My name is Sharon Roper from Taylorsville, Utah. Trek Travel asked me if I would be willing to write a blog about my experience leading up to and including the California Wine Country Long Weekend trip. While I wondered why anyone would be interested in a 62 year old woman’s bicycling experience, after talking with them I realized the interesting part was not just the trip itself, but how I got there.

Words by Sharon Roper, Trek Travel Guest
 
 

 

It all started with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law Mike and Mary Pat McCurdie. They are serious bicycle enthusiasts. They have been on many Trek Travel trips and always spoke highly of their experiences. They invited me, my husband Bill (Mary Pat’s brother), and other friends and relatives to go on the California Wine Country trip. I hadn’t been on a bike for 15 years, but I knew my husband well enough to know that he would be reluctant to go on the trip, and spend the money, unless I wanted to go too. So I told my husband the trip sounded great. After all, there would be great friends, good food, wine tasting, beautiful scenery and luxury hotels. To me, the bike riding was just a side activity to be enjoyed by others. I figured I could ride in the van and entertain myself with a good book. Bill, on the other hand, rides quite a bit, so the bike riding really appealed to him. We decided we would love to go, and told them to sign me up as a non-rider.

While looking at the Trek Travel website, I realized that non-riders paid the same as riders. I also saw that they offered electric-assist bikes. What did I have to lose? I called and changed my reservation to an electric-assist bike. After all, the van would still be there when I got tired. So out to the garage I went, to dust off my ancient 40 pound, 5-speed auto-shift bike and take it to the bike shop. After the service man stopped laughing at my bike, he took it to the back for a tune up.

My training began in April. I started training with the simple goal of not embarrassing myself. It was relaxing to ride around the neighborhood, and Bill would take me on bike trails on the weekends. He encouraged me. I knew I slowed him down a lot, but he continued to ride with me. I slowly worked up to seven miles. Ultimately, Bill convinced me that my antiquated bike was slowing me down. I think he just wanted to occasionally feel the wind in his face, so I upgraded to a 21-speed hybrid bike with an expensive, comfortable seat. Learning to shift was the first hurdle, but it only took a couple of rides to feel confident.
 
 

 
 
By now it was July, and I was slowly but surely starting to ride further. Bill had to switch from his slower mountain bike to his road bike as I got better and faster. One day we made it 30 miles. If you had told me back in April that I would be able to ride 30 miles in one day, I wouldn’t have believed you. But my confidence grew. I decided I wanted to make it 100 miles on our Trek Travel trip in September, and started to wonder if the electric-assist bike was the best choice for me. I called Trek Travel and switched to a hybrid bike. During the conversation they asked, “Weren’t you originally a non-rider?” Yep, that was me.

It’s now August. I know I have to be able to ride 30 miles per day for three days, and I would leave the final 10 miles for the last day. Bill and I started going out three days in a row. The first time we tried this we went 30, 20 and 30 miles. My butt started to hurt and for the first time I complained to Bill. He employed the obvious solution and bought me two biking outfits with padded shorts which stopped most of the butt ache. We did this three day ritual quite a few more times, and I now had a concrete plan to reach 100 miles.

We met up with the other riders at Point Reyes, California for the start of our Trek Travel trip. The guides, Devin and Justin, were extremely friendly and helped take care of everything so all we had to do was ride. There were 20 of us on the trip–all of them younger than me–but surely I can keep up with someone.

The first day’s ride took us from Point Reyes National Seashore to Bodega Bay. The short trip is 19.6 miles and the long option was 33.5 miles. This ride was hard! There were a lot more hills than I was used to. I saw much younger riders on electric-assist bikes and I started to question my decision. I could only make it 19.6 miles on that first ride, and I was discouraged. I talked with the guides and told them of my foolish goal to accomplish 100 miles. They were very encouraging and explained that today was the toughest day. Tomorrow would be much flatter and I could make up at least part of the 10 miles I was behind.
 
 

 
 
The second day’s ride went from Bodega Bay to Hotel Healdsburg. That would get me 45.1 miles if I made all the way. I thought, “The short trip is 25.5 miles, so I can always go back to my original goal of not embarrassing myself and bail out at Armstrong Woods.”

Again, the guides were great, always keeping my water bottle full and providing encouragement. They were probably hoping they wouldn’t have to perform CPR. Before the first snack stop I was the last rider, as was my usual position. One of guides came back and rode with me, and I asked him if I was last. He told me no, “I am behind you, and therefore I am last.” We stopped for lunch in the beautiful redwood forest at Armstrong Woods Park, which left me refreshed and ready to ride. Several times that day I had to walk my bike up a hill, but I was making the rules and walking definitely counted.

