An activity holiday is a fun way to spend your downtime, particularly if you’re travelling as a family. With a little practice, cycling is something everyone can do, which means you can keep kids, teens, and adults entertained. Whether you’re heading abroad, traveling to another part of the country, or even planning a staycation, making cycling the main feature of your break can be an excellent way to have fun and spend time with the people you love.

Of course, you’ll want to ensure you’ve got everything planned in advance if you want your trip to go without a hitch. With this in mind, take a look at these five top tips for the perfect cycling holiday now:

1. Choose the Right Destination

If you’re traveling somewhere new, do your research first and make sure it’s the right destination for you. Although many places advertise themselves as ideal cycling destinations, this might mean that they have routes aimed at advanced cyclists or endurance athletes. When you’re planning a family trip, however, less challenging cycling routes might be a better option. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of locations that offer a range of cycling experiences. From cycling through the Everglades in Florida to touring Yellowstone Park, there are endless destinations to choose from. 

2. Get Some Practice In

If you’re already an avid cyclist, you might not feel the need to do any extra prep in advance, but most people can do with getting some practice in before they embark on a cycling holiday! If you’re going to be travelling with kids, it’s particularly important to ensure they feel confident and in control of their bike.

When you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the saddle, you’ll need to have the muscle strength and endurance to reach your goals. However, it takes time to build up your stamina so start now if you want to get the most out of your trip. 

3. Prioritize Safety

Before you leave for your trip, be sure to have all your equipment checked thoroughly. You can do this yourself or you can book your bikes in for a service and allow a professional to check them over. Not only will this maximise safety when you’re travelling but it will also give you peace of mind. 

Don’t ignore bicycle and car rack safety. Make sure you’ve got a secure way to affix your bikes to your vehicle. To learn how to do this, take a look at this useful post on bicycle and car rack safety. As well as giving you the tips you need to prepare for a cycling holiday, Velosurance also makes it easy to insure your bikes and equipment. With extensive coverage, flexible policies and cost-effective prices, insuring your bikes can mean you’ll gain access to 24-hour roadside assistance, liability protection, and even cover if your bike is stolen or damaged. 

4. Guided vs Self-Guided Tours?

When booking a cycling holiday, you’ll need to decide whether a guided or self-guided tour is best for you and your family. If you’re going to be traversing across unchartered territories or traveling off the beaten path, a guided tour with an experienced cyclist might be the best idea. Alternatively, if you want to explore at your own pace and plan your route as you go, a self-guided trip might be better suited to your needs. 

Remember – if you book a place on a guided tour, you’re going to need to keep up with the rest of your group. Although this can be a great way to have fun and meet people, you’ll want to make sure that you choose a tour that matches your experience level. 

5. Incorporate Other Activities

Only experienced cyclists can pedal for hours a day without getting fatigued, so don’t attempt this unless you’re confident in your abilities. Furthermore, youngsters might find it challenging or even boring to spend this long cycling every day. 

If you want to mix things up a little, incorporate other activities into your trip. Many destinations that are perfect for cycling holidays also offer a range of alternative adventures, so it’s easy to find things to fill your time. You might decide to go canoeing, whitewater rafting or rock climbing when you take a break from cycling, for example. Alternatively, you might be looking forward to seeing the main tourist sites in your destination, sampling the local cuisine, or simply relaxing on the beach.

Making the Most of Your Cycling Holiday

A cycling holiday can be the trip of a lifetime, but it is important to prepare in advance. By doing so, you’ll feel confident when you’re in the saddle, be able to experience your destination to its fullest, and increase your enjoyment as you showcase your cycling skills.