Whether you’re booked on a weeklong luxury cycling vacation in Europe or embarking on a self-guided South American excursion, having the right luggage is essential to successful travel.
It must be light. You only have 50 lbs. and you don’t want to be that person repacking your suitcase at the check-in counter.
It must be spacious. When you ‘have to have’ one more pair of pants, or ‘can’t live without’ those shoes, every inch counts.
It must be functional. Organization is crucial if you want to stay on schedule for all your planned activities.
It must be durable. Whether you’re shoving it into the overhead because you did in fact over pack, or the airlines are throwing it under the plane, you need to know your luggage will withstand the test of flying.
Here are our five luggage recommendations to get you through every packing misstep, terminal sprint, unexpected rainstorm, and shopping spree that stands in the way between you and your next epic adventure.
They live and work in places where beauty is intoxicating and exploration is endless. They find comfort in the endless possibility of the unknown and thrive on the undiscovered stories held by new faces and different spaces. Yes, they get paid to ride their bikes. But the adventures don’t stop when your vacation ends. Their personal journeys are equal parts inspiration and determination all at the same time. So from the mountains of Patagonia to the Isle of Skye, they go. With wild abandon they take to the road and find a new normal in far flung corners of the earth.
In our new series, Socially Guided, we’ll recommend individuals to follow on social media. Whether you browse to escape or inspire, take a look at our favorite photos then share your own using #TheWorldCalls. This week, veteran guide Jonathan Hershberger WOWs us with his artistic eye. Follow his adventures on Instagram @Hershy1.
Our Santa Barbara weekend bike tour offers four full days of cycling, sightseeing, dining, hiking, and relaxing along the California Coast.
With a home base in downtown Santa Barbara, you’ll enjoy easy access to the shops, cafes, museums, and bars of famous State Street. On Day 2 of the trip the evening is yours to explore the town and enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice. But in a city where intimacy and friendliness meet sophistication and relaxation, it can be difficult to choose from the many great options. To aid your decision making, here are our suggestions:
Where To Go For Social Hour: Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company
Though California is best known for wine, you can’t miss the Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company while you’re in town. A favorite of Trek Travel and staple in the local beer scene, the brewery is located just off State Street within walking distance of your hotel. Started by Jim and Jamie Dietenhofer, a father and son team, the beer produced here recently won Gold and Silver medals at the 2014 Great American Beer Festival and the ‘Hoppy Poppy’ Double IPA is one of our Top 10 Beers in the World.
Where To Go For Dinner: The Lark
After you enjoy a cold one at Fig Mountain, walk next door to The Lark for a dining experience that won’t disappoint. The menu features locally sourced artisanal and seasonal ingredients, and the food is served family style to share with new friends on your trip. Located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, a vibrant arts district and home to local surf shops, galleries and the popular Urban Wine Trail, take advantage of The Lark’s exterior dining space to fully enjoy your surroundings.
*We recommend making a reservation in advance.
What To Do After Dinner: The Wharf
After dinner, continue your walk down State Street and make your way to Stearns Wharf. Offering the best views in Santa Barbara, the wharf is home to many incredible shops and restaurants. Walk off your meal, grab a post-dinner drink or just enjoy the views before making your way back to the hotel.
About Guest Choice:
You will often hear us say, “It’s your day, you decide,” because our smaller group size allows the flexibility for you to decide how your day unfolds. In addition to multiple daily ride options and shuttle flexibility, this also means that we offer ‘guest choice’ nights designed for you to indulge at a local restaurant of your choosing, or explore the local sites. Whether you want to order take-out while relaxing by the hotel pool or get dressed up for a fancy dinner in town, guest choice nights let you craft your own perfect evening.
Wisconsin native, Colorado transplant and world-traveler Londa Dewey tells us about why she enjoys cycling. After pedaling in places far and wide there are a few rides that stand out above the rest.
“Riding a bike is a great way to get and stay in shape, however there’s also a wonderful social component to it. My husband and I choose to do a Trek Travel trip each fall because I truly enjoy the social aspect of the trips as well as the incredible destinations we get to see. The trips give us the motivation to ride, and we have so much fun training with friends. I don’t have a favorite ride because there are too many to choose from. But I’ll give you my top three:
On a recent Trek Travel trip, we rode around Crater Lake in Oregon. The morning started cool and sunny, which was a welcome change from rainy conditions the day before. Riding around the lake provided so many spectacular views of the clear blue water. The combination of hills and altitude was fun and challenging. Mid-way through the ride we got off our bikes, hiked to the lake and took a boat ride with the ranger. It was a great day.
