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Gear of the Week: Grand Trunk Travel Pillow

Whether you’re flying home from the holidays or on your way to Europe for a cycling vacation, a Grand Trunk Travel Pillow is a must-have companion. You’ll get sound rest before your next adventure begins.

Avid outdoorsmen Jon Neff and Kevin Kaiser decided it was time travelers stopped crumpling up their jackets into makeshift headrests. They designed these pillows for their company Grand Trunk, which creates products to enhance active lifestyles.

The Adjustable Pillow easily changes shape to suit your surroundings and preferences. Tighten or release the drawstring to make it round and puffy or flat and soft. The Hooded Pillow is a memory foam neck ring covered in comfy fleece, with an attached drawstring hood to block out light. Both come with a storage sack that makes them easy to tote around.

To get your travel pillow, or find other undiscovered products invented by people with stories, head to The Grommet today!

Industry Insider: Jordan Roessingh

Meet Jordan Roessingh, technical director for the Trek Factory Racing team. While talented riders put on a show, men and women like Jordan are behind the scenes making it happen.

Tell us your story in 140 characters or less.

Born in Canada, raised in Wisconsin, live in Luxembourg. Engineer by trade, cyclist by heart. Trek-y since 2008. Now Technical Director at Trek Factory Racing.

What’s the most rewarding part about your job?

Helping our riders go faster.

Favorite place you’ve ever traveled and why?

It’s tough to name one favorite, but Siena, Italy would rank high. It combines Tuscany and the Strade Bianche–one of the most beautiful places in the world and one the best bike races to spectate in the world. The race finish in the Piazza del Campo is amazing.

If you were a trip designer at Trek Travel, where would you design a trip?

I would design a monuments trip. I would challenge guests to complete the full distance of all five one-day monuments (Milan San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris Roubaix, Liege Bastogne Liege, Tour of Lombardia). You’d have to train a bit for that trip, though.

Tell us about your best day on a bicycle.

Tough to choose a best day, but the best road I’ve ever ridden? Gotthard Pass in Switzerland. A 13km cobbled climb, closed to traffic.

Favorite post-ride beverage?

Apfelshoerle. It’s a German drink made with sparkling water and apple juice.

What and where was the best meal you’ve ever enjoyed?

Casa Gala Restaurant in Montecatini Alto, Italy. Marginal hotel, but amazing restaurant. The meal? Steak with porcinis and a bottle of Chianti. Incredible setting, even better food.

What’s the best advice you’ve never followed?

“Stay close to home.”

Outside of your family, who inspires you the most?

Markel Irizar. He is a cancer survivor on the Trek Factory Racing team who embodies his personal motto: Bizipoz (Basque for “Joy for Life”).

What is your favorite travel song?

“Goin’ Home” – Dan Auerbach

Favorite hotel you’ve ever stayed in and why?

Pax Montana, near Sarnen, Switzerland. Located in the foothills of the Alps, overlooking an alpine lake. The hotel is from the 1800’s and recently renovated. Decidedly old-tech (no, there are not TV’s in the rooms), but the setting and views more than make up for it.

Holiday Must Haves

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket Trek Travel Holiday Gift Guide

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket | $199

Indoors or out, and especially on an airplane, this insulated jacket is the perfect travel piece to keep you comfortable without weighing down your suitcase.

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Travel and Leisure subscription on Trek Travel's holiday gift guide

Travel and Leisure Magazine Subscription | $12

The best guide for insider information on top hotels, restaurants, and things to do around the world, Travel and Leisure provides inspiration and insights on every page.

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Wooden bike rack on Trek Travel's Holiday Gift Guide

CB2 Wood Bike Storage | $50

Turn your gear into art, and save space in your home, with this handcrafted wood rack that mounts easily to any wall and holds you bike by the top tube.

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This is Ground Cordito on Trek Travel's Holiday Gift Guide

This is Ground Cordito | $45

With room for up to three cables and two plugs, This is Ground’s Cordito neatly holds your electronic cords and keeps them from getting tangled in your bag.

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Osprey Hydration pack on Trek Travel's holiday gift guide

Osprey Syncro Hydration Pack | $110

This lightweight and ventilated pack is available in three sizes and offers plenty of carrying capacity for multiple hours on a mountain bike or hiking trail.

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Outdoor Tech Speaker on Trek Travel's Holiday Gift Guide

Outdoor Tech Buckshot Wireless Speaker | $50

This small, portable speaker has all the features you want. It’s shock-resistant, water-resistant, and provides crystal clear audio for sixteen hours.

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Black Diamond Headlamp on Trek Travel's holiday gift guide

Black Diamond Storm Headlamp | $50

Equipped with a fully waterproof construction, this incredibly bright headlamp is perfect for helping you work in all conditions and levels of daylight.

