Bournemouth ( creative commons)

If you love rough downhills and cycling adventures than a holiday in Bournemouth may be exactly what you need.This travel destination is perfect for family cycling outdoor activities, speed racing or teaching classes for all ages and abilities.  For cycling freaks, Bournemouth is simply heaven: pack your backs, book your staying at one of the wonderful hotels in Bournemouth and start your active holiday. This is the best way to leave all your worries behind  and charge your batteries to the fullest!

Cycling in Bournemouth

From scenic flats to fascinating hill rides, Bournemouth and the surrounding areas are a magnet for cyclists from all over the world. There are also several bike hire options if you don’t have  your own, so don’t worry about transportation. Bike hire and cycling activities are great especially for big groups and for individuals but they need some planning in advance due to the fact that many tourists choose this area for their hobby. Most Bournemouth hotels provide special bike catering services so if the mood for a wonderful cycling itinerary hits you out of nowhere you’ll find something to suit your desires.

Cycling ( creative commons)

Bournemouth is famous not just for the cycling routes but also for the breathtaking scenery: gorgeous mountains and fascinating hills plus the fresh air. It’s a lovely time to start connecting with the nature and filling your body with energy.

Bournemouth Promenade

If you’re not quite the biker type, don’t worry, as there are numerous activities for you to choose from! You can find all sorts of activities that will make your mind and body benefit from. Staying active is not all about thrills and adventure. A simple walk or playing with your kids outside keeps you active and healthy, giving your body the exact type of relaxation you were looking for.

Bournemouth beach has a great promenade area that stretches from Hengistbury Head in the east, to Sandbanks in the west. You can walk around the coastline, inhale some clear and fresh air and relax. You’ll feel the magic of Bournemouth instantly!

St. Ives, Cornwall by Dave Eagle (creative commons)

The Cornish town of St Ives is one of the most picturesque holiday spots on the south west coast, and it is little wonder that thousands of holidaymakers flock to this area every year to make the most of the beautiful beaches, historical attractions, and to buy into all the legends and folklore that makes Cornwall unique amongst the many counties that go together to make up England.

The perfect base

As well as being a self contained town in itself will lots to see and do, St Ives is also the perfect base for exploring all that Cornwall has to offer. From here you can easily travel to such towns as Marazion, Penzance, Land’s End and Tintagel, places that are as magical as their names suggest. There are many accommodation options available to visitors with St Ives apartments being the most popular as they give you the freedom to make the most of your visit here.

A little bit of luxury

If you fancy something a little bit special that offers luxury self catering accommodation in the perfect location then you need look no further than Hawke’s Point, a family orientated complex that offers its guests amazing views over one of the most glorious stretches of sand in the area; Carbis Bay.

Having reached the much sought after status of 5 stars, Hawke’s Point offers the kind of accommodation that you actually look forward to returning to at the end of the day, and is a million miles removed from those accommodations that fall into the ‘somewhere to lay your head’ category. By choosing Hawke’s Point as your luxury self catering St Ives accommodation you have the best of both worlds, literally.

Porthmeor Beach, St. Ives, Cornwall by Chris Downer (creative commons)

So much to do and see

The position of Hawke’s Point means that within a couple of minutes you will be on one of the best beaches and make the most of the best of the British weather, but also have the  freedom to get out and about and explore what both St Ives and the rest of Cornwall has to offer.

With more of us choosing to finally discover what our own country has to offer in terms when it comes to holidays, Cornwall is set to cement its reputation as the number one holiday destination in the UK, and thanks to accommodation such as Hawke’s Point it is likely to stay there for a long time to come.

1.     The Landscape.  There is a reason why the French host the most famous bicycle race in the world.  The French landscape is breathtaking and there is no better way to see it than on the saddle of a bike.  Cycling not only allows you time to take in the landscape, but also the freedom to spend as much or little time in an area as you wish.

2.     The Food.  The coast of Brittany and Normandy boast some of the best seafood in Europe.  The beach at Concale is famous for its oysters and fantastic cockles, mussels and clams can be found throughout Normandy and Brittany.  If seafood isn’t for you, Northern France also boasts hearty meals such as Carbonnade (a beef stew braised in beer), Choucroute Garnie (a very Germanic dish of bacon, pork loin or knuckle) or reward yourself for the day’s ride with a Quiche Lorraine.

