Cycling trips and running trips – the perfect combination between vacation and sport
Running and cycling on the same routes is too boring for you? Just lying around the pool all day on vacation isn't for you? Would you like to enjoy a sporty, adventurous holiday and are now wondering how you can do it?
Simply combine sport and vacation. Explore new destinations while playing sports. Experience running or cycling in special places together with other enthusiasts. And all of this regardless of wind, weather and season. Have we sparked your interest? Then read on quickly. In this story you will find out everything you need to know and what you need to pay attention to on your cycling or running trip . Expert Roman Schulte-Zurhausen from the Runsmart Institute will also tell you some interesting facts and tips about running trips.
What are running and cycling trips?
The term running journey is self-explanatory: you run during your journey. Vacation and sport are combined. Whether along a coastal road, a desert trail or taking part in a marathon through the Grand Canyon , running becomes an event where you discover new things and do good for your body at the same time. Running trips can be planned individually and are suitable for everyone. Amateur athletes and competitive athletes are free to decide where they want to go. Mountains, beaches, desert – there are no limits to the destinations for running trips.
The situation is similar with bicycle trips. From trips just for women, to river tours and city trips: numerous travel options offer countless experiences in different countries for cyclists . This mobile type of travel in particular has experienced a boom in recent years. Especially because you can plan cycling holidays individually. Cross the Alps on a mountain bike or go on a racing bike tour through France and get a taste of the Tour de France? Everything is possible.
Advantages of fitness trips: more motivation and always the right weather
The motivation for running and cycling trips increases immediately if you are not alone, but complete your routes together with other sports enthusiasts. In the best case scenario, a dedicated trainer accompanies the trip and provides the right amount of motivation to stay fit on vacation.
Fitness trips are also ideal, especially in the cold season when you want to run or ride a racing bike. Many holiday destinations have better weather conditions - ideal for escaping the autumn blues .
Running camps for targeted training
Vacation alone is not for you, just like running through the park alone? Then running camps are just right for you. Running camps are supervised running trips . A trainer supports the participants with systematic training based on scientific facts. Within a week you will train different types of stretching, strengthening and gymnastics that will improve and promote your running behavior.
Running trips combine vacation with sport. And with lots of nice people.
Combine vacation and sport: fitness trips to the most beautiful places
You now know how you can combine world travel and sport. Now it's up to you to choose the right destinations for your running trip or mountain biking vacation. The choice of options is limitless - and that's exactly what makes a running or cycling trip sometimes complicated. But don't worry, we have a few tips for you. Discover new exotic countries and different cultures. Experience culinary adventures. And combine exciting holidays with sporting activities.
The most beautiful destinations for running trips
We all know that nature plays a huge role in outdoor sports. Running in the park or in the forest on your doorstep can turn out to be wonderful. But it's the destinations that aren't just around the corner that make running holidays so special. Sunny Mallorca in particular is a popular destination for runners. The Balearic island has a lot of varied routes to offer. From low hills to fruit fields - beginners and top runners alike will get their money's worth in Mallorca. In addition to running paths that lead directly along the sea, the interior of the island can also be explored on well-developed cycle paths - including a break with a delicious meal. No wonder that so many running camps take place in Mallorca.
However, Spain has much more to offer. Andalusia is also one of the top destinations when it comes to running trips. We'll talk about this in more detail in this story. If the Spanish sun is too hot for you, then try Scotland . Run along the beautiful coasts and enjoy the mild climate and idyllic landscape. Or discover the running routes around the Danube Canal in Vienna . Tyrol also has a lot to offer when it comes to running. Austria is definitely worth a running trip.
The most beautiful destinations for bicycle tours
How does that sound to you: A racing bike holiday in France on the trail of the Tour de France. You can let yourself drift through Provence or enjoy fantastic views on your tour of the Côte d'Azur . Or how about a mountain bike holiday in the Alps with the aim of cycling from Germany to Italy ? Admire the breathtaking mountain range on a mountain bike during the day and stop off in rustic huts in the evening. Or what do you think about exploring metropolises on your bike and vacationing in cities you've always wanted to visit? You are mobile and have the opportunity to easily get from attraction to attraction and do some exercise at the same time. Try the bike-friendly city of Copenhagen . Or drift along the beautiful canals in Amsterdam . Almost everything is possible if you want to travel by bike.
What do I have to consider on a running or cycling trip?
In addition to the important selection of destinations, there are a lot of things you need to consider when planning a fitness trip . Above all, certain bookings and preparations in advance, such as the right equipment and comprehensive insurance cover, are essential for your trip. Here you can find a few tips at a glance:
- Book your overnight accommodations ahead of time , ideally immediately after booking your trip. You should avoid last minute here. If the inn is fully booked, you probably don't want to spend the night before.
- Don't forget to take out insurance for your running or cycling trip: travel cancellation insurance can be an advantage for a sporty holiday. But international travel insurance is much more important. Make sure all relevant conditions are covered. These include, for example, travel repatriation and covering the costs of medical treatment abroad.
- The right equipment : For runners it's the right running shoes , for cyclists it's the right bike . Choose the right bike to suit your chosen route. Whether an e-bike, mountain bike, trekking bike or racing bike. It doesn’t matter whether you take it with you from home or rent it on site. You can only get to your destination comfortably with the right bike.
- As soon as you are there, you should familiarize yourself with the real conditions of your route. It's best to ask locals who know their way around running or cycling better than anyone
- Plan with enough provisions for your tours. Water or the iso drinks from Dextro Energy* and snacks are an absolute must. Our endurance and fitness products are perfect for your tours. The Dextro Energy* Endurance Trial Pack, for example, provides you with high-quality carbohydrates and proteins on your running and cycling journey.
Expert for running trips and so much more: Roman Schulte-Zurhausen.
Insights into the running journeys of sports scientist Roman Schulte-Zurhausen
We once talked to someone who is familiar with sports travel. When it comes to running, Roman is an expert. The 38-year-old qualified sports scientist and owner of the Run Smart Institute for Sports Science and the Bunert Endurance School has already supervised, planned, organized and carried out more than 15 running trips . “There were training trips to Spain, but also trips to the New York Marathon or the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town.” The participants were mainly recreational athletes who wanted to run “ with fun and with a certain regularity ” and combine it with traveling to special destinations.
Roman's next destination is Andalusia . He sees the training trip as “a classic in which the focus should be on fun, interaction in a group and also the holiday feeling.” Nevertheless, the participants train “with special units such as interval training, athletics and stabilization training” . In addition to lectures on topics such as running technique and motivational training, the topic of regeneration and injury prevention are also very important on the running trips.
Tips for the perfect running trip from our expert Roman
Roman gave us a few useful tips for planning the right running trip: Start by choosing a suitable running event or an attractive destination . If you want to supervise your running trip and do it in a group, Roman thinks it is important to find a provider who is fun and has experience in the field of running trips. In addition, contact with other trip participants or even a recommendation from participants who have already completed a running trip can be helpful in finding the perfect trip.
Are you now really keen on a running or cycling trip? Then get started and use our tips and tricks to plan a running or cycling tour through the mountains or along the sea. Be sure to pack: our Dextro Energy* endurance products . This will make your next fitness journey a complete success.
* contains carbohydrates
A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important
SOURCES
PHOTO CREDITS
all pictures: by Roman @runsmart
