How to prepare for your cycling tour around the world?

Before truly enjoying such an epic journey, one must succeed in preparing it well. Equipping oneself with suitable gear, meticulously planning the route, anticipating the vagaries of travel, these are the challenges to overcome. On the road, one must also wisely manage their budget, find day-to-day accommodation solutions, and share their journey to inspire others to embark on this incredible adventure that is cycling around the world. A physical and human challenge that will forever mark those who venture onto the planet's roads.

1. How to prepare your gear and equipment ? 

2. Route and stages: how to organize ? 

3. Living the adventure and sharing your expérience ?

4. What travel insurance for your around-the-world cycling tour? 

1. How to prepare your gear and equipment ?

Choosing the right bike and equipping it for the journey

The type of bike is a key element. Gravel, mountain bike, or hybrid bike, each model has its advantages and disadvantages. Analyzing the route and terrain is essential to make the best choice. The bike's equipment must also be adapted: racks, mudguards, lights...

Selecting and organizing luggage

Luggage can be a headache on a cycling trip. Panniers, backpack, trailer: multiple options are available to the traveler. The essential is to optimize space and weight while keeping necessary equipment within reach. The distribution between front and rear panniers and trailer must be carefully considered.

Anticipating maintenance and repairs

On the road, the bike's mechanics will be put to the test. Punctures, broken spokes, stuck derailleur... Mishaps are frequent. It is therefore essential to have a complete toolkit, common spare parts, and to master basic repairs. Mechanical bike training or expert assistance is a plus.

2. Route and stages : how to organize?

Defining the general route

To plan your around-the-world cycling tour, it is imperative to start by defining the general route you want to take. Depending on the countries you wish to cross, you need to research major bike-friendly roadways connecting these destinations. A world map and route planning software are valuable tools for tracing a coherent path.

Planning stages and accommodation locations

After determining the general route, the next step is to plan in more detail the various stops comprising the journey. It is advisable to divide the trip into daily stages of around a hundred kilometers each. For each segment of the journey, you need to anticipate rest and refueling stops as well as accommodation options for the night : campgrounds, hotels, hostels. A budget allocated for accommodation must be defined.

Informing oneself about administrative and geopolitical constraints

Traveling by bike around the world requires researching administrative formalities specific to each country you will traverse: visas, mandatory vaccines, insurance, etc. It is also essential to inform oneself about the geopolitical situation of the regions traversed to avoid dangerous areas. Some countries may advise against or prohibit access to regions sensitive to tourists. Thorough documentation and continuous monitoring are necessary.

3. How to live the adventure and sharing your experience ?

Managing your budget and finding accommodation solutions

Embarking on a bike journey offers an unparalleled sense of freedom. However, good financial preparation is necessary. Establishing a realistic budget will help avoid unpleasant surprises. Many economical accommodation options exist, such as camping or couchsurfing with locals. Remaining flexible and accepting the unexpected will make this journey more enriching.

Meeting Local Populations

Cycling is an ideal way to discover new cultures. Taking the time to chat with locals opens the mind and creates bonds. For example, sharing a meal with locals offers an authentic experience. Learning a few words in the local language is also a gesture of openness. These encounters make this journey so special.

Sharing your journey on social Media

Social media are fantastic tools for sharing your adventure. Maintaining a blog or regularly posting on Instagram keeps family and friends informed. It also offers the opportunity to meet other passionate cyclists. Moreover, in 2017, over 5 million Instagram posts were geotagged in cycling tourism destinations. Sharing your experience inspires others to embark on the adventure!

4. What travel insurance for your around-the-world cycling tour?

To secure your around-the-world cycling tour, it is essential to subscribe to suitable travel insurance. AVI International's assurance Marco Polo travel insurance is an ideal choice to accompany you throughout your journey. Specifically designed for adventurous travelers like you, this insurance offers comprehensive coverage to deal with unforeseen events encountered on the road.

Medical Assistance and Repatriation: In case of illness or accident, Marco Polo insurance covers medical expenses, including any hospitalization and medical repatriation costs to your home country if necessary. This allows you to travel with peace of mind, knowing that you have reliable medical assistance, even in the most remote regions.

Baggage Insurance and Liability: In case of loss, theft, or damage to your luggage during your trip, Marco Polo insurance compensates you to allow you to replace your essential personal effects. Moreover, this insurance includes liability coverage, covering any damages you may cause to third parties during your journey.

Legal Assistance and Bail Advance: In case of legal issues abroad, such as a dispute with a service provider or local authorities, you benefit from legal assistance to advise you and help you assert your rights. Moreover, in case of arrest, Marco Polo insurance can provide bail to facilitate your release.

Trip Interruption: Although the insurance does not cover the cancellation of your trip before departure, it covers the costs related to an unforeseen trip interruption in case of an emergency situation requiring your early return, such as hospitalization of a family member or a major family event.