3.     D-Day Battlefields.  A France bike tour is not complete without visiting the D-Day battlefields of Normandy.  The beauty of the landscape stands in stark contrast to the ghosts of war that still haunt the area.  A visit to the Omaha Beach Museum and American cemetery, the final resting place of over ten thousand U.S. soldiers, is a poignant and memorable reminder of the Greatest Generation’s greatest day.

4.     The Architecture.  The churches, abbeys and castles of northern France will transport you back in history.  The towering and majestic Mont St. Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  On a bike, you will experience the approach to Mont St. Michael just as pilgrims have for centuries.  You first spot it as a speck in the distance and the mountain and abbey grow until they tower above you at the end of the causeway.  The cathedral of Notre Dame de Bayeux and its 230-foot tapestry depicting the Normand Conquest are also must-sees.

5.      The History.  From Cro-Magnons to the Eurostar train, northern France has been at the center of much of European history.  The Celts, the Romans and the Franks have all occupied France at one time and left their mark on the land and the culture.  Modern times have seen two world wars played out on this land.  A northern France bike tour allows you to experience France in much the same way as conquerors and defenders have done for centuries.   If history isn’t your favorite subject, keep in mind that the world-class local wines will make any history discussion more enjoyable!

Austin Lehman Adventure Travel is a travel tour company with a 38 year legacy in creating amazing adventures packed with cultural and artistic encounters, with expert guides and hand selected adventures to guarantee you the vacation of a lifetime, without any of the grunt work.  Book your travel adventure tour today!

A cyclist in London by Duncan Harris (Creative Commons)

Biking isn’t just healthy, it is fun. It’s interesting to see the world from a bike seat. There is something thrilling about soaking in the sights while pumping those pedals, or rushing up-hill on a bike to be rewarded with a unique views from your hilly vantage point. Ensure that you have your cycling travel insurance sorted, as biking can expose you to serious physical injury more than other touring methods. Also make sure that you have your luggage and sleeping arrangements sorted out early.

Here are three countries that provide a romantic experience with your bike.

UK

Biking across the UK isn’t a new phenomenon. The grueling John O’Groats to Land’s End cycling route across the UK has been in operation since 1871. Each year, thousands take to the pedal to explore different parts of the UK. The appeal of biking holidays, in these days of junk food, is much more than just healthy living, it’s the sight-seeing. Biking through unknown back roads, woody paths, quiet villages, and stopping off at quaint little B&Bs along the way creates an intimate travel experience.

Depending on your level of experience, you can decide to take on a challenging itinerary, doing 40 miles per day. However, if you have kids, take shorter routes and vary the biking challenge with other exciting activities. You can do a long distance trip, or simply explore a village, town, or village from one convenient spot.

Malta

Home to “Madonna al-Grazzja”, or Our Lady of Mercy, the patron saint of cyclists, Malta’s biking culture is deeply ingrained in the local traditions. This presents great opportunities for bikers. With only 316 km² of land area, the island is small enough to be explored by bike and stay in one place, rather than having to move all your gear around with you. Malta accommodation is plentiful and great value, so your trip doesn’t have to break the bank!

The beautiful island has so much to explore. It’s sunny, rugged coastline with clear waters, sandy beaches, and lush vegetation is a beautiful sight. Biking through the area allows you to experience the beauty of the beach life in a uniquely enjoyable fashion. Head inland, stopping frequently at historic landmarks scattered outside its urban areas. If you go with a guide, they will reward you by showing you routes that will give you beautiful vantage points. Cycle through the capital, Valletta, with its beautiful Baroque style buildings and cathedrals. The city has been pedestrianised, making it convenient for bikers to explore. The island is a bit hilly, so it will require special bikes and a fit biker to fully explore.

France

Home to the “Tour de France”, biking has a special place in the hearts of the French. Indeed, there are fewer romantic images than a couple luxuriously biking through the French countryside. France is indeed a bike friendly country, with even free bike transport on special “TER” trains. This allows you to head out to a town via train, and explore it on your bike.

A Velib bike in front of Notre Dame by jonworth-eu (Creative Commons)

Paris has dedicated biking lanes in some sections, which allows for easy travel. For longer distance travellers, there are special biking routes that have developed through the years, for your convenience. Try the Atlantic coast cycle route from La Baule to Biarritz, France’s most complete long-distance route for bikes. Alternatively, you can try the beautiful Loire-Danube route, with paths that follow along rivers, canals, and quiet back roads. You will find most of France bike friendly, so essentially you can explore most of her beauty on two wheels.