Then there’s our trip to Costa Brava, Spain. Another great trip and another favorite ride. The morning was sunny and beautiful, but I was a bit nervous about the winding coastal road we were supposed to climb. Once we started riding, it was fantastic. Every turn provided a new view of the Mediterranean. The challenge was rewarded when we stopped at a village to explore and enjoy a wonderful Spanish lunch.
Lastly, the ride from Vail Village up Vail Pass is incredible. It is about 24 miles round trip, but the altitude and elevation gain makes it quite a challenge. At one point, the bike path parallels I-70, so we were riding next to semi trucks as they labored up the pass. It’s hard to believe how fast the pro riders go up the pass. I was just thrilled to complete the ride and enjoy the glide down. Whether we ride west through Glenwood Canyon or east over Vail Pass, the colors of the aspen trees and sounds of roaring rivers provide amazing scenery for the ride.
So, I ride because I love enjoying the outdoors, exploring new areas and spending time with friends. Even at home in Wisconsin, our rides allow time to enjoy the rolling hills and countryside that make our state so wonderful. I also love the challenge of conquering a hill or the sense of accomplishment when completing a long route. And most of all, I love the camaraderie of riding a bike with family and friends.”
As guides, we spend a lot of time on the road, and it’s unfortunately not always on a bike. Long hours of travel and big days preparing our trips mean that we need to make the most of our time. When we can’t get out for a bike ride or a run, we like to do workouts that will give us the most bang for our buck.
High intensity interval training (HIIT) does just that. The workouts don’t require any equipment, and can be varied for intensity and to keep things interesting. Here’s a sample 10 minute session:
Jumping Jacks
Squats
Burpees
Lunge Jumps
Push Ups
V Ups
Tuck Jumps
Prone Walkout
Mountain Climber
Plank to Push Up
This particular workout consists of 10 exercises. For each set, there is a 40 second interval of work and a 20 second interval of rest. Start by doing as many jumping jacks as you can in 40 seconds, and then take 20 seconds to recover and set up for squats. Repeat this for each exercise on the list.
If you have more time, you can do a 20 minute workout by simply repeating the entire program. If you have less time, research has shown big fitness gains by using a Tabata regimen: 8 rounds broken into 20 seconds of super intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest. This makes for a quick and difficult 4-minute workout.
To make a workout harder, do more repetitions of each exercise or do a more challenging version of the exercise. To do an easier session, do fewer reps or a less challenging version of each exercise.
To time yourself, there are free interval timer apps for iOS and Android phones that allow users to create custom timers for different workouts. I particularly like the “Gymboss” app, but find whichever one works best for you.
However, I’ll let you in on a guiding secret: some days we don’t have time for even a quick interval training session. On days like this, when we’re working before sunrise and still going long after sunset, we follow a five step regiment to stay in shape:
1. We ride our bikes.
2. We lift weights.
3. We stretch.
4. We eat well.
5. We stay hydrated.
*Trek Travel assumes no liability. Before starting this or any other exercise program, be sure to check with your doctor.*
“17 switchbacks. That was how my Trek Travel guide described the climb up Col de Soller on the third day of my Trek Travel Ride Camp in Mallorca, Spain last month. And that was just the warm up.
That day my Garmin told me I put in 5 and 1/2 hours of ride time and climbed over 8,500 feet. My route took me up and over Col de Soller, then up and over the highest peak in Mallorca, the Puig Major, and then out and back to Sa Calobra, a gorgeous port town on the western side of the island accessible by a single winding road. Sa Calobra – the Cobra – descends 2,000 feet over the course of six miles. Reminiscent of ribbon candy or coils of spaghetti, that descent is at once both thrilling and terrifying as I hit the brakes sharply into the hairpin turns, then accelerated to get back up to speed, again and again and again…but more on that later.
When I dreamed up this vacation last fall, I had a few simple requirements. I wanted to ride a bike outside in February. I didn’t want to spend a ridiculous amount of money. And I wanted it to be in a stunningly beautiful place. Oh, and I didn’t want to have to worry about flying my bike or riding a hybrid. Easy, right?
Trek Travel’s Mallorca Ride Camp fit the bill to a tee. This enchanting island jewel off the coast of Spain isn’t just for beach goers; it’s a choice destination for cyclists everywhere, including many pros. There, I got a rider’s-eye view of the Tramuntana mountains, fertile valleys, and tranquil turquoise waters on picturesque, pothole-free roads.
I’ve flown my bike across the country and I’ve rented bikes before on vacation. I’ve even resorted to trying to get in some training time on a heavy, ride-share bike now available in most big cities. It’s always kind of nerve racking (and expensive!) to hand over your bike to the airlines – fingers crossed it will get there in one piece. And somehow rented bikes never really feel the same to me. Call me spoiled.
