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Top 10 Favorite Travel Apps

Duolingo Language Learning App

1. Duolingo

Speaking the local language is crucial to running an excellent trip, but that can be difficult when you run trips in 12 countries. Whether brushing up your skills or starting from scratch, Duolingo is the best way to learn a language on the go.
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Uber Ride Share

2. Uber

Available is 45 countries, Uber is the perfect transportation service to find a reliable ride. With five different tiers, you can conveniently request a ride that matches your style and budget.
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TripCase

3. TripCase

Enter your trips into TripCase to manage the information. The app will provide you with everything from flight alerts and weather forecasts to alternate flights and driving directions.
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Skype

4. Skype

A webcam, internet connection, and computer or mobile device is all you need to stay in touch with family and friends worldwide. Stay close to loves you love while you see the world.
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Google Translate

5. Google Translate

Translate between 80 languages by speaking, typing, writing, or taking a picture. No internet connection needed. Get yourself out of a bind or just converse with those around you.
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AccuWeather

6. AccuWeather

Plan your day, and your outfit, perfectly. Never be unprepared thanks to the daily snapshot, local forecast summary, severe weather alerts, animated weather radar and more.
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Hotel Tonight

7. Hotel Tonight

Expect the unexpected with Hotel Tonight. Book a room up to seven days in advance, scroll through a hand-picked selection of hotels, and find exceptional values on the go.
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Google Maps

8. Google Maps

The world is at your finger tips with the Google Maps app. Navigate like a local, avoid traffic jams, never get lost, and find the best spots while discovering destinations near and far.
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Free-Wifi-Finder

9. Free Wifi Finder

No matter where you are in the world, find free Wifi hotspots using this JiWire app. Search based on your current location, find Wifi in a specific region, or filter by location type.
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XE Currency

10. XE Currency

XE Currency offers live exchange rates for every currency in the world. Convert every currency, even without internet, so you never pass up a great deal or pay too much for a meal.
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The Art of Finding a Great Hotel

The difficulty of finding a great hotel, one that meets everyone’s needs, is a pain that all travelers have felt. Yet our trip design manager, Meagan, tells us that booking the perfect hotel doesn’t have to cause headaches and anxiety. Today she shares her secrets on where to look and what questions to ask in order to get it right the first time.

“Whenever I am traveling (especially to a new destination) and I need a place to stay, I simply start by asking my friends. There is nothing quite as relevant and dependable as a strong personal recommendation. I’m lucky since most of my friends are in the travel industry and their word of mouth carries some serious weight.

Inle hotel on Trek Travel Myanmar bike tripsIf I can’t find a place I love based on what my pals have to say, I look to my favorite travel publications to see what nods they give hotels in the area that I’m planning to travel. Afar, Travel & Leisure, and the NY Times, as well as websites such as Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Relais Chateau, are all great places to look. I also check out online reviews, blogs and booking sites (such as Trip Advisor) to see how different hotels rank in the area.

Once I settle on a few options, I like to dig into the exact location on a map. Is it within walking distance to all of the attractions I would like to visit? And more importantly for me personally, what kind of restaurants are nearby? The hotel website is my next reference—I look at the rooms and room types to decide what best suits me. I look for super detailed information about the hotel breakfast and coffee options. If they don’t have great coffee I am not going! It’s sometimes nice to have tasty dining options on site and entertainment as well, even if it is just a cozy lounge or terrace with a view to enjoy a beverage.

Amorosa Hotel on Trek Travel's Bike Ride Across ItalyOf course, the amenities and services are important to keep in mind. Does the hotel have a sauna, mini bar, bike rental or fitness center? I look around the hotel site for special offers and sometimes (gasp!) even pick up the phone to see if I can talk to the friendly reservation department about getting the best room available at the best price or complimentary valet, breakfast or another perk.

After all that, I just kick back and imagine myself on vacation! If I am lucky, I won’t spend too much time at the hotel because I will be out riding my bike or exploring.”

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge, Meagan! 

Trek Travel’s Hotel of the Year

Being experts in the world’s best bicycle vacations is not a title we take lightly.

TT14_Hotel_logoWe’ve spent years researching the ins and outs of every place worth visiting. Collectively, we are a team of seasoned travelers who have been to almost every corner of the Earth. We have experienced firsthand the tranquil hilltop villages of Tuscany, the ancient temples of Myanmar, and the dazzling shores of Costa Brava. Fortunately for you, we want to share our passion. Our hotel of the year award is designed to highlight the best of the best, the hotels that standout above the rest. They are magical places where moments are pure and experience is everything. Together they redefine charm and exceed every expectation of hospitality. Winning our Hotel(s) of the Year Award, it is our pleasure to honor Moraine Lake Lodge and Chateau de Mazan.

