Looking for a 2025 holiday that you’ll remember forever? Forget sitting by the pool and get moving instead. Cycling holidays offer many benefits that stretch far beyond simply giving you a break from the routine. They’re great for your physical and mental health, you’ll see a huge chunk of the area you’re visiting and cycling can strengthen bonds with family and friends.
To top it all off, cycling holidays are relatively affordable and easy to organise. Here we run through a few handy tips that will ensure your cycling adventure goes off without a hitch.
A Great Destination
The most difficult aspect of arranging your cycling holiday might be simply deciding where to go. There are plenty of excellent biking regions in the UK, but we’d say it’s best to look at visiting somewhere in Europe, which has some of the best cycling areas on the planet.
Where you go will depend on your personal preferences, but some good areas to look at include the Tuscany region of Italy, the French Alps, Slovenia, and Gran Canaria.
An Understanding of the Climate
Having an understanding of what the weather is like is important when you’re going on any type of holiday. But when you’re going on a holiday that’ll have you outside for large chunks of the day? Then it becomes even more important.
When you’re researching your destination, pay close attention to the climate. It’s worth digging a little deeper than simply looking at the temperature – the place might be hot during the day, but chilly once the sun goes down. Understanding the climate will also help you avoid some rookie areas (for example, visiting the Alps in early Spring when there’s still a chance that there’ll be snow on the ground).
How to Fly With Your Bike
If you already have a quality bike, then you’ll likely prefer to take it with you rather than renting one at your destination. This can be a little tricky and expensive, but it’s worth making the effort if you’re building the whole holiday around cycling.
You’ll need to invest in a good bike carrying solution, and also be comfortable with dismantling/reattaching some parts of your bike. For instance, you’ll need to remove the front wheel, handlebars, and pedals to get it into most bike containers. From there, it’s all about finding an airline that offers reasonable bike transport prices because costs can vary widely.
The Right Clothes
When we say “the right clothes”, we also mean the right quantity of clothes. It’s best to pack light, especially if you’re doing a multi-day trek where you’ll need to carry your belongings with you. At the bare minimum, it’s best to pack a few pairs of shorts, a couple of long/short-sleeved shirts, and a few pairs of socks. They’ll take care of you when you’re cycling.
Don’t forget that you’ll also have plenty of non-cycling time, too. A few more formal items of clothing will allow you to wine and dine, while relaxing clothes will help you to unwind at the end of a long day of cycling.
Sufficient Insurance
It’s important to have sufficient insurance when you travel regardless of the type of trip you’re taking, but it’s extra essential when you’re going on a cycling holiday. There’s an increased risk that you’ll be involved in an incident that requires medical attention, and you’ll also have an expensive item with you – your bike – that could be of interest to thieves.
Before travelling, look at getting insurance for bicycles that covers overseas trips and medical expenses. That’ll give you peace of mind that whatever happens, you’re protected.
Relaxing Accommodation
Do yourself – and especially your body – a favour by carefully selecting accommodation that truly allows you to relax. In all likelihood, your body will be exhausted by the end of your day of cycling, and at that moment, you’ll be extremely thankful that you were wise enough to book a hotel that has an in-room bath, outdoor jacuzzi, or steam room. This will not only help to calm your body down but will also ensure that you can get enough quality rest in between days on the saddle.
If you’re travelling in an area where hotels with spa-quality amenities are unavailable, then at the bare minimum choose a hotel that offers comfortable beds and enough sound insulation to ensure you can sleep through the night.
Bike repair Kit
It’s annoying to have an issue with your bike at any stage, but when you’re in the middle of a trip that took plenty of planning? Then it’s even more frustrating. If you’ve picked a destination that’s well-known among cyclists, then it’s likely that there’ll be plenty of bike repair shops in the region. With that said, it’s always best to assume that you’ll be caught out when you’re in the middle of nowhere.
Carrying a repair kit and ,crucially, knowing how to use it, will ensure you can cycle your bike to the nearest repair shop when you have an issue.
A Prepared Body
It’s easy to get lost in the daydream of cycling for many, many hours past some of Europe’s most stunning landscapes. But it’s also important to be mindful of your body, and to make sure that it’s able to handle the demands you put on it. You’ll be asking for trouble if you arrive on your cycling holiday just assuming that your body can handle what’s in store.
In the weeks and months leading up to the trip, make sure you’re building up your body by engaging in a rigorous training regime.
And A Positive Attitude
Finally, remember the number one rule for having a great trip: Maintaining a positive attitude. You’ll experience hiccups along the way, since, well, that’s what happens sometimes when you venture into the great outdoors. Taking those issues in your stride is always better than letting them interrupt your enjoyment of your trip. In the end, it’s all an adventure – and with the right attitude, you’ll have one that you remember forever.