Tour de France (creative commons)

High adrenaline rush, pure joy and happy exhaustion: these are the factors that will make you choose the best holiday getaway – the incredible Tour de France! Cycling holidays in France should be your first choice if you are an enthusiast cyclist looking for an incredible experience.

If you are an adrenaline junkie then you shouldn’t miss this opportunity. Tour de France is one of the most famous Grand Tours in the whole world. Ever since 1903 riders have tackled the mountains making cycling a wonderful show to watch. People are fascinated by this competition that leaves them completely carried away and simply out of breath. People taking part in Tour de France believe this is the ultimate sport experience and because of this, they don’t miss the challenge of attendind this event every single year.

Tour de France (creative commons)

As a cycling fan it’s a shame to watch this spectacular competition while sitting on your couch in front of your TV! Pack your bags and your energy and put your feet in motion! You don’t have to be a professional cyclist to attend Tour de France. There are many trails you can attend at your own pace. There are optional extras for those seeking a greater challenge and for the ones that need an easier route for keeping things light. However, you will need to be in a good body shape because these routes, as easy as they may be, are still quite demanding. You should know that there is a support vehicle at every biker disposal that can lift you up or down of any of the hills. It is advisable to know all the details before embarking into such a holiday. Tour providers can give you the exact information that you need. So don’t worry that you won’t make it! You must believe in yourself and make this holiday a memorable one!

Millions of fans make their Tour de France experience a cycling holiday getaway. And what could be better: watching the best action live on the roadside for three days or riding the actual trial course? No matter which one you choose, you will definitely enjoy this exciting event!

Park Güell Barcelona by Martijn Barendregt

Spanish are known as active and energetic people. Just as most Europeans, they follow all kinds of nature saving programs. Bicycle in Spain has its own place not only in sport but also in ordinary lives of the Spanish.

If you want to explore this beautiful country by bike, there are several touristic routes that are made especially for biking.

For example there is a famous pilgrimage walk. Many modern pilgrims go on a pilgrimage by bicycle. They made some basic rules that are now used by all bikers.

Before you start your trip, be sure to make detailed plans, determine how many kilometers you want to travel. If you want to go from Camino Frances to Roncesvalles you will need a minimum of 10 days.

Plan your trip with a reserve day in order to visit holy places that are on your way. Average speed of Pilgrim cycler is 100 km. a day. On your way there will be a nice chain of take away, called Asador Pili Archena. It is rather cheap and most important organic.

Watch for signs. There are alternative routes for the same municipalities, but more suitable for cycling.

If you have no experience in cycling tourism, you should get ready physically. Firstly you should train in simple cycling, each time increasing the distance on complex routes. Cycling technique used in bicycle tourism is different from the one used in cycling. In cycling tourism the most practiced riding is the one with uniform, without acceleration or pace. It is believed that it is necessary to drive the same distance to the start biking trip that you’re planning. Don’t forget about gym. Train your legs, back and neck muscles.

Another popular place to bike in Spain is definitely Barcelona. In order to evaluate the benefits of biking in Barcelona just look at the map of the city. Only medieval town is done randomly with narrow streets and closed on all sides of the square. The rest of Barcelona is carefully designed and divided into square blocks, which are separated by wide avenues and streets, some of which are equipped with bicycle paths.

La Sagrada Familia by Dries-Buytaert (Creative Commons)

Renting a bike in Barcelona is very simple, you can ask for flyers in your hostel; or simply go to the street Carrer dels Tallers, where you can rent a bike for a day for 10 euros, and for three days – 25. Garage is a 2-minute walk from La Rambla – the main street of Barcelona.

Bicycles have working lights so you can ride it a night when Barcelona is especially beautiful. And if you’re staying in a hostel, you can leave the bike for a night on a patio.

And when you’re on a bike, you can ride on through Barcelona. Along La Rambla in the port of Barcelona (Section AB) Thence along the coast to the little district Barceloneta, where lunch is cheaper than in the city center and will be in the company of authentic white-collar workers of Barcelona. If you still want to feel like a tourist, ride along the beach in Barceloneta, there are a lot of cozy and blown by the sea breeze cafes and restaurants. (C-D).

This is a guest post by Vera Petryk, an author for spain.net

Hawaii cycling road

Hawaii’s roads aren’t considered the most cyclist friendly in the country, but both cycling enthusiasts and tourists will find unique opportunities to train and explore the islands’ beauty on bicycle.

