In my previous post, we discussed how to plan a bike trip by considering various parameters such as budget, destination, and travel style. Today, I’ll talk about my own way of traveling, a hybrid approach that combines both economy and comfort, depending on the opportunities.
Table of Contents
1. My Travel Budget : Balancing Economy and Enjoyment
My cycling travel style is oriented towards saving money, but I’m not too strict about expenses. Here’s how I manage this:
Avoiding Expense Phobia
Even though I’m mindful of my budget, I don’t want to be stressed by overly strict limits. I enjoy treating myself when I feel like it, whether it’s for a good meal, an activity, or a hotel stay after several days of camping. A pleasant night in a Japanese ryokan (an inn with hot springs) or a great meal of Serbian grilled dishes is hard to pass up! The Warmshower option (similar to Couchsurfing, but for cycle tourists) can be a good alternative, offering free accommodations from hosts. However, depending on the country, hosts may prefer to be notified several days in advance. Otherwise, Airbnb and Booking (or Agoda in Asia, Jalan in Japan) will likely be your best friends for apps.
Camping nights
When I’m outside of cities or tourist areas, I prioritize wild camping or staying at cheap campsites, as long as the weather allows it. This helps me cut down on accommodation costs.
My equipment
I primarily try to use gear I or my family already own. If I need something new, I always look for quality items without going too high-end. Standard equipment usually works just fine.
Respecting the budget
To keep track of my budget, I created an Excel file to monitor its evolution while keeping an eye on any missing gear. This helped me prepare calmly right up to the departure date without needing to remember everything and without struggling to track the financial side of the project. You can find this (non-exhaustive) list in my article Bike Travelling material, along with an Excel file for inspiration.
It’s important to note that the budget varies depending on the country. Spending a night in a hotel in Bangladesh or Switzerland represents very different economic realities!
2. Preparing Based on Travel Location: Suited for Moderate Conditions
I haven’t yet had the chance to travel in extreme conditions (arid climates or severe cold), and for now, I prefer to explore destinations that are relatively accessible in terms of weather and terrain (with the exception of summer in the Balkans or Japan). Here’s how I prepare:
Equipment
My gear is simple and adapted to moderate conditions. I don’t need high-altitude or low-temperature equipment since my destinations aren’t deserts or polar regions.Physical and mental preparation
I don’t do intensive physical preparation (like many pre-trip rides), because I rely on gradually building up endurance as the trip progresses. My body naturally adapts to the continuous effort as long as I start moderately.If you think like me, it’s ideal to aim for mild seasons in the region you plan to explore and to stick to less remote areas to avoid major unexpected challenges.
3. Distances and Itinerary Flexibility
I enjoy covering long distances (around 80 km per day), but I adjust based on the discoveries I make along the way. Here’s my philosophy:
Average distance
I often aim to cover significant distances, but I don’t hesitate to slow down if an unexpected event or interesting visit comes up. Some days, I might only travel 30 to 50 km, and that doesn’t frustrate me at all.
Itinerary Adaptation
I’m flexible with itineraries. If an opportunity for a detour or encounter arises, I seize it without hesitation. That’s part of the charm of cycling trips.
Examples:
- I followed the EuroVelo route along the Danube but didn’t force myself to stick to the entire path. Instead, I detoured to visit Pécs, Lake Balaton, and Győr in Hungary.
- After meeting a close Australian friend in Japan, I had never even thought of aiming for the highest public road in the country. Yet, he led me there, and it turned out to be one of the most incredible decisions of the whole trip—no regrets!
In summary, I prefer leaving room for improvisation and opportunities. Similarly, I allow myself the flexibility to meet interesting people and adjust my route to spend more time with them.
Traveling solo greatly facilitates this flexibility : encounters are more frequent, and plans are easier to adjust.
4. Administration and Organization: Simplicity First
I always opt for destinations that don’t require complex administrative procedures. Here’s how I get organized:
- No visas for destinations and length of stay
- Insurance
I make do with basic insurance provided by my bank (Crédit Mutuel). It’s always a good idea to check out what online banks have to offer, as they often have cards with low-cost travel insurance included. - Logistics
- On the first trip, the shared motorhome for a trip with my dad was enough. It was really ideal for not having to worry about anything to transport the equipment or the bike.
- For the second… Japan is a bit far for a camper van, so the plane and all the packing that goes with it had to be considered. I adapted to the weight confimed by the airline (with a few extras … 25kilos in total in the hold was not possible). A big bike box from the Intersport dumpster for the bike and a big cubic box for the gear did the trick 🙂 All the gear survived the trip, so I can recommend this option if you manage to optimize and protect your cycling partner with some paper, bubble wrap, tape and cardboard.
5. Other Bike Travel Styles
Finally, there are several other ways to travel by bike. Here are two common styles I’ve identified:
- Performance travel
This style focuses on maximizing the distances covered each day with few breaks. It’s often associated with mountainous areas for the challenge. This type of trip is usually shorter (rarely over a month) unless you have high endurance. - Comfort Travel
In this style, the traveler consistently seeks accommodations with a roof (hotel, guesthouse, hostel), doesn’t necessarily need to cook, and follows a pre-planned route. This style requires a bigger budget but allows for a more relaxed mindset, as you’re less concerned with logistics during the trip, though more preparation is required beforehand.
Conclusion
My bike travel style reflects a balance between economy and comfort, pleasure and effort. I aim to enjoy comfort when necessary while optimizing costs whenever possible. This blend of adventure and flexibility allows me to travel serenely without worrying too much about the budget or logistics.
The variety of bike travel styles might seem intimidating, but again, take your time to discover your preferences and just get started without overthinking it. The key is to carefully consider your own travel style and adjust your preparations accordingly. Online resources (YouTube, blogs, Instagram) are excellent sources of inspiration to refine your project and ensure a successful experience without too much stress.
Find your own approach, and don’t hesitate to adapt your trip to your desires and needs. Feel free to ask me questions in the comments if you’d like more details on certain aspects!
Thank you for reading and see you soon. Cheers !