Slow travel, maximum experience: Why you'll regret not cycling on your holiday this year

Wednesday, 3 June 2026 06:58

Most holidays start the same way: stress at the airport check-in desk, endless traffic jams on the way to the beach, and the hopeless battle for overpriced parking spaces. By the time you finally reach your chosen attraction, your stress levels are through the roof, and all you remember from the trip is a blur of motorways. What if this summer you let go of all that and switched to a pace where the holiday doesn't start when you arrive, but with the very first metre? Slow travel isn't just a boring hippie trend; it's the recipe for genuine, quality experiences – and the best tool for that is a bicycle.

Not only will you save on fuel, but you'll reclaim your freedom too

When you swap the car for a bike, the first thing you'll notice is the incredible sense of freedom. There's no timetable to stick to, no road closures or access restrictions, and you can stop for a photo, a refreshing dip, or an ice-cold spritzer whenever you feel like it. Cycling is also the only mode of travel that lets you blend seamlessly into your surroundings with zero carbon emissions and no unnecessary noise. You're not peering at the world through a sterile glass window from a metal box; you can smell the forest, feel the wind on your skin, and reach hidden spots that car tourists can only dream of.

The coolest places where cyclists rule

You don't need to be a professional Tour de France rider to take on a cycling holiday, as some of the world's most beautiful destinations are now designed with two-wheeled travellers in mind. In Europe, the brilliant, well-signposted EuroVelo network allows you to cycle safely across borders – and the continent is full of amazing dedicated routes, no matter your fitness level. If you're after a relaxed, completely flat, family-friendly experience, Austria's Danube Cycle Path (Donauradweg) is the perfect choice, where you can glide along car-free tarmac between riverside castles and vineyards. If you're craving more of a challenge, with thigh-burning climbs and dramatic panoramas, the Italian Dolomites and their legendary networks (like the Alta Badia region) await, where conquering steep hairpin bends is rewarded with majestic mountain views that make every drop of sweat worthwhile. For the boldest adventurers, there's even more to explore: New Zealand's Great Rides network takes you through the islands' most rugged, rainforest and volcanic landscapes, completely separated from traffic. In these places, your money goes directly to local families and small producers, not into the pockets of big corporations.

No need for your own bike, and no need to fear the climbs

The biggest myth about cycling holidays is that you need expensive gear and an athlete's physique. Thanks to the sharing economy, you can now rent a bike almost anywhere in the world in minutes using your smartphone. And if you're worried about tough mountain terrain or long distances, e-bikes and smart electric-assist bicycles have completely erased physical barriers. With an e-bike, even the steepest Alpine climbs feel like a gentle, flat road, so everyone from grandma to the youngest child can enjoy the ride together, all while using your own energy instead of fossil fuels.

If this summer you want more than just ticking off sights, and instead want to truly experience and cherish the moments, give two wheels a chance. After a cycling holiday, you'll see the world differently and realise that less rushing actually brings far more enjoyment. On the I-DEST portal, we're constantly gathering verified green destinations and smart mobility options to make organising your first truly sustainable and unforgettable bike tour a breeze. Hop on your bike and pedal into summer!