Travel expert Rick Steves explains that in Europe, "Some people travel almost exclusively by bike and wouldn't have it any other way." Guided tours give single travelers in Europe the opportunity to keep fit while seeing more of Europe than they would be able to by car. Single cyclists can meet other singles who share their love of travel and adventure, or they can strike out on their own across the European countryside. Either way, the expertise of guides can improve their travel experience.
There are a number of travel companies that offer guided cycling tours of Europe. When choosing a tour company to travel with, you should look for seasoned tour guides who are fluent in local languages and customs. Rick Steves writes that "organized tours, which usually have sag wagons to carry gear, average an easy 30--40 miles a day." Find a tour company that travels at a pace you are comfortable with through the places you would like to see. Magazines like Adventure Cyclist and Bicycling will help you in your search.
Guided cyclist who choose to camp in the European countryside must bring camping supplies with them while they travel. This is the most challenging type of guided cycling because cyclists have a heavy load to carry. However, it can also be the most satisfying. The freedom to stop and camp wherever you fancy opens up opportunities for new experiences and interactions with locals. Camping is also much less expensive than staying in hotels. Budget-minded singles with a sense of adventure are best suited for this option.
Guided tours that include accommodation can strike the perfect balance between free-wheeling and structure. Staying in hotels along your route decreases the amount of stuff you have to carry with you while cycling. The costs for such tours depend upon travelers' budgets. Staying in motels and hostels will certainly be less expensive than staying in luxury hotels. Traveling with a group of singles on a guided bicycle tour will also reduce costs. Hotel rates are cheaper for large groups and those willing to share rooms.
Sag tours involve a support vehicle traveling along side a tour, or tourist, for an entire journey. Sag vans transport heavy equipment and are on hand in case of emergencies. It is a very popular style of guided bicycle touring. Many commercial tours are sag tours. Sag tours can make cycling experiences much more enjoyable, even luxurious. Cyclists who travel with sag vans and stay in luxury accommodations have the most leisurely cycling experiences. Sag tours allow single tourists the maximum amount of freedom, and perhaps the best opportunities to mingle.
