Holidays make you happy

Switching off and forgetting the stress of everyday life is what many people want. However, the best way to do this is during your holiday, far away from your familiar surroundings and everyday challenges. On vacation, the stress level also decreases and this in turn leads to both body and mind recovering better. In some countries, however, people suffer from stress comparatively less often than is the case in Germany . It has been proven that the happiest people call the Scandinavian countries home. However, emigration does not have to be considered directly, because often an extensive and relaxed vacation in the countries where people are happiest and most satisfied is enough.

Increase well-being and joie de vivre on holiday

According to studies, people who travel regularly and discover new things are happier than those who spend their holidays in their own four walls. It does not matter whether the booked holiday is a luxury trip or an adventurous and relaxed camping holiday . Holidays are fun, broaden your horizons and help you relax and unwind. Furthermore, traveling also makes you smart, because new challenges await you in other countries. A foreign language, spontaneous decisions to be made, or simply the discovery of nature, culture and the meaningful traditions of another country. All these things broaden your horizons and can also bring many advantages professionally. But anyone who thinks that traveling is only reserved for those who have a full wallet is mistaken. Traveling with little or no money may sound crazy at first, but crazy things aren’t impossible either.

However, if you want to have a certain budget on holiday, you can do a few things in advance to improve your holiday budget a bit. In this day and age, quite a few dust collectors, old objects and clothes that have not been worn for a long time accumulate. If you clean out thoroughly in advance and sell well-preserved inventory, you can improve your holiday budget. If a holiday to a Scandinavian country is just around the corner, gambling can work wonders. The Scandinavians are lucky in the game, they are considered true lucky in the field of gambling. The big Eurojackpot has already gone to Finland 18 times and Norway and Sweden 5 times each. And who knows, maybe some of the happiness of the Scandinavians will pass on to you on your next vacation.

Tips to make your holiday a success

However, in order to enjoy the holiday to the fullest, a few things should be considered in advance. Even if spontaneous and quick decisions often have to be made on holiday, rough planning in advance is advisable. In particular, the topics of theft, security and precautions should not be ignored, because if something gets lost while traveling, it can have far-reaching consequences. A copy of the most important and necessary documents should always be carried in a separate bag so that you can still identify yourself in case you lose the original documents. It can also be very helpful to deal with the targeted holiday destination in advance. Some information about the culture, the people and the traditions will help you to find your way around on holiday and not to attract negative attention from the locals. And if you have already informed yourself in advance, you can experience the holiday in a completely different way.

A bike tour with an overnight stay in nature is something terrific. Break out of everyday life for a few days, decide for yourself where you sleep, how long you are on the road and which route you follow. Feel the wind and freedom literally on your face – these are just some of the reasons why bikepacking is becoming increasingly popular in this country.

Bikepacking combines the basic elements of cycling with minimalist camping and the thrill of cycling off paved roads and cycle paths.

Whether it’s a tour abroad lasting several weeks, a crossing of the Alps with a tent or a spontaneous multi-day excursion with an overnight stay in a youth hostel. There is no rigid definition of bikepacking. Everyone has their own idea of freedom and adventure. Bikepacking is therefore first and foremost what you make of it yourself.

Bikepacking versus bike travel – What are the differences?

Classic cycle tours usually take place on paved roads and cycle paths. Bikepacking, on the other hand, involves off-road riding on dirt or gravel paths or on narrow trails and forest paths.

In contrast to conventional bike tours with the touring or trekking bike, bikepacking is largely independent of luggage racks and large, heavy bags.

Instead of the traditional touring bag set-up (rear rack with two pockets plus two panniers at the front and a handlebar bag), flexible and lightweight bikepacking bags are used.

Which bike is suitable for bikepacking?

Weight optimization, agility and practicality are a strong focus when it comes to bikepacking. A “bikepacking bike” must therefore be able to master the different track conditions while remaining agile and comfortable.

Mountain bikes, cyclocrossers or gravel bikes are predestined for use on a bikepacking tour. To start bikepacking, however, you don’t have to buy a new bike right away.

Many cycling enthusiasts already have a bike in their basement or garage that is easily suitable for bikepacking. If not, it may be possible to borrow a bike from friends or acquaintances for the start of the bikepacking.

Less is more – The Bikepacking Bags

When talking about a bikepacking setup, this set usually includes a:

• Saddlebag;
• a handlebar bag;
• and a frame bag.

Additional transport volume is created by smaller accessory bags.

These include:

• Top tube pockets;
• stem pockets;
• and fork pockets;

It is not uncommon for bikepackers to use backpacks or hip bags to create additional storage space. Waterproof dry bags are used to protect clothing or equipment from moisture.

The special bikepacking bags not only score with their low weight, they also offer the advantage that no luggage racks or mounting points are necessary to attach them to the bike.

Bikepacking bags are attached with the help of straps / Velcro fasteners and can thus be attached to almost any frame geometry.

Reduced to the bare essentials – the bikepacking equipment

Lower weight increases agility, performance and the fun factor. That’s why the motto for bikepacking is “less is more”. This means that a loaded bike can also be steered quickly and safely through challenging terrain.

Bikepacking bags offer less storage space than conventional panniers anyway. The equipment should therefore be thoroughly considered in advance of a tour.

Which pieces of equipment must be taken with you and what can you safely do without?