One time the van drove by as I was walking. They pulled over to check on me, and at that point determination roared inside me. I waved them on. My hundred mile goal was now back in play! I not only completed the 45.1 miles, but an accidental turnaround gave me extra distance. I rode 47.5 miles on Day 2. Game on!

The third day’s plan was to ride 29.6 miles, with many fun stops at vineyards along the route. The day went great and I made it all the way. That night I was talking with one of the other guests and I told her of my goal. She told to me, “I want to be you at 62.” Wow, did that make me feel good. If you are counting, I was now at 96.6 miles.

The last day I told my brother-in-law, Mike, that I only had to ride three miles to reach my goal. Once again I assumed my normal position of last in the line of riders. Riding along I saw Bill on the side of the road. He told me I made it to 100 miles, and he took my picture. I had done it! I kept riding and told the “don’t embarrass myself” voice to shut up. As soon as I rounded the next bend I saw all of the other riders standing on the side of the road cheering for me. So what did I do? I pumped my fist and yelled, “See ya!” That picture made it onto the WOW moments page on Trek Travel’s website. I continued on and finished the trip with a total of 107 miles.

So I didn’t embarrass myself after all. In fact, I made myself proud.
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

In October 2006, Deb and I hopped on a series of flights from Kalamazoo, Michigan to Florence, Italy. Deb was a seasoned world traveler but this was to be my first international trip. It was our first Trek Travel trip to ride the roads of Tuscany, but it ended up being so much more. That trip became the first of what, to date, are ten Trek Travel trips with many more planned for the future. We have been lucky enough to cycle through Italy, France, Vermont, the Pacific Northwest and various parts of California with Trek Travel.

Words by Adam Dingwall, Trek Travel Guest

When I got the email from Jenny at Trek Travel asking if we could contribute to the blog by picking our three favorite trips, my first thought was, “How could I choose?” Each trip has been beyond compare in certain ways. The Tour de France trip was amazing in getting to stand on the road side and watch the cyclists go by so close you can feel their motion. The descent off Mount Bachelor into Bend on the Crater Lake and Oregon Cascades trip is 20 miles of perfectly smooth pavement where you hardly have to touch a pedal. The former California Coast trip provided the bucket list experience of cycling over the Golden Gate Bridge. Choosing our three favorite Trek Travel trips would be a little like picking our three favorite kids. But seeing that we don’t have kids, we’ll give it a shot in no particular order.

Tuscany

We’ve done the Tuscany trip twice, first in 2006 and again in 2014. Tuscany is the one place in the world I’ve been where, for me, the reality transcends the hype. The food, the wine, the people, the coffee, and the cycling are all sublime. Every moment of those trips seems to fuse into this memory of the best of my travels, it’s like one big Tuscan fresco. It’s also the trip that, in 2014, provided my all time favorite Trek Travel moment. The second day’s ride traverses the Val d’Orcia, riding up and down the beautiful Tuscan landscape and eventually rolling into Montalcino for lunch. When we arrived in town, we discovered our friends Tom and Andrea Meadows had already grabbed an outdoor table at Le Potazzine. The waiter came to take our order, starting with drinks. Tom, Andrea and Deb all ordered a glass of Brunello d’Montalcino while I ordered a coke; after all, it had been a long hot ride already and I was thirsty. The waiter sternly said, “No. Brunello” and walked away. Lunch proceeded through various courses and many glasses, or maybe bottles, of Brunello and me taking constant good natured gruff about ordering a coke. When it came time for the check, it was delivered to me along with a small, ice cold bottle of Coca Cola. Tom asked for the check to be split, but the waiter simply stated, “No. He ordered coke, he pays.” I loved it, happily paid the check, and then sought out the waiter to get our picture together, which I regularly use as my Facebook profile.

California Wine Country

This is another trip that we’ve done twice, in 2012 and 2013. Deb is a big wine lover so riding amongst the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma is special for her. To be able to cycle past a winery that you are familiar with, or to discover a one that becomes a new favorite, is part of this trip. Plus, these places have wine clubs that ship straight to your house, which Deb thinks is perhaps the greatest example of commerce around. Like any Trek Travel trip, the cycling is wonderful–on lightly travelled roads and amongst traffic that is very respectable towards riders. But there are two things that set this trip apart for us. First, our favorite hotel in the world–Hotel Healdsburg–is part of the luxury trip. Second, on the 2013 trip we met three other couples that were to become our Trek Travel companions. We’ve now done Wine Country, Tuscany and Santa Barbara with Tom and Andrea Meadows, Rick and Gail Venner, and Darryl and Susan Forintos. We couldn’t ask for more fun than we get travelling with these folks. If we hadn’t signed up for Wine Country in 2013, we never would’ve met them.

