Self Guided Bicycle Tours
		| What is Self Guided | Are you ready? | Advantages

If you are new to this concept of travel, you are not alone! In fact, 2 major cycling publications have never really understood this well enough to give it proper mention. A few years ago one of these major magazines published as story that described “self-contained” touring as self-guided, and just last month another bicycle touring magazine left their readers to believe you had two choices when it comes to bicycle travel: group guided tours or the self-contained individually planned program. You are to here to find out there is an alternative! This concept applies to bicycle touring as well as walking tours, and certainly any other activity.

Self guided travel is a growing trend due to the flexibility to start and the extraordinary price. It offers support and independence, and customers don't have to do any work to put it together! Look for more information in popular travel magazines as this concept takes off!

What is Self Guided?

Here is a narrative picture: what if you could go on an inexpensive tour and didn’t have plan any of the routes? Where all the lodging was taken care of and you had a choice of hotels, where meals were taken care of, and most important you didn’t have to carry your luggage from place to place. On top of that, what if you could go any date you wanted – a date that worked for your schedule and family? What if you didn’t want to be part of a group of strangers with different abilities and interests than your own – wouldn’t that be even better still? Guess what, you have found self-guided travel!

Self guided biking and walking can be characterized by the following benefits:

Flexible – durations can be modified to meet a clients time available, hotels are available for many budgets, often in combination, no minimum participation so no threat of cancellation by the operator,

Affordable – prices are amazing by comparison to most group guided offers, yet worth the extra it might cost over doing it all yourself in a self-contained concept.

Supported – most operators proposing this program do also provide baggage transfers, emergency support, orientations, transfers, and add on services. Often, these support services are extremely beneficial because they are founded on expert knowledge of the region, and therefore a very reliable source for finding and offering unique properties, routes, and visits.

Off the beaten path – many of the tours follow famous cycling routes and can be quiet at times and busy at others, but the cycling is always on bicycle friendly routes. Routes are well chosen and occasionally on very small routes and naturally provide for lots of interaction with the locals.

The all-important question for many people might be “how much is this going to cost?” Well, this can vary based upon your level of accommodations and duration of trip. Self-guided travel can average in the $900-1250 range per person for a 7-night trip. This might compare to a some guided trips averaging $2800 and up, or as cheap as you can go self-contained at $350 and a good tent!

Are You Ready for Self Guided Bicycle Travel?

Like all other travel there are a number of questions you have to ask yourself before deciding what you are going to do and what you are capable of doing. Ask yourself if you are fit enough to accomplish the requirements of the trip you are contemplating. These cycling tours are challengning and strong cyclists only are encouraged to apply. BUT, at the same time, many of the trips are based in one hotel with loop rides and are therefore flexible for non-cycling spouses or those who want to cycle but not as much as others in a party.

Can you get by in a language that is not your primary language? This doesn’t mean you have to speak a second language, just simply get by. For example, if someone doesn’t speak your language can you get by with phrasebook pronunciations and charades? If this causes you to panic, it may not be for you. On the other hand, very many good experiences result from these kinds of cultural encounters!

Can you read a map and follow road signs? This should be really easy, but if you are not comfortable interpreting these things, it may not be for you. Lets face it too, reading and interpreting directions is subjective. What one person believes is self-evident another may see differently. Therefore, if you miss a turn are you capable of backtracking to get back on track? Just about any trip is going to have this little adventure side built into it, so count on it with any tour.

At all of our travel brand companies, we have clients who have never been abroad take these trips, and we have those who have been many times guided and now are ready to go self-guided. It’s an individual case each time, and we will be glad to help you decide.


Advantages of Each Touring Option

In case you’re not clear, lets draw distinctions between this concept and the famous alternatives. It should be obvious when it comes to group guided travel. There is of course a fixed date that you must fit into your schedule, a group of potentially new friends that you will not know in advance, and a huge difference in price. The additional support required can explain some of that cost. With the self-contained trip, you can essentially plan everything from roads to carrying your gear with you every step of the way. In addition, the following is a table that may help you determine what is important to you and how you can see what a self-guided tour brings to you in advantages and disadvantages:

Recent comments from some of our 2006 Tour clients:

"It was an amazing tour and our group and guides (Marc and David) made it an unforgettable experience." - Linda F./Toronto

"I would be totally unhesitant in recommending your tours to anyone and might even have to be back again in the next few years myself." Guy W./Vancouver


"I can't thank you enough for everything you did to make my France cycling experience one I will never forget. It was awesome. No one can fully appreciate the beauty of the Alps until you have ridden them on a bike. I hope to go back next year. Thanks for everything." Steve C.


"Bikes were great, we want to buy the bike that was rented to us - increadable. Guide Alin was great, very tolerant of all of us. please tell him thank you. Could not have asked for a more positive experience." Zak W./Dallas


"Our guides, Marc D. and Alain, were excellent. They were informative and fun to be with. The riding was amazing! Getting to see the Tour de France was and unforgettable experience! Thanks so much!" Melissa L./Ohio

"Thanks for organising a fantastic trip! Nick and I had a really great time - the cycling, the views, the Tour..it was all superb. WIllie, Mark and Christian were all very helpful. Christian went out of his way to make sure everyone was happy with their bikes right up until the last hour of the trip. The trip notes were detailed and well prepared. I would definitely do it again! maybe next year....." Vanessa C.

"Everything was so great!! I was very organized and didn't have to stress about the little stuff, just ride, ride, and ride some more.. Thanks on a great tour, Ill never forget it. " Jessica P.

"I had an excellent time. I loved the cycling and found the tour a great way of meeting like minded people to get out on the road with. Would highly recommend it." Jim P.

"I wanted to write and tell you what a wonderful time Scott and I had during our trip! It was truly the trip of a lifetime for us, and a perfect honeymoon! Please feel free to pass these comments on to anyone that might want to know how happy we were with the trip. Thank you again for the most memorable (and challenging) trip of our lives. We hope to work with you again in the not too distant future! Take Care." Sara D.

"We had a terrific time and would love to return to France. Staying in the Hotel Le Cassini in Freney d'Oisans turned out to be much preferable to staying in the tourist-infested Bourg d'Oisans. The hotel was very nice and the proprieters, Rob and Dirk, wwere very friendly and helpful throughout our stay." Kevin M.

"The hotel in Freney d' Oisans was nice, the owners two great guys." Margaret L

'The trip was great! I lived in France for 5 years and took many great trips around Europe, but this may well have been the most memorable!' - Andy C.


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