The most famous biking experience in Hawaii is a bike tour down the slopes of Haleakala volcano. Cyclists are driven to an elevation of 6500ft and then coast down the mountain. The sights and smells are breathtaking, but the road is steep and curvy and one has to be careful not to lose control.

Professional athletes take another approach, they cycle up the volcano! The fresh cool mountain air makes for excellent conditions, but it’s a grueling trek.

Maui’s south coast offers a more conventional biking experience. Starting at the Wailea resort one can bike for 7.5 miles to the end of the highway at La Perouse Bay. What makes this route fantastic are all the beaches to explore along the way. It’s possible to start the journey sooner, somewhere in Kihei town for example, but the traffic is much more management starting in Wailea.

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to the Ironman Triathlon championships. For serious cyclists this is the best Hawaiian island for cycling. The best areas to cycle are the southeast coast, and Volcanoes National Park. One caveat for biking the park is to check current VOG (volcanic smog) conditions.

Similar to Maui, Kauai offers a downhill bike experience for tourists – from the top of Waimea Canyon. Seriously cyclists can do the trek in reverse, but once again the uphill is extreme, suitable only for the super fit.

On Oahu the best location for biking is along the famous north shore where surfers ride giant waves in the winter months. Once again there are many beaches to explore along the way. On Oahu bike tour companies often combine biking and hiking into a single adventure.

Berlin by Flickr user ‘steffenz’ (creative commons)

More and more people are choosing to spend their holidays taking a city break and Berlin is one of the most popular city break destination in Europe. You might wonder why, but by reading on here you’ll see that the city really does have something for all ages.

Berlin for kids

The city is a family friendly one, but not only are the people welcoming of children, but there are also plenty of attractions for the little ones around the city.

Taking a trip to the amazing play park at Kollwitz Platz is a great way to pass an afternoon and the kids will love the park equipment and ping pong tables. And there is an ice cream shop too for making a warm summer’s day even more enjoyable.

Another must is a trip to Berlin Zoo, the most visited in Europe. It boasts more species than any other zoo in the world so there’ll plenty of animals to see that you simply can’t see at any other zoo.

Legoland is another fun-filled afternoon waiting to happen. 1 and a half million bricks make up a miniature Lego version of Berlin and there are also plenty of ride and adventure trails made out of Lego for everyone to enjoy. And it wouldn’t be Legoland without the chance for the young ones to try making their own creations and there is plenty of space for that.

Attribute to Flickr user ‘tracy the astonishing’ (creative commons)

Young People

Berlin has a reputation for having a great nightlife and the city comes alive each night. Areas such as Kreuzberg and Mitte are packed full of bars and clubs and are the two most popular areas to go out, while Prenzlauer Berg has fewer clubs, but arguably the best ones.

Many clubs have late opening hours too – until well after 3am – so the party can go on all night. And when recovering the next day there is no shortage of spots to catch a breakfast, no matter the time of day when you surface. Just go out and walk a little and you’ll find some place selling that hangover grub you’re looking for.

Adults

Parents will be happy with everything mentioned above under the “Kids” section and will also be happy to know that there are plenty of interesting museums and restaurants – some of the best in Europe.

A trip to Berlin doesn’t have to break any budgets either. The city des not have a reputation for being terribly expensive, while you can make even more savings by renting an apartment instead of a hotel, which is especially good if travelling with the whole family. Oh-Berlin is a good site to check out with over 350 apartments across the city.

Older People

They may not come for the nightlife, but older people can enjoy the city just as much as anyone else. The city is filled with interesting history, from the Berlin wall to the Holocaust Museum, and many an afternoon can spent checking out a Berlin museum or two. The city actually has more museums than rainy days!

The huge Tiergarten park is also a great gem of Berlin where you can enjoy a peaceful walk away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Cádiz.

Cádiz is one of the most visited cities in Andalucía. Located on a peninsula in the Atlantic Ocean the city is known for its cathedral, its museums and its many traditional plazas.

Cadiz by Andy R (Creative Commons)

Cádiz is home to a number of museums covering a wide range of interests ranging from history to archeology, lithography and the fine arts. The Museum of Cádiz has a large collection of artifacts from the Phoenicians and Romans.

The Cathedral of Cádiz is one of the city’s symbols. Built in a baroque style, this cathedral is decorated with gilded tiles, a high altar and a bell tower with views towards the city.