San Juan Islands and Santa Barbara

I have to put these two together. These were our latest trips in 2015, so they are fresh in my memory. But the main reason is because these trips contained the two biggest climbs I’ve done: Mount Constitution and Gibraltar Road. If you ever meet me, you’ll quickly notice that I’m built a bit more like a linebacker than a cyclist. Climbing has never come easy and here in southwest Michigan the terrain on which to train for climbing doesn’t really exist. Standing at the top of Mount Constitution on Orcas Island looking across the water to Mount Baker on the mainland is an accomplishment I’ll forever hold dear. And the climb up Gibraltar taxed me in ways I never had anticipated.

It’s been an amazing ten years and ten trips with Trek Travel. We’ve made life-long friendships with fellow guests and guides. We’ve seen the world from the seat of a bike, a perspective that can’t be matched in any other way. A few years ago the president of Trek Travel, Tania Burke, along with her husband John, were in Battle Creek for Team Active Cycling and Fitness’ End of Winter Party. Deb and I were fortunate enough to have dinner with them. Tania asked us how our experiences with Trek Travel had been. “Tania,” I answered, “I still can’t think about our first trip to Tuscany in 2006 without getting goose bumps. If you told me that we could repeat any of our trips but we would have to pay twice as much, I’d write the check in a heart beat.”

There is nothing quite like Trek Travel for us.

Each January, the editors of the New York Times Travel section publish a Places to Go issue. And although the editors themselves admit that it is by no means a comprehensive list (here’s how they narrow it down)–because “there is an almost endless number of great destinations”–the locations chosen are always particularly compelling in the coming year. This year’s 11th annual Places to Go list features a few of our favorite destinations, and we can’t wait for you to experience everything they have to offer.

 

 

2. Bordeaux, France
An ancient wine region gets a stunning update.
Words by Charly Wilder

Next year will see the opening of La Cité du Vin, an ambitious institution along the coast of the river Garonne dedicated to the history of French viticulture. The undulating wooden structure, designed by XTU architects, is part of a huge greening and revitalization effort along Bordeaux’s waterways, which also includes the 2013 opening of the Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas, Europe’s largest lift bridge, and the transformation of over 7,500,000 square feet of former docklands into more than 5,000 new apartments and public waterside attractions. In 2007, half of the restored neoclassical city was Unesco-listed, making it the largest urban World Heritage site. And all the effort has been paying off: A 2013 survey ranked Bordeaux France’s second-favorite city, after Paris. More recently, a restaurant boom has welcomed enticing openings by the likes of Joël Robuchon, whose namesake restaurant opened at the end of 2014 within the city’s palatial Grande Maison hotel. Gordon Ramsay recently took the helm at Le Pressoir d’Argent, the restaurant within the InterContinental Bordeaux — Le Grand Hotel, while the French celebrity chef Philippe Etchebest, has taken over the Café Opera in Bordeaux’s Grand Théâtre. Other appetizing new entries include Franco-Chinese restaurant Dan, high-end minimalist Garopapilles and locavore Belle Campagne, in a rustic-chic townhouse in Bordeaux’s picturesque Old Town.
Experience our Bordeaux Cycling Vacation»

 
 

 

15. Road to Seven Lakes, Argentina
A newly paved road to beautiful vistas.
Words by Nell McShane Wulfhart

It’s no longer necessary to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle to explore the Patagonian Lake District. With the long-delayed paving of the Road of the Seven Lakes completed last summer, it is now possible to drive, cycle or motorbike (new rental companies like Seven Lakes Rides are already setting up shop) down this 66-mile route that takes in some of Argentina’s most compelling scenery. Connecting San Martín de Los Andes to the mountain village of Villa La Angostura, an hour’s drive from the skiing and snowboarding mecca of Bariloche, the route is stunningly scenic, winding its way through forested valleys and around the namesake azure lakes, taking in national parks, snow-capped mountains and abundant waterfalls along the way. The trip can now be completed in a few hours, although it’s worth stretching out the journey to take advantage of the campgrounds (or boutique hotels) and excellent restaurants along the way.
Experience the Road to Seven Lakes on our Chile Cycling Vacation»

 
 

 

