In the UK we like to go away in the summer. And of course for cyclists, our favorite travel companions are two wheels.
One of the biggest benefits of cycle touring is that it costs less than a standard getaway. It’s also a great way to meet new people (cyclists and non-cyclists) while discovering lesser-known sights and making impromptu pub stops – all pretty spontaneous.
However, be careful not to rely too much on your future self. A lack of planning (trust me, I know this stuff) can lead to stress, dead bike batteries in the middle of the night, and in many cases a waste of your money.
Sort out the essential details before you set off and your trip will run as smoothly as freshly serviced brakes. Try these money-saving tips while you’re at it.
The first place to cut your costs is accommodation, and with hot showers you can stay at another bike enthusiast’s house for free.
Warm Showers is essentially Couchsurfing for cycle tourists. Simply create an account that tells a little more about yourself and your adventures and search for people to stay with on your next trip.
The idea is that you would accommodate them and other cyclists in the future. I can’t host because I live in private shared accommodation, so I treat my hosts to wine or chocolate instead.
Oh, and also mention your dietary requirements on your profile – you don’t want to arrive hungry and receive something you can’t eat.
Some areas are a little sparsely populated as far as hosts go, so in those cases you can either try to find accommodation through Couchsurfing or take a more traditional camping/hotel/hostel route.
Being informed before the visit will save you time and money.
Look for route essentials, like nearby rest and food stores, bike shops, and diversions. Keep Plan B itineraries and accommodation in mind if your trip takes longer than expected.
You might miss must-see sights like historic buildings, markets or viaducts if you don’t do your research beforehand.
If you’re traveling abroad, get a guide to the country of your choice. Read about Travel the World by Bike: 7 of the Best Books on International Bike Travel for more ideas.
And if the book you’re considering is a monster, you can tear out the pages you need and take them with you.
You will soon understand how important food is to your trip and you may not always be in a city or town with food stores.
But when you need to eat, you need to eat – otherwise you’ll lash out. Expect to eat on the side of the road with drivers thinking you’re kind of weird.
Bars and gels are good when you’re on the road, but they’re also very expensive. Instead, opt for small, high-calorie foods like malt bread, banana bread or peanut butter sandwiches. Of course, take plenty of water. Don’t try anything new during your trip in case it doesn’t suit you.
If you’re going with someone else, split the budget to spread the costs.
Sit down with them when planning your trip and figure out who covers what.
It could be yellow-sticker items at a supermarket or a pre-trip sale on cycling essentials.
You might even find a last-minute accommodation deal if time is tight and you don’t fancy another night in a tent. Getting to know the locals is also helpful, as they may know of places that are cheaper and less touristy.
It seems financially counterintuitive, but depending on the length of your trip, it’s worth getting a tune-up or full service done on your bike before you leave.
If something happens while you’re on a trail, there probably won’t be a bike shop available to fix it. Even if it doesn’t cost you any money in damages (or possible injuries), it could cost you valuable time, meaning you could miss the accommodation you were going to stay in (it’s time to plan B!).
So, if your mount is making persistent squeaks, rattles or rattles, take it to the mechanic!
Let’s end with the obvious: booking early is essential if you want to save money on your trip.
Train tickets are released 12 weeks before departure and plane seats can be released as early as 11 months before departure. So, the bigger the trip, the earlier in advance you should book.
This also applies if you want to plan a big night out at your accommodation or go to a popular tourist attraction.
Happy travels!
Do you have any other tips for saving money when you’re on tour? Are you going anywhere in the near future? Tell us in the comments below.