Cycling & Travel Resources

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Your Ultimate Guide to Bicycle Touring Resources

Whether you’re dreaming of your first multi-day cycling adventure or you’re a seasoned rider planning your next epic journey, having the right resources can transform your bicycle touring experience from good to extraordinary.

After countless miles pedaling through diverse landscapes across North America and Europe, I’ve discovered that successful bicycle touring isn’t just about physical preparation—it’s about having trusted partners who understand the unique needs of cyclists on extended journeys. The difference between a memorable adventure and a challenging ordeal often comes down to the quality of your gear, the reliability of your suppliers, and the depth of your preparation.

This carefully curated collection represents years of real-world testing, countless conversations with fellow touring cyclists, and plenty of lessons learned on the road. Every recommendation has earned its place through proven performance in varying conditions, from mountain passes to coastal routes, busy cities to remote wilderness areas.

You’ll find resources covering everything from essential cycling gear and navigation tools to accommodation booking platforms and emergency supplies. Each supplier and service listed here has consistently delivered quality, reliability, and a genuine understanding of what bicycle tourists need to succeed.

Think of this as your pre-departure companion—a comprehensive checklist that ensures you’re not just prepared, but truly ready to embrace whatever adventures await down the road. Because when you’re hundreds of miles from home with everything you need packed on your bike, having confidence in your resources isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

Ready to start planning your next bicycle touring adventure? Let’s dive into the resources that will help make it unforgettable.

Flight Search Engine Choices

Skyscanner – flight prices vary considerably depending on how you search. I use Skyscanner, the premier flight booking engine, to ensure I am getting the best value.

WayAway – Another excellent tool is WayAway, a flight aggregator that provides travelers with the best rates on airline tickets. Its innovative search finds the best option for specific travel dates by comparing airfares offered by all major US and global airlines and agencies. The aggregator displays final prices without any hidden fees.

Expedia – one of the world’s leading full-service online travel brands, helping anyone bicycle touring easily plan and book trips with the widest selection of flights, hotels, rental cars, rail, activities, attractions, and services you may require during your cycle tour.

Accommodation

Booking.com – When bicycle touring, I not only stay in hotels, but also in motels, B&Bs, cottages, and other accommodations, as well, and I find that booking.com offers a choice. Book often during a cycle tour, and you may get additional discounts. They now handle flights as well.

Expedia – one of the world’s leading full-service online travel brands

VRBO – over 2 million vacation homes. A great option if looking for a base for day cycling trips, which I did in Tuscany.

Hostelworld – With over 36,000 hostels in over 178 countries a good alternative when bike touring.

Helpful Accommodation Posts: Finding Bicycle-Friendly Accommodation in Europe

Bicycle Rental

BikesBooking – a booking service for bicycles, scooters, and motorscooters worldwide.

Local Transportation

    Discover Cars – when I require a rental vehicle while bike touring.
    BusBud – an online bus-booking platform that has compiled the world’s largest selection of bus tickets.

    Local Sightseeing

    One thing I do is get to know the destinations I visit better, sometimes taking a self-guided tour, and at other times it is more practical to use local experts.

    Viator – they offer over 300,000 experiences around the world, including cooking classes, city tours, skip-the-line at major attractions, and more. Some attractions sell out early, so purchasing a tour from Viator ensures I get to visit on the day I am in the destination.
    Get Your Guide – helps you discover the best things to do in a destination, many of which you will not find anywhere else. An alternative to Viator that offers some different tours.
    Tiqets – mobile tickets for attractions around the world.
    Free Walking Tours – with knowledgeable local guides in many cities around the world

    Tour Operators with Cycling Trips

    G Adventures – I have been on several tours with G Adventures and like that style. Deals on active holidays worldwide
    Intrepid – offers cycling tours worldwide for different levels, similar to G Adventures.
    Tour Radar – provides cycling adventures worldwide with a variety of tour operators

    Sim Card

    Airalo – avoid high roaming costs in foreign countries by using eSIMs.

    Travel Insurance

    Safety Wing – one of the highest-rated travel insurance companies for policyholders.
    Travel Insurance Master – don’t get lost in all the information out there; they make it easy

    Travel & Cycling Gear

      Travel Adapter – a universal, all-in-one travel adapter that you can use in 150 countries. I find this a must for international travel.
      Go Pro Hero7 – a camera for action video while cycling
      Anker Power Bank – easily charge your cell phone and other electronics while on the road, as sometimes locating an electrical outlet can be an issue. I find it especially useful when in campgrounds.
      Scrubba Wash Bag – lightweight and foldable for washing clothes on your journey.
      Microfibre Towel – compact, fast drying, and super absorbent for travel.
      Sport Sunscreen – SPF 50, sweat- and water-resistant
      LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle – fill up from the stream or tap with a built-in filter
      Ortlieb Back Roller Classic Panniers – perhaps the best pannier for bicycle touring
      Osprey Farpoint 40L Travel Backpack – despite its minimalist weight, this full-featured pack offers plenty of organization and highly capable backpack suspension.
      Garmin – the leader in bike computers

      Helpful packing post: Lightweight Bicycle Touring Packing List

      Cycle Touring Route Planning

      Routes entered on these websites by local cyclists can help you pick the best options.

      • Bicycle Touring Routes – long-distance routes with links to Adventure Cycling Association, Michigan Trails & Greenways, US Bicycle Route System
      • Map My Ride – use this site to locate existing great routes or plan your own.
      • Trail link – provides a searchable database of more than 25,000 miles of trails around the USA.
      • AllTrails – both road and mountain biking routes, plus local hiking trails

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