17. Korcula Island, Croatia
Experience authentic life on the Dalmatian Coast.
Words by Katie Engelhart

Beyoncé and Jay Z called this one. The couple’s 2011 visit to Hvar Island seemed to open the tourist floodgates to Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. Korcula is Hvar’s more modest neighbor. Much of the island is still untouched: dotted with blue-collar fishing villages and little pebble beaches. Instead of sticking to the Old Town, which claims to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, rent a moped and head west. Travel through olive groves and thick woodlands, and drive off-road to sample Korcula’s signature white wine, Grk, at any number of hopelessly charming family wineries. It’s bitter and earthy — and true to the region’s less fashionable days.
Experience Korcula Island on our Craotia Cycling Vacation»

 
 

 

29. Barcelona, Spain
Celebrating a beloved architect all year.
Words by Lindsey Tramuta

This year, Barcelona prepares for an influx of architecture aficionados as it marks the 90th anniversary of the death of Antoni Gaudí, whose work famously peppers the city. The Gaudi Exhibition Center at the Museu Diocesà de Barcelona will continue to offer an interactive deep dive with its “Walking With Gaudi” exhibition — a perfect primer for what is poised to be an important decade in Gaudian history: by year’s end, the Unesco World Heritage Site Casa Vicens — Gaudi’s first major work — will open as a public museum, and the completion of the Sagrada Família cathedral, his most ambitious work, is finally scheduled for 2026. Guests of the nearby Majestic Hotel & Spa will be offered private tours of both structures once they open.
Experience our Barcelona Villa Cycling Vacation»

 
 

 

31. Turin, Italy
Renewal in a former industrial capital.
Words by Robyn Eckhardt

A reopened Egyptian Museum isn’t the only draw in Turin, where projects like the warehouse district Docks Dora, home to galleries, ateliers and underground clubs; the street art initiative Arte in Barriera; and Lavazza’s new headquarters in Aurora near Porta Palazzo, Europe’s largest open-air market, are softening an industrial face. Fresh exhibition spaces and museums complement Contemporary Art Week, comprising Artissima, Paratissima and Luci d’Artista. The concurrent Club to Club is one of many music festivals (Torino Jazz, Kappa Futur, TODAYS, Movement Torino). The city, which is home to Slow Food’s annual Salone del Gusto, is also a jumping-off point for the Unesco world heritage-designated wine regions Langhe-Roero and Monferrato.
Experience Turin on our Piedmont Cycling Vacation»

 
 

 

43. Málaga, Spain
Beauty, but now a cultural capital, too.
Words by Shivani Vora

As home to touristy seaside cities like Marbella, the province of Málaga, part of the Andalusia region, is a popular beach destination. The eponymous capital city, however, is now a center of culture. The birthplace of Picasso and home to a namesake museum full of works donated by his family, Málaga has recently seen three major museums open. The most significant is a five-year pop-up of the Centre Pompidou, costing upward of $8 million, housed in a futuristic building on the waterfront and displaying a changing selection of 20th- and 21st-century paintings by artists like Frida Kahlo and Marc Chagall. There’s also a new branch of the St. Petersburg State Russian Museum with a collection of works by some of Russia’s most notable artists and the Carmen Thyssen Museum, featuring around 250 works from Baroness Thyssen-Bornemisza’s collection of past and present art world masters, including Jeff Koons. Getting to Málaga to explore this new side of the city is easier than ever: Delta now has seasonal flights into the local airport from New York City, and there are new high-speed train routes linking it to Madrid and Barcelona.
Experience Málaga on our Andalucia Cycling Vacation»
 
 

 
 
SEE THE NEW YORK TIMES FULL LIST OF 52 PLACES TO GO»

Asking us to pick our favorite trip of the year is like asking us to pick our favorite child; they’re all too unique, handcrafted and distinctive in their own special ways.

Our guests tell us, time and again, that our trips are magical from the moment they arrive to the final day of departure. But which trips are our most-loved on a consistent basis? We tallied the guest evaluations on trip design, routes, hotels and more, and these six trips rose to the top as our most popular. Our guests have spoken. Are you listening?
 
