What do you take with you on a cycling holiday?

Carefree on a cycling holiday? Then prepare well and take everything you need with you. That is why we have an extensive checklist with cycling holiday necessities for you. You can use the list when you cycle from accommodation address to accommodation address, but also when you go on a day trip.

Money, documents and contact details 

Whatever type of cycling trip you take, it is always useful to have the following items with you. You can put relevant stops on the address list, such as cafes with a charging point, supermarkets and bicycle shops with a workshop or mobile service.

• Passport or other valid ID
• Route maps or a printout with junctions along your route
• Address list
• Cash, bank card and health insurance card
• Medical passport

Electronics and bicycle tools

Do you use an online route planner? Make sure you take route maps with you, just in case your smartphone breaks down. Before leaving, check whether your bicycle is in good condition. Are you in doubt? Then schedule an appointment in time with a bicycle mechanic for a service. If you are handy with repairing bicycles, you can also take spare parts and the right tools with you. Are you going out with an electric bicycle? Then charge the battery after each stage!

• Bicycle computer
• Smartphone/mobile phone with charger
• Separate and charged battery for your electric bicycle
• Headphones / earphones
• Digital camera, charger and memory cards
• Bicycle pump
• Wire lock / chain lock
• Tire repair kit and bicycle tools
• Spare inner tubes and spare brake pads
• Chain oil
• Duct tape

Clothing, toiletries and first aid

Are you going on a cycling trip where you spend the night in different places? Then bring enough warm and airy clothing. If necessary, plan one or more washing days so that you keep the number of kilos to a minimum. 

• Underwear
• Socks
• Cycling trousers and zip-off trousers
• Cycling shirt (long and short sleeves) / T-shirts
• Windproof raincoat and rain pants
• Warm sweater / cardigan
• Reflective vest
• Cycling helmet, cycling gloves and cycling shoes
• Toiletries (including medicines)
• Disinfectant hand gel
• Deet and tick remover
• Remedy against insect bites
• Sunscreen (factor 30)
• Cream for sore buttocks
• First aid kit
• Toilet paper and paper tissues
• Overnight reservation receipt

Sleeping and tent gear and cooking utensils

Some will seek the comfort of a hotel or B&B after a long day of cycling. Others choose to spend a night at the campsite in their own tent or hiker's hut. In that case you need to take more stuff with you. And organize your bicycle bags as efficiently as possible.

• Waterproof bicycle bags
• Tent and accessories
• Clipless clothesline
• Sleeping mat, sleeping bag and pillow
• Earplugs
• Flashlight
• Fold-out chair
• Dishwashing brush and detergent
• Towels (large and small) and tea towel
• Burner, fuel bottle and matches/lighter
• Herbs and non-perishable foods such as pasta and rice
• Plates, mugs, cutlery, corkscrew, bottle opener and can opener
• Cutting board, spatula and pans

Cycling holiday abroad

With its many cycle paths and junction network, the Netherlands is a true cycling paradise. But sometimes you still want to cycle abroad. You can take your bicycle with you in the car, camper or trailer tent. If you travel abroad by train, boat, bus or plane: check in advance with the transport company what the options and requirements are for taking your bicycle with you. Please note: travel vaccinations may also be required for Eastern and Southern Europe. 

• Visa
• Driving license, registration certificate and roadside assistance service
• Insurance papers and European claim form
• Vignettes, toll roads and environmental sticker Germany
• Emergency numbers and international access numbers
• Phone number to block stolen bank cards
• Mandatory, but also recommended travel vaccinations .  
• Vaccination booklet
• Mosquito net and malaria medicine
• World plug/adapter
• Valid credit card and cash in local currency

Holiday feeling, losing weight and safe cycling

A cycling holiday is of course mainly about relaxing, discovering and enjoying. A nice 'side effect' is that you can burn a lot of calories with cycling. Do you want to get more out of your cycling holiday? Then check out the following blogs: