immediately run into a limitation. These mountains are only open late in the season and many mountains that also have high peaks, ditto.
If you just want to enjoy cycling, it matters less. That also increases the number of options, such as lesser-known areas like Northern Ireland, Sweden or Slovakia. That does bring in the 'time period' factor.
So it is equally important to go with a group with roughly the same goal. If you go on holiday with the idea of 'coffee rides & beer' while everyone else is training to get better, you're not going to have a fun time.
Time period
Timing is of the essence is a well-known saying. Of course, there are some rules of thumb, like Summer In the Mountains, Winter In the Sun. Then we don't need to explain what that means right? Of course, the northern-southern hemisphere factor applies here.
Simply put, do you live in Europe? Then go to southern Europe in autumn and spring. Mallorca, Tuscany, Puglia, Andalucia, Portugal, but also Greece are good options then. In winter, the options become fewer, also because of hotel closures. Then it's best to go to the Canary Islands or Sicily. On a gravel bike, Morocco is also a cool option. Or Turkey, although it can snow heavily there too!
Further away?
Going further afield? So keep in mind that at altitude (above 1000-1500m) it can also snow or be mega bad weather in summer. From my own experience in Switzerland and Italy: both in mid-July (!) and late August, we had to deal with snow and severe weather at 1500m. Both times so bad that the main passes were closed, including to cars (!) On our basic packing list is the right clothing, even for summer .
Distance
This does raise a point. It also depends on how much time you have. If you 'only' have a weekend, then flying is quickly cumbersome. Especially if you also want to bring your own bike (tip: rent or buy a sturdy suitcase!) If you're doing a long weekend (4 days) then flying is soon a possibility. If you want to ride, then that quickly becomes a limitation. Driving reduces your range to about 1000-1200 kilometres one way. Then the limit is the Dolomites, southern France, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic/Slovakia and for the daredevils Slovenia or Croatia.
If you have longer time, you can opt for air travel. The USA or other distant destinations will then be within reach. If you don't bring your own bike, always check for a good rental option.
Check the surroundings via Google Maps or Komoot, for example
If you have no idea where to go and can't figure out in the maze of offers and hotels? Then check out an itinerary app. Pinpoint a place you want to go and plan a random route. With Google Maps and the streetview option, you can see what the tarmac is like, whether you have to hit the heights right from the door, or whether you can take some time to warm up. With Komoot you can get inspiration by viewing routes nearby or checking out collections from well-known destinations. Via the 'inspiration' will get you a long way in Komoot.
Check out an influencer
Instagram is handy, especially for getting inspiration. We love working with influencers and there are plenty out there who can help you a lot along the way. you can also check out other Dutch people's sites, such as, Cycling legs or well-known former pros such as Robert Gesink and Laurens ten Dam. Would you rather follow a female influencer who is on the road a lot? Check out the page of Annemiek van Vleuten. For fat professional content: 'The Grubers'. Ashley and Jered.
Guide or do it yourself
After inspiration comes planning. But then comes the question: what is a nice route? You have already been able to see a lot through Komoot, but still there is doubt. You can always arrange a local guide for a day. Sometimes you have accommodation where they offer routes including a guide. Also, you can often hook up with the local rental company for a group ride or hire the owner for guides. In Switzerland we always work with Alain Rumpf. But we also have good tips in other places. Send us a message and we'll help you on your way.
Other tip: the local tourism office. It may sound a bit dull, but here you can get a good idea for the area. The information is sometimes offered a bit clumsily, in the form of all sorts of paper leaflets, but that doesn't make the info offered any less interesting. You can also often find some info via Insta. Some are better at it than others, of course.