 

 

PROVENCE LUXURY
Experience the “La Belle Vie” in France
6 Days | From $4,499

Connect to the essence of life—food created with care, wine produced with passion, and intimate moments shared with friends. You’ll ride through this ancient countryside, perhaps stopping to eat cherries off a tree or to explore a fortress overlooking a medieval village. Cozy cafés and unique local markets await leisure riders while Mont Ventoux waits to be conquered for the avid cyclists. Provence is one of our most popular bike tour destinations, and for good reason. You’ll have an experience you won’t soon forget! Learn More»
 
 

 

RIDE ACROSS ITALY
Discover the essence of the heartland of Italy
6 Days | From $3,499

Join us as we dip our toes in the Adriatic sea and traverse the enchanting regions of Le Marche, Umbria and Tuscany to the Mediterranean coast. Along the way, you’ll indulge in sumptuous cuisines, world renowned wines and charming medieval towns. You’ll climb across the misty Apennine mountain range and roll through vine-covered landscapes before you celebrating on the stunning Orbetello peninsula with a sunset cocktail. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for lovers of all things Italian! Learn More»
 
 

 

PRAGUE TO VIENNA
Czech Republic and Austria
6 Days | From $3,299

A bicycle is truly the best way to discover the secret forests, charming Baroque palaces, and quiet cobblestone streets of this enchanting Bohemian wonderland. This Central European tour wends through history, preserved Renaissance towns and countryside laden with dense forests and rolling hills. Take in the sweeping vistas of the lush Danube River Valley as you immerse yourself in the culture, cuisine, and adventure that continue to make this region a favorite for active travelers worldwide. Learn More»
 
 

 

ETAPE DU TOUR
Ride a stage of the Tour de France
6 Days | From $4,699

Cycling fans have dreamt of riding the routes of their heroes since the first true mountain stage of the Tour de France in 1910. Each year a lucky few get the unique opportunity to experience those dreams in all their glory by taking part in the Etape du Tour–designed to celebrate the challenge of the famed routes and share in the passion that surrounds the Tour de France. A breathtaking alpen stage, this year’s ride features four mountain passes as it covers Stage 20 of Le Tour from Megève to Morzine. Learn More»
 
 

 

PYRENEES SEA TO SEA
From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean
10 Days | From $5,399

With daily routes through France and Spain, averaging over 60 miles and 7000 vertical feet, this cross-country bike trip offers avid cyclists an invigorating combination of riding and cultural experience. Though the riding is challenging and the terrain is spectacular, the unassuming charm and hearty cuisine of the Basque & Catalan people serve to keep cyclists well-fueled and refreshed as you traverse a true cycling paradise. (The magical healing powers of the springs of Bagnères de Luchon don’t hurt either.) Learn More»
 
 

 

BARCELONA VILLA
A Mediterranean Retreat
6 Days | From $4,999

On the Mediterranean just south of Barcelona lies Sitges, a beautiful sun-kissed village nestled above the sea in the heart of the Penedès wine region. Your luxurious private villa, Almiral de la Font, is an exquisite manor surrounded by olive trees. This week you’ll savor the essence of Spain and all its flavors, proud traditions and vibrant culture. From tranquil vineyards to forested river valleys–this cycling vacation reveals spectacular sea views and glimpses into history as you pedal past ancient fortresses and castles. Learn More»
 
 

Your first time traveling by train can be nerve-wracking. The bustling stations, indiscernible platforms, convoluted schedule, and absent signage can be intimidating. Add to that a foreign language and you might as well write off any hope of getting to your final destination.

 

 
 
But rail travel is a big part of the European experience, and there’s a reason most people opt to take the train. Driving on narrow foreign roads can be daunting, and traveling by train allows your to sit back in a remarkably large, comfortable seat and let someone else do the driving. No turbulence. No claustrophobic middle seat. Just uninterrupted time for productivity, sight-seeing, or a much-need nap.

In order to ease any concerns, we’ve put together a few tips on how to book, what to expect, and how to travel safely:

Planning Your Trip

Unlike air travel, train schedules remain fairly consistent throughout the year. Although train schedules are not typically more than 30 days in advance, you can check tentative schedules at any time. Visit the Rail Europe website, plug in your cities, and choose a date on the same day of the week that you will be traveling. This will allow you to see sample itineraries, prices and train durations. These schedules may change slightly, but can be a valuable tool for those who like to plan their vacation well in advance.

Booking Trains

Some European trains on longer routes, or high speed trains such as the TGV in France, require advance reservations. These reservations can be made through Rail Europe up to 90 days before your departure date. Rail Europe is a U.S. company that charges a nominal fee in exchange for a user-friendly booking portal. Trust me when I say that it is much easier to navigate than individual national rail sites.

During peak travel times, trains can sell out. Reservations give you security and peace of mind by allowing you to select a specific train time and receive a seat assignment seat. It can also save you money on certain routes with special fares for advance purchase.

