Cycling with kids in Europe

If you’ve got plans to go cycling with kids in Europe then we’ve got saddle bags full of top tips and advice for family cycling vacations across the continent. Activities for families cycling in Europe range from beach and pool time to going wild and island hopping with a super section on what does Responsible travel recommend providing the ideal aid to help you cycle with confidence.

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CYCLING WITH KIDS IN EUROPE

WHAT DOES RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL RECOMMEND?

Cycling vacations in Europe for families are a great way to get outdoors and active together but, let’s face it, if you or your kids are not into exercise then don’t think this is going to be a quick fix. Usually a minimum age of 12 is suitable for family cycling trips but do yourselves a favour and get some practise in first before you buy matching Lycra outfits. Keep daily distances to an achievable length and try a tailor-made or self guided itinerary just so you can be flexible when it comes to tired limbs or sudden bouts of cycleitus. Finally, small group tours for families are usually designed for a maximum of 16 people and can be a great way to make friends and keep up momentum, particularly over the course of 30 to 60km days.

ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES CYCLING IN EUROPE

TOP TIPS FOR CYCLING WITH KIDS

Go wild

Pick an itinerary that’s designed to take you to well known habitats for wildlife, or to waterfalls, hot springs or deserted beaches – this gives you something to get excited about and provides a range of different scenes to break up daily distances. Nature walks, photography sessions and outdoor picnics are just a few alternative activities to give you all a change of pace and revive flagging spirits.

Pedal into the past

Although a history lesson may not be everyone’s cup of tea on a cycling vacation in Europe, taking in a few Roman ruins, palatial properties and ancient fortifications can often do wonders for inspiring one last push to flag-adorned turrets appearing over hillsides. Cycling from chateau to chateau in the Loire Valley or looking for Moorish castles in southern Portugal or over the border in Andalucia, are great activities for educating as well as exhilarating younger, two-wheeled explorers.

Island hopping

Ferrying your bikes from one island to the next is certain to add to the appeal of cycling vacations in Europe with Croatia’s Adriatic Coast, Stockholm’s archipelago and the Hardangerfjord in Norway inviting cyclists to pedal on and pedal off ferries before cycling away from the mainland. Using public ferries gives you the chance to explore new lands where roads are quiet, beaches are empty and every fishing village becomes the ideal spot to cycle to, sit and breath it all in.

CYCLING WITH KIDS IN EUROPE

responsible travel asks the experts

Andy Ross is Cycling Manager at our cycling vacation supplier, Exodus, He shares his advice on going on a family cycling vacation in Europe:

“Cycling is a great family activity as long as the route is suitable. Avoid biting off more than you can chew, it is far more relaxing to keep distances manageable.”

Photo credits: [Top box: r. Nial bradshaw] [Helpdesk: lassedesignen] [Go wild: vacation2] [Pedal into the past: Leandro Neumann Ciuffo] [Island hopping: Victor Velez] [Andy Ross quote: andrewwrendell]

Written by Chris Owen

Cycling with kids in Europe