It's a weird comparison, I know but many people would never consider a bike trip to be a viable substitute for a family holiday. I guess bike touring is more suited to the individual or a small group of friends, however it could make an excellent substitute to the annual drag that is the family holiday. Firstly it costs a lot less than say, a flight almost anywhere, although it's not even necessary to go abroad. To give you an idea of cost, our trip cost me around £600 (not including equipment) which is fantastic value for a month long holiday, including accommodation, food and travel, if you are thrifty you could do it for a lot less than we did.
Instead of being restricted to a specific resort or city you get to see whole countries under your own power, you are completely free to move where you please. Cycling is the perfect speed to take in your surroundings and you will see a lot more than you would from anything with an engine (apart from a steam engine perhaps). The variety of landscapes in France alone is staggering, ranging from the high mountains to dense forests and flat pastoral plains. While it may not be the relaxing holiday most people imagine it's certainly a whole lot more rewarding.
We met a number of families travelling by bicycle, especially at campsites around rivers such as the Rhine where cycle paths make for a safe environment for young children, in fact Germany as a whole has a great cycling infrastructure and a massive network of cycle paths. Cycle touring is certainly a better family bonding experience than your average package holiday to a beach resort, it's also a fantastic way to get your family fit.
Just a thought for your next holiday!
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