Most journeys are e-tickets, which gives you the option to print your ticket at home or pick up your ticket at the station. While I recommend printing your ticket at home, you may pick up your ticket at a self-service kiosk using an e-ticket code, or from a train attendant at a ticket window.

Some slower, regional trains do not require reservations in advance. These trains have open seating, meaning you can sit anywhere you’d like within your ticket’s class of service. For trains that do not offer online booking, please allow time at the station to purchase your ticket.

Please Note: most kiosks will only accept credit cards with chip technology, but tend to have much shorter lines than the ticket windows.
 
 

 

Classes of Service

Most trains offer a choice between 2nd class (Economy) or 1st class (Comfort or Premier). Economy offers the cheapest fares, but is generally more crowded and does not offer reclining seats. First class tends to be less crowded, and offers more amenities such as outlets, reclining seats and other small perks.

At the Station

Plan to arrive at the station 30-45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. If you have a reserved seat on a specific train, check the boards for the train number. Some routes have multiple trains departing around the same time, and you’ll want to be sure you’re on the correct platform for your train number. Be ready to board your train 15 minutes prior to departure.

If you have purchased a regional ticket with no specific departure time or train number, your ticket is valid for any of the trains that day. Most of these tickets require validation, meaning you must stamp your ticket at boxes located by the platforms before boarding. Not always is your end destination the train’s end destination, so pay attention to all cities on the route instead of just the final destination.

If you have any questions, find a uniformed train attendant, as most can speak English and are happy to assist.

Keeping Safe

In the front or back of most trains there will be an area to store your larger luggage. Keep all valuable personal items, especially your passport, with you at your seat. There will be a train attendant who comes through the coaches to check tickets and passports, so keep them handy at all times. If you plan to take a nap on your journey, make sure your passport and personal items are secure. Money belts might not be fashionable, but they are a great way to safely hide money, credit cards and your passport while in transit.
 
 

 

Helpful Links

Already abroad? Here are the most popular regional train websites:
France: www.sncf.com
Italy: www.trenitalia.com
Spain: www.renfe.com

 

 
 

When your job title is “Cycling Guide,” it’s no more descriptive than handing someone a business cared that reads, “Jack of All Trades.” For Jessica Singerman, tour guide is a catchall for a variety of endeavors including mother, artist, yoga instructor, cyclocross racer, and trip designer for Trek Travel.

 
 
Tell us your story. How did you end up at Trek Travel?
In 2005, I was teaching art at the University of Delaware and working at a bike shop where I spotted a Trek Travel catalog. I had done some self-supported bike touring, but I didn’t know companies like Trek Travel existed. I found the company website and saw they were looking to hire guides. I grew up abroad, have done a lot of traveling, and love riding–it looked like a dream job! I put my application together and went through the grueling hiring process. Lo and behold, I got the job!

When did you begin cycling?
I got around by bike as a kid–it was the ultimate freedom. I remember riding my bike across town to the local swimming hole every day in the summer. But I didn’t get the bug until the end of college, when my roommate and I went mountain biking on a whim. We were totally unprepared for what we got ourselves into, and I remember the elation after that first ride in the woods. It sparked something in me, and I kept riding my bike all summer and into autumn as I started grad school. I told myself that if I rode that bike all winter, I’d earn myself a new road bike. Sure enough, I walked into a shop toward the end of the winter and found a tiny road bike just my size. I eventually started racing on the road, then mountain, then eventually cyclocross, where I met my husband. I was hooked.

Tell us about your best travel adventure.
When my husband and I lived in Australia, during the second trimester of my pregnancy, we made a trip to New Zealand’s South Island, and spent ten days hiking and boating together. The glacier hiking on Fox Glacier blew my mind. Between the experience of the glacier and the feeling of crampons on ice, I loved it. We also went on an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound. Even if I got seasick, the lush cliffs and waterfalls of the Sound were gorgeous, and dining and sleeping on the boat was super fun. It was our last vacation before we had our son a few months later. Maybe knowing that made the holiday all the sweeter. Either way, we had a blast.

Tell us about your best day on a bicycle.
There are too many to count! I can honestly say that for me, any ride is a good one. Biking changed my life and I’m grateful that it helped me find my way – while sometimes getting lost too! I love riding with friends as well as on my own. I love super challenging rides with searing lungs and screaming legs. And I also love a day of meandering in the woods, stopping for leisurely snacks and chatting with friends.
 
