Cyclist Travel Guide for International Trips and Cycling Tours

Riding a bicycle is a great way to experience the world, but traveling internationally with your bike can be a challenge. CTS has been helping athletes travel to cycling tours and bike races around the world for more than 20 years, including our recent trip to FNLD GRVL. Here’s a guide to what we’ve learned about traveling internationally with a bike, and how to make your trip less stressful and more successful.

Pack light, but prepare for bad weather

If you’re heading to Northern Europe to ride springtime sportives, then you know to take warm riding clothes. But even for summer trips to the Alps, Pyrenees, or Dolomites, pack rain and cold weather gear. Luggage space is limited during cycling trips, so you can’t take everything. Take a thin waterproof rain jacket and one thermal waterproof jacket. Then focus on small but important items: warm waterproof gloves, neck gaiter, skullcap, knee and arm warmers, and shoe covers. Take these items with you no matter where you’re going, even if you’re headed to the tropics or the desert. The easiest way is to create a small “weather bag” containing a complete set of these items. Then, you can toss it into your luggage for any trip.

Take proprietary parts with you

Travel can be hard on your bike. There’s nothing worse than being stranded in an iconic cycling destination with a busted bike. Every cyclist should have a derailleur hanger, brake pads, two quick links, and an extra set of cleats – with bolts – in their bike bag. If your bike has a proprietary seat post or binder bolt, invest in an extra. Take an extra battery for an electronic shifting setup (if you have one), and don’t forget your charger. If you have cable-actuated shifting or braking, take one rear derailleur cable (can be cut down to be used for front derailleur) and one brake cable. Bikes have become less standardized and the chances are somewhat slim that a bike shop will have a brand-specific part you need.

When it comes to tools, a modern multitool is a necessity and it’s worth the weight to invest in a larger, more complete tool. Check your bike for Torx bolts and make sure you have a tool or multitool with the appropriate size Torx bit or driver.

Check your phone/data plan

If you’re a globe-trotting executive you probably have your international data plan dialed. On the other hand, if you haven’t dusted off your passport for years, spend some time researching your phone plan. If you still have a 4G phone, it will work in Europe but depending on your US carrier you could pay a fortune for international calls, texts, and data. One option is to take a spare phone with you and purchase a prepaid European SIM card for it. Keep your primary US phone turned off, or turn off the cellular service and data roaming to it. Use it as a Wifi-only device for Whatsapp, email, or messenger when you are connected to Wifi in a hotel or café.

Fly with your bike or rent one

Traveling in the US, shipping services like BikeFlights can be a great option. When traveling internationally, we recommend flying with your bike. When you ship a bike overseas, there’s a risk it could get stuck in customs, particularly if you assign it a high value. Your $12,000 bike raises eyebrows in the customs office, and it can take days to get it back.

Similarly, research airlines before you book. Many airlines (e.g. Delta, American, and Alaskan Airlines) have eliminated special luggage fees for sports equipment. Even United Airlines, which was a holdout on bicycle charges, treats bicycles as standard luggage if the weight is under 50 pounds and within their standard baggage size. As of June 2023, the aforementioned airlines charge $100-$200 for bicycles when the weight is 51 pounds or more and have varying policies on oversize fees.

If you have multiple connecting flights on partner airlines, check to make sure all airlines in your itinerary will put your bike on the plane. And because the Transportation Safety Administration is going to open your bike box before it gets to the plane, pack your bike securely enough that it won’t shift around and get damaged by the box being opened and reclosed by people who care far less about your bike than you do.

Before you rent a bike

Renting a high-end bicycle at your destination can be a great way to reduce the stress of traveling with your bike, and it can be an extended test-ride of a bike you’ve been thinking of buying. If you go the rental route, take very good measurements for your cycling position. Think carefully about the frame size you need. You might ride a 54-centimeter frame in one brand and a 56 in another.

Take your own saddle, particularly if your trip will entail significantly more hours on the bike than you’re accustomed to. Many cycling tours and camps end up being at least twice a cyclist’s normal weekly training volume. The hardest part can be the effect on your rear end. And check with the rental organization. Most will let you (or encourage you) bring your own pedals.

Dealing with Jet Lag

Finally, there’s the jet lag. Getting your circadian rhythm back in sync with the clock takes some planning. First, get on the plane well rested and stay hydrated during the flight, but eat lightly. To help you get in sync with the time zone when you touch down, eat at normal times for your destination. That could mean eating as soon as you land, or waiting until the next traditional mealtime.

If you arrive in the morning, get outside into the light and get some light exercise. Then, try to stay awake until going to bed a bit on the early side of normal. If you land in the evening, minimize stimulation and try to get to your hotel and to sleep quickly, even if it’s just a nap until a normal wakeup time for your destination. Then go outside to get some natural light, and get some exercise.