TRAVEL-REPORTS
Why is Bicycle Touring the Best Way to Travel Through Europe?
Benefits
- Cheaper than public transport
- Getting fit whilst travelling
- Hugely diverse area, geographically and politically. The geography in Europe is variable from the flat lands of the Netherlands to the mountains of the Alps. You can put in good distance in the former and get really fit and go slow for the latter.
- Camping is widely available
- If you speak English then often many people in Europe will speak the language. Otherwise, you can get some good iPhone apps with phrase books on them, and you can get by on the basics or just with gestures if necessary.
Better if
- You have a lot of time to explore
- You don’t mind rain in some areas (otherwise head south)
- You have a decent budget if you want to eat out and stay indoors
What do you need
- Minimal bicycle repair knowledge
- Buy a bike and minimal gear, clothes and panniers
- Practice a little riding a bike loaded with luggage
- Decide a route and an itinerary of places to visit. Think about what your likely daily distance will be
- Book accommodation if required