 

 
 
How has guiding influenced your role as a trip designer?
As a guide, you see what people genuinely enjoy and what experiences truly impact guests. You notice what it is about hotels that make them special – the passion with which people work, the extra attention, the super luxurious touches, or the renowned restaurant. It’s those experiences in travel–the ones that change you as a person–that I’m most interested in when I design a trip. I work to balance riding with cultural experiences and downtime so guests have time to let it all soak in.

What is your favorite vacation spot and what makes it a unique destination?
My favorite vacation spot is anywhere in the mountains. If I can scramble over rocks or on a dirt path with friends and family, I’m happy. Camping or in a simple mountain house, cooking together, chatting, making things, reading by a fire, and crisp sunny days. That’s bliss.

What advice would your give our readers when planning a vacation?
I prefer to stay in one place for some time to get a feel for the life there, rather than jamming as much as possible into a holiday. My husband and I have a rule when we travel–to visit no more than one museum or site per day, and to allow ourselves time to stroll, sit in parks and cafés for hours, read, draw, and people watch. Before we go, we make a list of the things we want to do, write down opening days and times, and make a vague plan that includes maybe one site a day with some parks and restaurants we might want to check out in that area. We generally decide what we want to do each day over breakfast, and the plan almost always changes. We play things by ear and stay open to serendipity.

What are your top five must-dos or must-sees when traveling in Europe?
Wow, that’s a tough one. I’d say my three favorite cities are Paris, Venice and Prague. All three cities are beautiful: the architecture, the culture, and the energy. Tuscany is a wonderful place and very friendly for new travelers. The rolling hills and small villages are incredibly picturesque, the people are warm, and the food is easy to love. Last but not least, the Dolomites in the Italian Alps are hands down my favorite place. The landscape is visually stunning, the people are friendly, the riding and hiking are second to none, and the food is super tasty. It’s a bicultural region, having been fought over by Austria and Italy, so there’s a lot of history and multiple languages spoken. The region has something for everyone.
 
 

 
 

Have you ever been stuck in a full maze at security and wished you could skip the line? Or maybe you’ve missed a connection because it took too long to get through customs. Global Entry is the solution to these travel woes, but the process can be intimidating for some and perceived as futile by others. Here’s what you need to know before you start the process:

Overview:
The Global Entry program allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited entry into the U.S. through automatic kiosks. No need to fill out blue customs forms on the plane or wait in line after a long international flight. Additionally, Global Entry members are eligible for TSA PreCheck, which expedites traveler screening through security checkpoints on domestic flights. No need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or jackets. Ultimately, Global Entry will minimize the amount of time you spend standing in line or stressing about time on both domestic and international vacations.
Pro Tip: You can apply for TSA PreCheck on its own, but at the cost of $85 per traveler, you might as well spend $100 for Global Entry.

Application:
In order to apply for Global Entry, you must be a U.S. citizens or lawful permanent resident. You also cannot have been convicted of any criminal offense or been found in violation of any customs or immigration laws. (See full eligibility requirements here.) Once you’ve deemed yourself as eligible, the application process is easy:
1. Create a Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) account.
2. Log in to your GOES account and complete the application. The application includes a series of straightforward questions, including your employment history and a list of every country you’ve visited in the last five years.
3. Pay the $100 non-refundable fee.
4. Schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Be sure to bring a valid passport or permanent resident card, and one other form on identification (such as a drivers license).
5. Complete your 15-minute interview. Most international airports have a Global Entry office, so for convenience you could schedule the interview during a long layover or get to the airport early before your next vacation. Be sure to leave yourself enough time, however, as the appointments often run behind schedule.

Utilization:
If you are approved for Global Entry, you will receive a physical card in the mail roughly two weeks later. This card is not actually required while flying, but you will need your Known Traveler Number (found on the back of the card in the upper left-hand corner). To take advantage of TSA PreCheck, you will need to enter your Known Traveler Number when making airline reservations so that your boarding pass is marked appropriately. To take advantage of Global Entry, head directly toward signs for Global Entry kiosks upon landing in the U.S. after an international flight. At the kiosk, you will scan your passport, answer the customs questions, take your photo, and scan your fingerprints. You will receive a receipt that you hand to the customs agent on your way out. It is important to know that travel companions (even children or your spouse) cannot come through the Global Entry kiosk with you.
Pro Tip: Add your Known Traveler Number to your frequent flyer profile to make it easier for future reservations.

When Mac Tichenor, a close friend of Trek Travel, wanted to celebrate his birthday in style, he put together the guest list and we took care of the rest. What followed was a floating party, an unforgettable bike-n-barge vacation from Paris to Champagne. Together, Mac and nine of his closest friends cruised the Marne River and set a new bar for the ultimate birthday celebration.