What sets Trek Travel vacations apart is the quality of the bikes you ride. I had the option to ride a Domane 5.9 (included) or upgrade to an Emonda SLR, either one equipped with Shimano electronic Di2 shifting. Because Mallorca is a climber’s paradise, I opted for the Emonda upgrade. When I arrived, my guide had already set up my bike using my fit coordinates, which included swapping the stem out to a smaller length. After installing my own pedals and saddle, I hopped on for quick ride around the hotel parking lot. It fit like a glove.
But what really made the trip head and shoulders above other cycling vacations I’ve taken was our guides. It was a pleasure to show up each morning and have my bike ready, water bottles filled and Garmin maps loaded. Our guides’ knowledge of the country, language ability and most of all the pure joy and sense of adventure they brought to each ride – whether they were driving the support van or riding along with us – was awesome.
On the last day, as I was cycling along the coast from one ridiculously picturesque mountainside town to the next, I saw a large peloton approaching. Fast. A pack of thirty or forty men went streaming by in a flourish of colors, followed by their team car — Leopard. I gave them a friendly wave and a nod, communicating that feeling of joy of being out on your bike in one simple gesture. Yeah, I wasn’t going anywhere nearly as fast. But during my week with Trek Travel, I truly felt like a pro. And frankly, it’s something I could get used to.”
Join us as we take you along the undulating California coastline on our Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara vacation.
Our journey starts in the historic city Monterey, then visits the artsy town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, threads through Big Sur crossing the much photographed Bixby Bridge, continues on to San Simeon where you can visit the Hearst Castle, and finally makes it’s way through Cambria and Pismo Beach to the “American Riviera” of Santa Barbara. This unbelievable vacation will amaze even the most traveled cyclist with challenging routes, roaring surf, redwood forests, and historic state parks.
Day 2 of this vacation features the stunning (and flat) 17-Mile Scenic Drive, then winds its way along the coastline as you travel from Monterey to Big Sur.
6:30 AM
This morning you will awaken to the sights and sounds of Monterey in all its coastal glory. Leisurely make your way down to the C Restaurant at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa to enjoy a fresh breakfast.
10:00 AM
After breakfast you have two options for the first part of the day: walk down the street to tour the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium or get up close to marine life in the Bay with a self-guided sea kayaking adventure. Located right on the coast, those who choose to visit the aquarium can view several spectacular exhibits both above and below the waterline. On the other hand, lucky kayakers may be rewarded for their paddling with a view of harbor seals, sea otters and pelicans in their natural habitat.
12:00 PM
Board your bike to cruise along the famous 17-Mile drive to the artists’ enclave of Carmel-by-the Sea. Snaking it’s way through Pebble Beach Golf Course, this scenic ride passes Bird Rock with thousands of cormorants, the aptly named Seal Point, and Cypress Point with a grove that contains the largest and oldest Monterey Cypress trees in the world. Upon arriving in Carmel-by-the-Sea, explore your surroundings and fuel up at a local bistro of your choosing for lunch. Located on one-mile of white sand beach, this town touts the sophistication of San Francisco and glamour of Hollywood nestled in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
1:30 PM
After lunch the road narrows and the sweeping views of the Big Sur coastline come into view. There are several riding distances for you to chose from, so make it your day. Along the way cross over the Bixby Bridge, which introduced automobile travel to the spectacular Big Sur coast in 1932. The terrain on our ride offers stunning views of the Santa Lucia Mountains rising abruptly from the Pacific Ocean. This area has been compared to the Amalfi coast, minus the bumper-to-bumper traffic and giant tour buses. By the end of the ride you’ll appreciate the saying that this area is the “Greatest meeting of land & sea”.
7:00 PM
Upon arriving at tonight’s hotel, the Big Sur Lodge, relax and soak in the quiet and comfort of your surroundings. Located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the redwoods around you will make it easy to escape and unwind after a long day on the bike. This evening, enjoy the cuisine made with organic ingredients and sustainable agriculture in the hotel dining room. Be sure to get plenty of rest tonight to prepare for another spectacular day tomorrow as your continue riding down the coast to your beachfront hotel in Cambria.
Ken Sommer was a founding member of the LEOPARD-TREK cycling team and as marketing director he built the biggest team brand in professional cycling – on and offline. Ken holds a Masters Degree in International Business Marketing and Finance from Maastricht University. Currently Ken represents pro cyclists, including Trek Travel’s Ambassador of Awesome, Jens Voigt.
Tell us your story.
I started to be passionate about cycling when Jan Ullrich won the Tour de France. After that I spent 4 school summer holidays cleaning cars and carrying suitcases at the Tour de France. That’s when I fell in love with cycling. After my International Business studies I worked for a cycling team in Switzerland before I became one of the founding members of LEOPARD TREK. Now I run an agency focused on managing cyclists with my partner, Joao Correia. We work with some of the best young talents in the business such as Michael Valgren, Mads Pedersen, Adrien Costa and Tao Geoghegan Hart. We also represent established cyclists like Gerald Ciolek, Laurens Ten Dam, Ted King and of course fan-favorite, Jensie.