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L'Occitane Hand Cream on Trek Travel's Holiday Gift Guide

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream Trio | $28

Born of Provence, L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream will keep your hands from drying out on long flights. A perfect winter stocking stuffer for men and women.

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Mophie Space Pack on Trek Travel's Holiday Gift Guide

Mophie Space Pack | $150

An iPhone battery case with built in storage, bring the Mophie Space Pack on your next trip to ensure that your phone never dies right when you need it most.

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Cycle Ops PowerSync trainer on Trek Travel's Holiday Gift Guide

Cycle Ops PowerSync Trainer | $900

Take your indoor training to a whole new level. With programmable resistance and virtual training software, you’ll never get bored on a long winter rider again.

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Leap Wireless Headphones on Trek Travel's Holiday Gift Guide

Leap Wireless Earphones by Yurbuds | $100

These sweat-proof, comfortable earphones have exceptional sound and Bluetooth connectivity. Lasting up to 6 hours, never let wires get in your way on a ride.

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Artifact Uprising Photo Book on Trek Travel's Holiday Gift Guide

Artifact Uprising Hardcover Photo Book | $70

Document your adventures or tell your story with a, premium quality photo book. Beautifully share your best photos with family and friends this holiday season.

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TRX Suspension Trainer on Trek Travel's Holiday Gift Guide

TRX Suspension Trainer | $200

TRX suspension training uses your bodyweight for a fast, effective, total-body workout. Set it up anywhere so you never lose fitness while you’re on the road.

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Grid Foam Roller on Trek Travel's Holiday Gift Guide

Grid Mini Foam Roller | $25

Finally an easy to pack, travel friendly foam roller. This 4-inch roller helps mobilize tissue and aid in recovery by providing targeted compression.

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Stumptown Coffee on Trek Travel's holiday gift guide

Stumptown Coffee Rambler | $185

Whether you wake up near rocky mountain, desert dust, hotel minibar, or skyscraper, coordinates matter not. The Rambler makes a damn good cup wherever you find yourself.

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Bontrager Luggage on Trek Travel's Holiday Gift Guide

Bontrager Mallorca Carry On | $220

Big enough for riding essentials but small enough to fit in the overhead, this roller bag features wet and dry compartments to separate clean and dirty clothes.

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Nuun Sampler Pack on Trek Travel's Holiday Gift Guide

Nuun Energy Sampler Pack | $20

The perfect supplement for any ride, Nuun electrolyte tablets provide the essentials for performance through balanced hydration and sustained energy.

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You had me at private chef!

“It didn’t take my wife and me long to choose the new Barcelona Villa trip from Trek Travel’s array of adventures. We loved the idea of unpacking our suitcases and staying in one place for a week. As Priscilla said when we first discussed signing up for this trip, “You had me at private chef!”

Ca l’Almiral de la Font on Trek Travel's Barcelona Villa tripThe trip turned out even better than we expected. Almiral de la Font was spacious and luxurious. A portion of the original stone manor house dates to the 16th century and a subsequent addition served for many years as a church. As an architect, I appreciated the contemporary renovation that preserved the history and character of the house yet provided every modern amenity, including robust wifi. I liked relaxing in the appropriately named Moroccan “chill-out” lounge best.
It was an outdoor room covered with lush grape vines and bougainvillea and furnished with casual furniture and dozens of pillows.

Because we had the place to ourselves, we really bonded with our fellow travelers. It seemed like a week-long house party at the home of a favorite (and wealthy) relative. It was wonderful to tumble down to breakfast each morning at our leisure or to come home from a day of riding and relax in the hot tub with a drink from the open bar. Everything was included. I don’t think I touched my wallet all week.

Private Chef on Trek Travel's Barcelona Villa Luxury Cycling VacationWe were also fortunate that trip planner and guide Penny Gatward lives in the nearby resort town of Sitges. She knows the region well and planned a variety of routes leading from the house each day to a featured destination. One day it was a tour, wine tasting and tapas at an outstanding local winery. Another day we rode past a medieval castle to enjoy a classic Catalan lunch at a surprisingly elegant country restaurant. And a third day we celebrated some legendary climbing in the Garraf National Park on a high terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. There was enough terrain to challenge even the most avid riders in our group, but those desiring a mellower experience found that, too.

We found our way to Sitges one evening to take a walking tour and sample authentic pinchos at a tapas bar favored by locals. But the best meals were the custom dinners at the villa prepared by Gillian and Connie, our private chefs. One night we all pitched in to help prepare a sumptuous paella with fresh local seafood. And for our final night they used the outdoor kitchen to grill a variety of meats and seasonal vegetables for a festive dinner on the terrace.
This is a trip that we could definitely take again. It would be wonderful to return to “our” private villa again someday!”

Written by Trek Travel guest Bob Joy

Private

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate Luxury:

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Luxury:

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

Explorer:

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

Combined:

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Level 1:

Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Level 2:

Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Level 3:

Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Level 4:

Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discover:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself