Why go on a leisure cycling holiday for the first time?
A leisure cycling holiday offers an alternative way to holiday, providing a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and exploration experienced from the bicycle saddle. You'll pedal through quaint villages, and picturesque European coastlines, and explore green countryside at a pace that allows for optimal enjoyment.
A cycle tour that isn’t a race or an endurance test is still a physical activity, but importantly, a leisure cycling holiday is a journey of self-discovery and an opportunity to share moments with friends and family.
You'll reconnect with nature and enjoy time away from modern distractions as you'll be riding for approximately 4 to 6 hours per day, so hopefully the only time you'll use your phone is for photos and snapping things that you see along the way.
What is the appeal of a leisure cycling holiday?
The appeal of leisure cycling holidays lies in the opportunity to explore destinations in a way that traditional forms of travel cannot match. While it is possible to see local sights by bus or car, visiting some of Europe’s finest city centres such as Florence or Bruges without the hassle of car parking or being herded back onto the coach for the next stop is not easily achieved.
Due to the freedom that having a bike with you on holiday brings, you'll discover a different side of a destination.
Interacting with and learning about the place from locals is certainly one of the main benefits of a cycling holiday, as the bike acts as a great conversation starter and you'll soon be exchanging stories from the ride.
Plus, you'll also see people riding similar bikes from the hotel each day, so take a moment to discuss your day with them.
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How can a cycling holiday make you happier as a person?
A cycling holiday is primarily a physical activity, so you’ll gain fitness benefits from cycling up to 50 to 60 kilometres per day. However, there are numerous mental and emotional rewards for going on a leisurely cycle tour. Studies have found that cycling boosts well-being, reduces stress, and releases endorphins.
You’ll also feel a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence when cycle touring too.
Once you complete a cycle tour, you’ll want to try another very soon due to the various options available ranging from Porto to Lisbon and Prague to Vienna!
Importantly, cycle touring is a great way to experience cultural immersion and different ways of life, getting to know the locals throughout the week.
Whether it is stopping off at a quaint café in a town square or buying handmade souvenirs from a rural shop in the mountains, leisure cycling opens many new possibilities for personal growth and development.
Are cycling holidays environmentally friendly?
In recent years, the popularity of leisure cycling holidays has soared. The desire for more sustainable travel options has led to increased media coverage for environmentally friendly holiday options.
You'll tour by bike, purchase locally sourced products, and perhaps stop off at small businesses on the way to your hotel, boosting the economy of rural communities.
The luggage van accommodates luggage for multiple customers, and there is the option for paper maps or fully digital navigation while touring.
It is no wonder that media coverage for cycle touring has grown significantly and many more people are choosing cycling holidays as a sustainable holiday type.
We also recognise that many of our holidays connect to a major airport and most of our customers will fly, however, we will happily help suggest options for train travel.
Why go on a leisure cycling holiday for the first time?
Aside from the reasons listed above, going on a leisure cycling holiday offers a unique opportunity to experience a different type of holiday.
For many, a package holiday is one of the first choices for a summer or spring getaway, but more and more people are discovering the benefits of a cycle tour.
Whether you’re seeking mental rejuvenation or a new way to experience Europe, the right time for a leisure cycling holiday is now!
We have over 80 cycling holidays to choose from and popular locations such as the Danube Cycle Path are an ideal introduction to the exciting world of self-guided cycle touring.
If you are an experienced cycle tourer and would like to maybe swap over to a more organised and supported cycle touring solution, then our holidays might be the ideal compromise.