What’s the most rewarding part about your job?
Seeing a young rider succeed. It’s probably like seeing one of your kids score a goal in a soccer match. It’s great to see how hungry and full of motivation these kids are.
What is your favorite part about working in the bike industry?
The community amongst fans, riders and everyone involved in cycling. It’s a down to earth business with so many great stories and people. I met some of my best friends working in the cycling industry.
Favorite place you’ve ever traveled and why?
Lech in Austria. It’s my favorite place in Europe. Great for skiing but also great to ride your bike in the summer. It’s a great town to work out, or to just relax and watch the beautiful landscape.
Which Trek Travel trip is top on your bucket list and why?
It has to be the trip in California Wine Country. I think it’s the best place on earth to ride your bike. Plus amazing wine. If Jens Voigt joins that trip it would be the icing on the cake!
Tell us about your best day on a bicycle.
It was probably 2000 or so when I road the Mont Ventoux for the first time the same day the pros did it during the Tour de France. The weather was amazing and all fans were out on the course already. I suffered a lot, but it was a beautiful day.
Tell us about your craziest adventure.
The craziest was probably going great white shark diving with one of my best friends last year. I didn’t think I’d actually go into the water – but eventually did. It was freezing and these animals are pretty scary.
Favorite sport other than cycling and why?
As a German I definitely have to say soccer. I think it’s amazing how many people are touched by the sport everywhere in the world. A soccer world cup is followed by nearly everyone around the globe and brings so much joy to billions of people.
What does your perfect day look like?
Have a great espresso at my favorite café in Cologne, then ride my bike with Gerald Ciolek and Andreas Stauff on the Rhine River. Then watch a bike race on TV where one of my boys takes the win, followed by a nice dinner with my girlfriend.
Introducing a new series called “Guest Choice”, where we highlight select places to explore on your next Trek Travel vacation.
You will often hear us say, “It’s your day, you decide,” because our smaller group size allows the flexibility for you to decide how your day unfolds. In addition to multiple daily ride options and shuttle flexibility, this also means that we offer ‘guest choice’ nights designed for you to indulge at a local restaurant of your choosing, or explore the local sites. Whether you want to order take-out while relaxing by the hotel pool or get dressed up for a fancy dinner in town, guest choice nights let you craft your own perfect evening.
For our first edition of the series we are excited to feature Vermont. There’s no better place to celebrate the brilliance of summer or the beauty of changing seasons than Vermont’s Green Mountains. On our explorer trip you will discover the charm of quaint town squares and sample regional specialties from golden maple syrup to smooth Vermont cheddar and rich, velvety ice cream. On Day 4 of the trip, upon arriving in the quintessential mountain town of Stowe, the evening is yours to explore the town and enjoy dinner at the restaurant of your choice. Here are our favorite places:
Where To Go For Social Hour: Crop Bistro and Brewery
On a warm summer evening there is no better place to enjoy happy hour than the patio at Crop. Find a seat at the outdoor bar or enjoy a game of corn hole (bag toss) while sipping a variety of small batch beers from a sampler board. In the same building that housed the Shed, one of Vermont’s storied breweries, Crop now provides the perfect setting to enjoy live music, appetizers and a Helles Brook Lager.
Where To Go For Dinner: Plate
After drinks enjoy a stroll down the recreation path as it winds along the West Branch River back to Main Street. Here you will find Plate, a small 50-seat restaurant with an open kitchen. This new restaurant combines a lively atmosphere with a trendy country vibe. Whether you’re a meat-eater or vegetarian, the local Vermont flavors and healthy food style is sure to leave your mouth watering.
Where To Go For Dessert: I.C. Scoops
If you left room for dessert, walk across the street to I.C. Scoops to taste the premium homemade all-natural ice cream. With 20 flavors to choose from, the decision can be difficult. We recommend indulging in a local favorite maple ‘creamee’, otherwise recognized as soft serve outside the state of Vermont. It is the perfect end to a sweet summer night.
Sadly, I.C. Scoops has shut down operations since this article was originally posted. A top-recommended Vermont ice cream shop worth checking out is lu•lu ice cream!
At some point last season, in the midst of bike rides and social hours, we caught on to the trend of “yoga selfies” that has been gaining momentum as yoga increases in popularity.
Because we travel to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world, it’s not unusual to catch guests striking a pose in front of a gorgeous backdrop or find guides practicing as the sun rises each morning.
Here are a few of our favorite shots from the season:
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.
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.
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
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