Is bike touring expensive? It certainly doesn’t have to be. In fact, bike touring can be one of, if not, the most affordable ways to travel. But it’s not without its own unique costs. So how can you save and have a budget-friendly bike tour? Check out this video on how to cycle tour on a budget.
In case you aren’t able to watch that video, or want some points to refer back to, I’ll break down the five main costs of bike touring, and how to save on each, here as well:
1. Your bike and bike gear
Unlike traditional travel where you might simply need a suitcase full of your usual clothes to head out, you do in fact need a number of items to get started on a cycle tour. You’ll need a bike, of course. Plus bike bags, camping gear, waterproof attire, the list goes on. If you need more insights on what to bring, check out my post on what I packed to cycle across Europe.
In order to save in this department, especially if it’s your first time bike touring and you don’t know if you’ll like it yet, begin by asking around. Ask your friends, family, and network on social media, if anyone has items they might be willing to lend you.
Next, check out secondhand sites like Craigslist, Kijiji, and Facebook Marketplace, as well as trading or secondhand groups on Facebook. For those items you aren’t able to borrow or get secondhand, begin doing some research on the product you need to get a sense of the price range and what would fit your budget and still work well. If time allows, keep a lookout in the off-season to purchase items on sale as businesses look to clear out old stock to make room for new inventory.
2. Food
We burn through a lot of fuel on a bike tour cycling all day and we need to replenish that fuel. Which means we need to eat a lot! The cheapest way to do this is by purchasing a camp cooking set up for less than $100 (camping stove, gas and pot) and making meals yourself with ingredients from the grocery store, corner store or market. If you need a little cooking inspiration, you can grab my free downloadable guide which includes 2 adaptable recipes and many snack ideas for cycle touring.
I feel it important to mention too that cooking for ourselves doesn’t mean we have to miss out on the local cuisine. You can grab local fruits, vegetables, dips or sauces at the store and make food with new flavours and flair. And even when I’m travelling on a tight budget, I still allow room to enjoy a couple meals out to experience that true local cuisine.
3. Accommodation
Sleeping in a new place every night means lodging costs can add up quickly without proper preparation. I like to think of my accommodation options in the following ranking system for a budget bike tour:
- Wild camping or stealth camping: Free once you have the camping gear, but good to research ahead of time that this is something you will be able to do in the region you’re visiting.
- Staying with locals through sites like Warm Showers: Essentially free other than an initial start up cost to the site — the idea being that you’ll eventually pay forward that kindness by hosting other cyclists in the future.
- Work exchange websites: With sites like Workaway, WWOOF or Trusted Housesitters, you receive free accommodation in exchange for your labour or care. One caveat is hosts will generally prefer that you be able to stay there for a greater length of time, such as a week, and that you arrive on a certain day. So this option does take a little more time and planning. But it can be a great option if you want to take a week off somewhere on a longer tour. The websites will have a small start up cost, but if you do use the service, the free accommodation can very much be worth it.
- Campgrounds: These will typically have a very low cost of entry as you are providing your own tent and simply looking for someplace to set it up, and perhaps a hot shower.
- Hostels: Hostels will typically cost more than campgrounds but as you are staying in a room with other guests the cost remains quite low and is a nice option in cities.
- Hotels/motels/Airbnbs: These will be the most expensive options, but they come in a wide variety of prices depending on your budget.
4. Additional or “surprise” costs
We’ve discussed the start up costs as well as daily expenses, but there are also some sneaky lump sums that can add up as well.
Firstly, we have transportation expenses. Of course, as a bike tourer you’ll be saving lots in this department as you are your own transportation. But for those times where you do need to take a plane, train, bus, or ferry, you may have a large additional cost you didn’t expect. When planning a trip, it can be helpful to take a look at the route and see if there are stretches where a train may be needed, or if ferries will be required. And of course, if you’re able to start your trip from home that could save you a nice bit on flights. Having an idea of what transportation costs may come up will allow you to do adequate research, plan accordingly, and look for deals where possible.
Next, we have the additional expenses incurred based on the type of traveller you are. If, for instance, you enjoy a night of drinks out in the city, or you love going to museums and art galleries, these outings can add to your expenses. It doesn’t mean you need to change what makes you happy or the type of traveller you are, but it is something to be mindful of. Could you, for instance, take a free walking tour in a city rather than going into multiple historical centers? Or could you look into any attractions that are potentially free or donation-based? There are plenty of savings to be had when we are open to them.
And lastly, we have the cost of bike or gear repairs. Not only is our bike or gear failing a stressful experience, but it can also be a pricey one. Before heading out on your adventure, ensure that your bike is in good working condition and that you have tested all your gear. If you are unsure of your bike’s condition, consider bringing it by your local bike shop for inspection. Even if you need to pay a fee for them to take a look at it, and potentially replace parts, this is likely to be a more affordable measure than having to make the decision while on the road when options are few and you’re in a hurry to get going again.
5. Cost of living
Some countries and regions will inherently cost more or less than others to live and travel in. This means that everything from food, to accommodation, to additional travel expenses will cost more or less depending on location. It can be helpful to do some research early in your planning process to get an understanding of the cost to live and travel in your desired location. If it feels too outside of your budget and like the expenses could cause you stress, consider if another destination might better suit your budget.
Enjoy the adventure
With so many ways to save, bike touring can actually be a lot more affordable than we might expect. And boy will it be an adventure to remember. Enjoy and happy riding!
More on budget bike touring
12 Tips for Your Best Sleep Camping
How to Plan Your First Bike Tour
How to Plan Your First Bike Tour