Tip: A packing list helps to keep track of everything.

The equipment you need for a bikepacking tour is very individual. The equipment can change depending on the route, weather conditions and experience.

If you want to spend the night and cook on the way, some basic equipment is necessary in addition to the bike and the matching bikepacking bags:

Sleep system

The sleeping system consists of a sleeping bag, sleeping mat and weather protection – usually a tent. Minimalists swear by lightweight tarps (weather protection tarps) or bivouac bags (weather protection cover for a sleeping bag) to reduce the weight of the sleeping system as much as possible.

Outdoor kitchen

If you want to take care of yourself on the way, a camping stove incl. Pot and light outdoor cutlery in the panniers. Needed food is either carried along or bought in supermarkets on the way. Sufficient drinking water should also be provided at all times.

Clothing

In addition to the worn cycling clothes, a change of clothes and also clothes for the camp in the evening should be packed. What and how much is needed depends largely on the season and weather conditions.

Tool

To ensure that the first bikepacking tour does not fail because of a flat tire, it should be possible to carry out minor repairs on the way. A so-called multitool, repair kit and an air pump are therefore part of the basic mobile workshop equipment.

Toiletries

Personal medication, dental and personal care as well as a microfiber towel ensure a minimum of hygiene during a bikepacking tour. In addition, a first aid kit should not be missing from any packing list.

Electronics

It is highly recommended to carry an additional lamp (flashlight or headlamp) and to ensure the energy supply with a power bank (external battery). Especially if navigation takes place via smartphone. Don’t forget the right plugs, cables and chargers.

Get on, drive off and try it out

Everyone has started at some point! If you would like to try bikepacking, you should not be unsettled by new terms or extensive packing lists at first.

In the beginning, a few pieces of equipment are often enough to put the first bikepacking adventure into practice.

According to the “trial and error principle”, you find out pretty well over time what is important to you and what you don’t need on the road

You will be rewarded with great outdoor moments and unforgettable memories.

Happy Bikepacking!

If you are planning a holiday, you don’t always have to fly far or drive a car. There are many beautiful cities in Germany that can be discovered by bike during a cycling holiday. To ensure that the joy of the holiday is not clouded, safety has top priority. The traffic density is getting higher and higher. Cars clog up the cities. Cyclists are rarely taken into account. It depends on the safety of the bike and the cyclists so that the holiday remains a pleasant memory.

Sources of danger for cyclists in urban traffic

There are numerous sources of danger for cyclists lurking in city traffic. One problem in many German cities is the lack of infrastructure for cyclists. Only rarely are cycle paths structurally separated from the road. They are only marked on the roads. Another problem is narrow but busy roads. Most accidents involving bicycles occur at intersections and junctions. Intersections are often confusing. The situation is often made even more difficult by shrubs and parked cars. Turning trucks have often led to deaths or serious injuries to cyclists. Road damage and poorly fastened edge stones pose further dangers:

Tips for more safety on the bike

With the following tips, cyclists can contribute to more safety in cities so as not to put themselves and other road users in danger. In addition to a safe bike, personal equipment is also important. The weather conditions must also be taken into account. You can find out more about bicycle safety in the free e-book “The two-wheeler in urban areas”.

The right bike helmet

Wearing a bicycle helmet should be a matter of course, as falls with a bicycle often lead to serious head injuries. Many cyclists find a helmet uncomfortable. This makes the right fit all the more important. The helmet must not be too big, otherwise the head will slide back and forth. It must also not be too small, otherwise it will constrict. The helmet must be certified according to DIN EN 1078. After about five years, the helmet should be replaced, as the material becomes porous over time. After a fall, a new helmet is also needed.

The roadworthy bicycle according to StVZO

The basic condition for an untroubled cycling holiday is a safe bicycle. Before the holiday, the bike must be checked and possibly upgraded. The equipment must include a few things:

• Tail light, if possible with parking and brake light function
• Category Z reflectors
• Reflective strips on tire sidewalls or rims
• Two yellow reflectors per pedal
• Two independently acting brakes
• Bright-sounding bell
• Headlights, if possible with parking light function
• White, forward-acting reflector that can be integrated into the headlight
• Energy source, such as battery or alternator.

Safe on the road in all weather conditions

If you want to spend your holiday in Germany by bike, you are never safe from capricious weather. The different weather conditions have to be planned for. On hot days, don’t forget the sunscreen. Since the body consumes a lot of water, cyclists have to drink a lot. Sodium-containing drinks are best. Light, cool snacks are perfect for a small hunger in between.

In the dark, nothing works without good lighting on the bike. In addition, cyclists should not do without a high-visibility vest that is certified according to EN ISO 20471.

In ice and snow, the risk of falling is increased. The braking distance is extended. Less air pressure in the tires leads to better grip.

What to do in the event of a bicycle accident?

Despite all precautions, accidents can never be completely ruled out. Cyclists should keep their nerve, secure the accident site and call the police. Photos of the accident site and the vehicles involved should be taken as evidence. The names, addresses and telephone numbers of all those involved as well as the witnesses to the accident must be noted.

Protection against bicycle theft

To protect against theft, cyclists should secure their bike even if they only let it out of their sight for a short time. Stable fastening options such as lampposts are important. The safest are U-locks or chain locks. The bicycle number should be noted down so that the bike can be found more quickly in the event of theft.