How to Plan a Family Cycling Holiday You Will all Enjoy
Heading off on a cycling adventure with your family can be an exciting prospect. However, it can also be fraught with pitfalls if you don’t take care to plan your holiday thoroughly – particularly if you have younger children tagging along for the ride.
But don’t worry, there’s no need to fret! If you are suddenly feeling apprehensive at the thought of planning a family cycling trip that will be memorable for all the right reasons, here are some top tips to make sure you all have a fantastic time on two wheels.
Consider Everyone’s Expectations
Before you start poring over the most scenic cycling routes in the UK – or even further afield – and searching for Airbnb’s or campsites online, it’s a good idea to sit down with all of the members of your family and discuss the holiday. After all, for the trip to go well, everybody has to be satisfied with where you are going and what you will be doing while you’re there.
During this family discussion, you will also need to work out how many of you will actually be cycling. Will it just be you and your partner, or you and your older kids, or will all of you be travelling on two wheels? Deciding this in good time will help you plan the trip – and pack – more effectively.
Find A Destination That Works For All Of You
Once you know what your expectations are for the trip, it should be easier to settle on a destination that suits everybody. If you will all be cycling, then ideally you should try and choose a location that is mostly flat and not very rugged, so it won’t be too taxing for little legs.
You should also aim to choose a destination that offers something for all of you in terms of attractions, as you won’t just be spending your time cycling but will also probably want to explore the local sights and make the most of your time there.
Croatia, for example, can be an excellent choice. You can go here for cycling holidays in Croatia and discover a country that effortlessly blends natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures. Besides exhilarating cycling routes, Croatia boasts many attractions that will captivate the whole family. From the stunning coastline with its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters to charming historic towns like Dubrovnik and Split, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Take a break from cycling and explore the local sights, such as the majestic Plitvice Lakes National Park or the ancient Roman ruins of Pula. Croatia's warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and vibrant atmosphere make it a memorable destination for an unforgettable family vacation.
Make An Inventory Before You Pack
The day before you are due to set off for your trip, make a detailed list of everything you will need for the duration of your holiday, and tick things off as you pack them. Preparing for any holiday can be a tall order, but when you are going on a cycling trip you also have to remember all of your bicycle-related paraphernalia, making it potentially even easier to forget something important.
Preparing an inventory of everything you need will help to ensure that you have all of the essentials to make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible – and will hopefully avoid that stomach-sinking sensation of realising that you’ve left something crucial behind!
Sort Out Your Cycling Storage Needs
If you are taking your own bikes with you on your cycling adventure, then make sure that your accommodation has bike racks available to store your bikes safely. Most holiday accommodation providers offer bike racks, which can be a great way to keep your bike safe when you’re not using it.
When you get home, you might decide that you want a bike rack for your own property, to keep your bike safe all year round. Barriers Direct have plenty of bike and cycle racks to choose from, ranging in style and size, so you can get your dream bike rake for your home.
Bring Plenty Of Fuel For Hungry Little Cyclists
Travelling with children can be a challenge, no matter how well-behaved they are. One of the best ways to ensure your cycling holiday goes according to plan is to make sure your kids are always well-fed; as you probably already know all too well, a hungry child is a grumpy child. Besides, they will need plenty of fuel if they will be spending a lot of their time cycling through the countryside, so don’t skimp on the snacks.
While goodies such as chocolate bars are good for quick, sugary pick-me-ups, you should also try and pack plenty of healthy portable treats, such as dried fruit and nuts. Not only are they easy to pack – and full of vitamins and nutrients – but they won’t melt in the sun as you’re cycling.
Be Flexible – And Have Fun!
When it comes to cycling, the best tip you can use is to be flexible when it comes to how far you go and how often you stop. When you have a picturesque track unspooling ahead of you, it can be easy to get into a cycling groove and want to push on as far as you can – but your children may get tired easily and require regular stops for refreshment and toileting.
If you pass any interesting attractions – or even just a playpark or two – along the way, they will probably also want to stop and investigate. While it’s understandable that you may not want to stop and linger too long, giving them the opportunity to stretch their legs, play, and explore will help to keep any moaning at bay and make the whole experience more enjoyable for all of you.
Last But Not Least: Some Top UK Cycling Routes To Consider
Now you know exactly how to plan your exciting family cycling getaway before you go, why not check out some of the best family-friendly cycling routes you can choose from right here in the UK. They include:
Derbyshire’s Tissington Trail - Nestled among the rolling hills and verdant valleys of the Derbyshire Dales, this easy countryside jaunt is sure to become a family favourite, seemingly transporting you back in time to a simpler era characterised by the sights and sounds of pristine nature.
Exe Estuary Trail - One of the best family cycling excursions in the UK is this historic trail, which follows one of the oldest canals in the country, offering you spectacular views of Devon’s fertile wetlands along the way. If you have booked accommodation in Exeter, you can come back by train at the end of the route, an option which is sure to go down well with the kids.
Crinan Canal - Last but not least, nestled among lush foliage on the banks of the Crinan Canal in Argyll and Bute, this scenic waterside trail is ideal for families. The scenery is stunning, and the trail itself is wide and well-prepared, making it easy for little legs to follow.
Keep these tips in mind when planning a family cycling holiday – one that all the family will enjoy!
