BIKING VACATIONS TRAVELING THE BACKROADS
BY
CLAY LARROY
Travel is so much more that simply hopping on a flight to
a new destination. If you plan it correctly, it could be a thrilling time
you'll never forget. Planning a trip is fun as there are tons of things to do
and see. Do you know how to plan a trip effectively? Packing light is key to
making your travels as easy and free of stress as possible. Bring one carry-on
bag that includes everything you need, not necessarily everything you want. Your
smart packing will pay off when you are happily carrying one bag around on
vacation instead of lugging around multiple bags. When you want to
plan a vacation contact me!
Thinking about a
biking vacation? If so, you are not alone. Active vacations, including biking,
are definitely on the upswing. Individuals, couples and families find that a
biking trip allows them to enjoy a vacation that includes plenty of outdoor
time, great scenery, physical fitness and bonding with companions.
Biking vacations
offer the active traveler the chance to experience a destination on a different
level and pace than most travel affords. Bikers see the world at ground level,
and view the landscape and countryside as an integral component of the trip,
not merely as a corridor from one destination to the next. Whereas
transportation is often just a means to an end, biking is both means and end,
enriching the travel experience with an opportunity for a close-up encounter
with the destination, traveling companions and inhabitants.
Biking vacations
provide a unique opportunity to engage in a physical activity for the entirety
of a vacation experience. However, the biking vacation is not only about a
daily grind. Most tour operators design flexible itineraries and an individually
oriented pacing that allows the traveler to enjoy the trip without a sense of
urgency about speed or distance. There are many different types of biking tour
operators and an itinerary for bikers of all levels. The biking experience
often entails great lodging and fine food along the way...so losing weight
might be a bit more difficult than you think.
:
A biking vacation is
for you if
- You enjoy active
vacations;
- You enjoy biking
excursions at home;
- You want to
spend your vacation time out of doors;
- You enjoy both
personal accomplishment and cooperative activities while vacationing;
- You want to
experience a very ‘different’ type of vacation.
There are many
different types of biking vacations. The three variables that make up the
matrix from which a traveler may choose are destination, pace and companions. A
good travel consultant is a key component of choosing the right vacation from
the right tour operator. There are many possible tour operators and options
from which to choose, and each has a different story to tell regarding its own
history and experience with biking vacations. Work with your travel consultant
to choose the biking vacation that is right for you and your traveling
companions.
Tour operators
provide logistical support, routes, itineraries, equipment, food, portage,
accommodations and emergency aid are only some of the responsibilities
undertaken by a tour operator offering a biking vacation. It is important
during the planning stage to select a tour operator that offers an experience
that matches your own preferences, and those of your companions.
It is important for
the traveler considering a biking vacation to inquire as to the terrain of the
destination. Climate, altitude and accumulated daily elevation (the total
number of uphill feet in a day) all greatly impact the totality of the biking
experience. Remember to consider each of the above factors as they might affect
every traveler in your group. If one of your party is less experienced than
others the trip is likely to be a very different experience for individual
members unless the tour operator is prepared to accommodate disparities in
ability.
Accommodations vary
greatly not only from one tour operator to the next, but from one itinerary to
the next. Examine closely the types of hotels, B&B’s or other lodging used
by the tour operator on your particular itinerary. The overnight stays are as
much a part of the experience as any other component, so make sure you are
satisfied with the choices offered. Likewise, food quality is another variable
of the typical program. Most meals will be included in the price of the tour,
but make sure of any gaps in the offerings! Some tour operators will offer
special dietary consideration for vegetarian or other cuisines.
Companies providing
biking vacations typically segregate riders by experience and fitness. Many
offer several different daily options and routes involving how much time is
spent on the bike, the difficulty of the route, and the distance to be covered
during a given day. Additionally, some tour operators impose age limits on
riders. If you are traveling with riders under the age of 18, inquire as to the
company’s policies for children and families. It is important that the traveler
be comfortable with the available options, so ask your tour operator.
Most tour operators
provide a pace van to shuttle riders along parts of the route where the rider
would prefer not to bike or if a rider requires lift assistance. The shuttle
van also serves as a water and meal station on some routes and as a repair or
emergency vehicle if necessary. Not every tour operator provides a van. If you
feel that a shuttle van would assist you and your companions, especially to
equalize varying degrees of fitness over some routes, establish its
availability during your research.
Participants
typically have the option of either bringing their own bike or using one
provided by the tour operator. If having your own equipment is important to
you, be sure to determine the tour operator’s policy and discuss it prior to
booking. Determine the shipping policies of the airline you will be using to
travel to your destination, and insure your bike for its full value. If you are
going to use the tour operator’s equipment, check in advance to ensure that you
are comfortable with the make, model and sizing, as well as with the general
condition of the equipment.
REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
Life is like riding a bicycle: you don't fall off unless you stop pedaling.
Claude Pepper
Claude Pepper
Travel
to create marvelous memories for you and your family or friends!
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