Dreamy. That is the word that comes to mind when we think about Moraine Lake Lodge in Banff, Canada. The photos can speak to the beauty of the lodge but cannot capture the oasis away from busy life that the owners have created. It is a place without phones or TVs to interrupt relaxation. This spectacular lodge is the ultimate spot for a getaway to the pristine Canadian Rockies. It is situated just a short distance to Lake Louise, one of the most photographed sites in the region. From this dreamy launch pad, breathe the fresh mountain air and create lasting memories with your travel partners or family. Moraine Lake Lodge Enjoy delightful days filled with adventure, be it biking, hiking, or canoeing. The water on tap at the lodge is some of the freshest in the world, coming straight from their alpine mountain well. The food is nothing short of divine; the lodge has one of the top gourmet restaurants in the Park. The Walter Wilcox Dining Room offers an outstanding menu showcasing regional specialties like our favorite dish, the deer tenderloin with red currants and juniper berries. In sync with the natural surroundings, the lodge is self-sufficient and has high environmental standards. When it comes to service, this place is exceptional. Their staff is knowledgeable about the area and treats you like a friend from the moment you step through the door. What more could you want on your Canadian Rockies adventure? For the World’s Best Awards, Moraine Lake Lodge is consistently rated nearly perfect in guest evaluations. In the words of a guest, “We were thrilled with the Trek Travel selection of Moraine Lake Lodge.” So are we.

Now travel across the Atlantic Ocean, replace fresh Rocky Mountain air with the scent of luscious lavender, and transport yourself to France. La belle vie spills over in Provence. The leisurely pace of life, the cozy cafés, the local markets, and the historic relics meld to create la vie Provençale. For avid bikers, the epic climb of Mont Ventoux stands waiting to be conquered. For foodies – Michelin-starred meals, wine tastings, and a renowned cooking course tantalize your taste buds. Welcome to Chateau de Mazan—a member of the prestigious Chateau et Hotels Collection. PRL_chateaudemazanNestled in the tiny town of Mazan only a short distance from the base of Mont Ventoux, this 4-star property is undeniably beautiful. Originally built in 1720 during the Regency Period, it became the property of the notorious Marquis de Sade and hosted the first Theatre Festival. Fast-forward to 2001 and the new owner, Mme Lhermie, transformed the Chåteau into the quaint, charming hotel it is today. The hotel staff is focused on the essence of hospitality—welcoming each and every guest as part of their family and making everyone feel truly at home. As distinguished guests of Trek Travel you will be treated as trusted friends and you will be put at ease in a manner that is only possible in Provence. Just 30 rooms, a perfectly landscaped garden, and a French gourmet restaurant await. Chateau de Mazan will wow you. And the evening before you ride the famed Mont Ventoux, you want nothing less.

Kari talks Blackberry Farm luxury

Our private trip coordinator, Kari K., was recently able to travel to and stay at our newest hotel partner, Blackberry Farm. She got to experience the slower pace of life in this little paradise. Here are her takeaways from her own break from reality.

Photographs of Blackberry Farms Garden Shed with Jeff RossTraffic lights, car horns, overloaded inboxes, and the bottom-less pit of meetings and conference calls. If your substitute these everyday things with the likes of fly-fishing, farm-to-table gourmet cooking, the crackling of a campfire next to a moonlit pond, wine-tastings from an oak cellar, and rides through the majestic Smoky Mountains then Blackberry Farm might be the place for you.

Let’s talk about the unique and extraordinary cuisine you will experience at Blackberry Farm; known as the “Foothills Cuisine”. Your taste buds will be moving more than your legs as you taste the fresh and local flavors recognized as the number one hotel for food lovers by Bon Appetit in 2013.

Some getaways leave you feeling anxious, ready to get back to the daily grind because they are a one-trick pony–sitting on the beach, laying by a pool, but not at Blackberry. The array of activities will provide you with an enriching experience, one that challenges and inspires mind, body, and spirit. Cycling through the mountains will make the private yoga class and massage at the new wellness facility feel well-deserved. Fly-fishing with seasoned instructor’s in the pristine Hesse Creek, and kayaking in one of the nearby lakes will make your wine from the best producing wine-regions in the world taste even sweeter that evening.

When thinking about a getaway, Blackberry Farm offers the right mix of relaxation and adventure. I know I can’t wait to get back to the Farmstead.

Private

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

Looking to travel with a small group 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 hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel 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