The city has four main districts. The City Centre is the historical district. In the nearby neighbourhood of Santa María there are many traditional flamenco bars. In the district of El Pópulo visitors will find some of the city’s main landmarks, including the cathedral and Town Hall. The district of La Viña is the ancient fishermen’s district which is known for La Caleta beach and its many tapas bars.

The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park is located in the province of Cadiz. Visitors will be able to enjoy many activities, including biking, hiking and visiting the canyons. The Garganta Verde is a canyon 400 metres deep where visitors will be able to observe local vultures and other birds.

The area is known for its many canyons and caves that can be explored. Visitors will be able to hike around the Sierra de San Bartolomé, located in the Frente Litoral Natural Park. Mountain bikes can be rented in the nearby villages.

Huelva

Huelva is another southern province, located next to Cádiz. This province is known for its many white sand beaches and its national park. The Parque Nacional de Doñana is one of the region’s largest and most visited natural parks. There is an extensive area of marshlands and many wetlands where visitors will be able to see local animals and birds. Trips by car around the dunes can be organized.

Parque Nacional de Doñana by José Luis Filpo Cabana (Creative Commons)

There are several other parks in the province of Huelva, including the Parque Natural Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche. Visitors will be able to walk along one of the park’s most popular routes, the route between the towns of Talenque and Valdelarco. Along the route there are many oak trees and visitors will be able to see the black pigs that are bred in the area. The park’s highest peak is the Cerro de los Bonales, known for its views. Visitors will be able to explore the traditional pueblos blancos located in the region, the white villages known for their whitewashed houses.

Vías Verdes

The Vias Verdes are a set of paths designed for cyclists and walkers who want to explore the region. These paths follow ancient railway tracks and most are scenic routes. Visitors will be able to cycle the more than 30 kilometers that separate Cádiz and Seville. The main towns on this route are Puerto Serrano and Olvera, and some of the main sights include the Peñón of Zaframagón, known for its colony of vultures.

With so many paces to see, it can be difficult knowing where to begin. There are destinations offering fantastic sights, a wide range of flora and fauna and a wealth of archaeological and historic highlights, while others will appeal to food enthusiasts and wine buffs. Taking a cycling tour of Europe means travelers are free to explore at their own pace; whether it be a lazy lunch or a trek to an ancient chateau, the possibilities are endless.

Here are five of the coolest, most cycle-friendly cities to check out.

Copenhagen

The Danish capital is one of the best biking cities in Europe; almost 37% of all locals use bicycles to get around. With miles of cycle tracks throughout the city, it is difficult to avoid taking a bike tour around Copenhagen. Ride over the Dronning Louises Bridge into the center of the city during ‘Bicycle Rush Hour’, when 35,000 cyclists cross the bridge on their daily commute. There are historic squares and cobbled streets to see, but be sure to stop off at one of the many charming tea shops, such as AC Perch’s, which is Europe’s oldest.

Copenhagan by Andrew Hayward via Flickr (creative commons)

Paris

The traffic in Paris can be quite challenging, so cycling in the city is best left to experienced bikers.  However, a bike tour of Paris is still a beautiful way to take in the City of Light. One of the best routes is along the Seine, where many Paris hotels are also located. From the Marais district head for the Picasso Museum. Next, continue to Place de Vosges, the oldest square in the city. Park the bicycle and take in a little shopping in Les Halles, perhaps followed by refreshments at Rue Monorgueil, where Patisserie Stohrer, Paris’ oldest pastry shop, is located.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam, with a population of 700,000 has a staggering 600,000 bicycles. For one of the most leisurely rides, filled with plenty of attractions along the way, head south along the Amstel River. Check out the people rowing on the river and fishing on the banks among old windmills. There are numerous riverside cafes and picture-perfect stops. Bike paths are well signposted, making exploring easy and pleasurable.

London 

London is known for its parks and views, but is not often thought of as being bicycle friendly. However, sightseeing on two wheels provides a different way of viewing this old city, especially since several biking “superhighways” are currently under construction. One of the lesser-known routes passes through Stoke Newington and Stamford Hill, leading to Lordship Lane. Be sure to cycle all the way up to Alexandra Palace for impressive vistas across London.

London by Flickr user JohnGoode (creative commons)

Rome

The ancient city of Rome is best experienced on two wheels, especially for tourists looking to take in the sights near the Tiber. Riding at an easy pace makes it possible to visit all the main attractions in one day, including the Coliseum, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.  Encountering Roman art and architecture on a bicycle is an entirely different experience to walking or touring by car.