What inspired you to take a bike and barge vacation?

The inspiration came from the Trek Travel trip designers. I presented them with a nascent idea, and, very creatively, they came up with a spectacular trip. Even after the idea was hatched, we weren’t certain what we were getting into. But our previous experience on a Trek Travel trip made us confident that it would be well done and fun, and our expectations were far surpassed.

Tell us about your favorite day of the trip.

It is really hard to pick a favorite. Each day had its own flavor, with different intensities of riding, different types of scenery, and different kinds of off-the-bike activities, all of which made each day interesting and exciting. But the first full day was probably the most memorable. Our group of 10 was already wowed by the elegance of our accommodations on the barge, the conviviality of its crew, and how our guides were almost giddy about the plans for the week. The excitement of starting off that first morning still sticks with me.
 
 

 
 
How does a bike and barge trip compare to a classic cycling vacation?

1. A big benefit was that we did not have to pack up and move out of our rooms for the whole week. After we departed the barge each morning on our bikes, it would motor on to the next port of call, where we would meet it at the end of the day. We had the same room but a different view every day.

2. The barge had a great bar, wine cellar, and an extraordinary chef. It was particularly nice to stay aboard after a long day of riding and be treated to a Michelin-quality meal.

3. When someone in our group didn’t want to ride on a given day, they had the option of staying on the barge to read and relax on deck during a pleasant trip down the Marne River.

What made the bike and barge trip a unique travel experience?

I think the true uniqueness of this trip was the melding of two activities, either one of which makes a great trip in itself – a Trek Travel bicycling adventure and a river barge excursion. It led to a confluence of magic ingredients: good friends, engaging and helpful guides, gorgeous scenery, great bikes, the novelty and unexpected luxuriousness of the barge experience, and some of the best food and wine in the world. The excitement and camaraderie generated among our group, our guides, and the crew grew over the week and made it especially enjoyable.
 
 

 
 

“The barge experience was a perfect complement to biking. The barge crew was exceptionally fun and helpful. The food and wine were fabulous. Our Trek Travel guides were immediate friends, it couldn’t have been better!” – Mac Tichenor

 
 

 
 
Why did you choose to celebrate your birthday with Trek Travel?

My wife and I had recently been introduced to bike touring on a Trek Travel trip to Vermont, which we loved. Some friends on that trip had been on Trek Travel trips in Europe that they raved about, so we filed away that idea. Somehow the idea of adding in the barge element surfaced, and the Trek Travel trip designers took it and ran with it.

Do you have an especially memorable story from the trip?

On our first full day of riding, our guides told us we would stop at a French country inn for lunch. That sounded fine, but we didn’t really have any idea what we were in for. It turned out to be a charming spot in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by an apple orchard, with a great outdoor dining area. We were fêted with too many courses to count of delicious food (for which we had built up big appetites by riding all morning). The meal lasted almost two hours and, after a brief recovery period (i.e. naps on the grass), we set out to ride it off and be ready for dinner. That day brought us to realize what a highly civilized experience was in store for us.
 
 

 
 

Listen up, Americans. Collectively we’re taking less vacation time than at any point in nearly the last four decades. And by doing so, we’re only hurting ourselves.

According to a study conducted by Oxford Economics for Project: Time Off, American workers lost 169 million days of paid time off in 2013. And in the last 15 years, we’ve lost nearly a full work-week of vacation time–going from an average of 20.3 days to 16.0 days most recently. These days could not be rolled over, paid out, or used for any other benefit.

We’re making a name for ourselves. Our poor time management is turning into headlines. There might be an end game–a raise, a promotion, a retirement–but in the mean time we’re becoming a nation of work martyrs.

You shouldn’t have to feel guilty about leaving the office. You’re not a slacker, you won’t get behind, and the work can wait. In fact, taking earned time off is essential to creating a productive workforce. Furthermore, vacation time creates strong bonds with family and friends, and helps cultivate a fulfilled life.

So instead of providing free labor to your employer, think about what you could do in a week. Learn to salsa dance in Barcelona. See the leaves change in Vermont. Taste the finest wines in Italy. Eat too many pain au chocolat in Provence.

YOU COULD BE HERE:

Project: Time Off was an initiative to prove the personal, business, social, and economic benefits that taking earned time off can deliver. We aim to shift culture so that using personal time off is not considered frivolous, but essential to strengthening families and improving personal health; a business investment with proven returns and an economic necessity. Learn more at ustravel.org.