Skip to main content

Indulge in Fall Sights and Flavors on a Luxury Cycling Tour with Trek Travel

luxury cycling tour
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Autumn is the king of seasons. It’s chilly weather tailor-made for great clothes, hearty food, cozy fires, football, the World Series, and, of course, an absolute riot of color. This year, join a Trek Travel bike excursion and explore some of the country’s best fall foliage and food.

Trek Travel is one of the best luxury cycling tour companies around. The global service provides you with everything you’ll need on a trip, from the latest and greatest Trek bikes equipped with GPS devices to world-class accommodations, food, and routes. The support staff includes local guides, travel concierges, mechanics, even a photographer to ensure a seamless experience. All you have to worry about is pedaling.

Recommended Videos

Now trade in your pumpkin spice latte for some bike shorts and make the most of the best three(ish) months of the year!

North Carolina

September 17-22 and September 24-29

If you’ve been anxiously awaiting fall since the first day of winter last year, wait no longer! Trek Travel has a couple of September trips lined up. Bike through North Carolina’s incomparable Blue Ridge Parkway as it turns fiery red and golden, traveling from Asheville to Highlands for a five-night, six-day trip. A local guide will ensure you hit all the top spots for sightseeing those ancient rolling hills, as well as the region’s best food and local breweries. You’ll get plenty of down time to explore on your own, so we suggest checking out the Biltmore Estate. Non-riders are welcome, but the trip is rated as an Active ride, meaning you should be comfortable with at least two hours on your bike at a strong pace.

Vermont

September 17-22, September 24-29, and October 1-6

Vermont is an autumn overachiever. The state’s Green Mountains become anything but — a mosaic of yellows and reds that are impossibly vivid. Trek Travel will lead you on a five-day, six-night journey from Middlebury to Stowe, going through places like Gold Brook Bridge and the Green Mountain Forests and resting up in luxurious inns with histories like the Middlebury Inn. Plus, thanks all that pedaling, you should feel guilt-free while savoring Vermont’s fresh maple syrups, cheeses, and ice creams. Riders should rate themselves somewhere in the neighborhood of Recreational to Active.

Tennessee

October 29-November 3

Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Blackberry Farm. This world-class Tennessee hotel sits on a whopping 4,200 acres of pristine nature. On this trip, you’re invited to explore the Farm, ride over the Foothills Parkway, kayak, fly fish, horseback ride, and relax by the campfire at night with a canopy of stars overhead. The food is unparalleled, most of it fresh from the farm, which is famed for its heirloom gardens, heritage livestock, and amazing wine cellar. Riders will be looking at the same difficulty level as Vermont: Active to Recreational.

Elizabeth Dahl
Elizabeth Dahl is a southern girl in the heart of Los Angeles who lived far too long before learning what an incredible food…
10 must-know solo travel tips for a stress-free adventure
How to make the most of your solo travel experience
person rolling luggage through airport

I’ll never forget my first solo trip. I couldn’t help but wonder, would I get lonely? Would I feel safe? But as soon as I stepped out into the world on my own, I realized how freeing solo travel could be. Solo travel teaches you to rely on yourself, embrace spontaneity, and fully immerse yourself in new experiences. That said, traveling by yourself also comes with its challenges. There’s a learning curve, but it’s worth it. If you’re planning your next vacation, here are the solo travel tips I wish someone had shared with me before I packed my bags.
Solo travel tips

Solo travel doesn't have to be a daunting prospect, just follow this advice to make your trip the best it can be.
Research your destination thoroughly
Before you set off, do your homework. Dive into the culture, customs, and quirks of your destination. Learn phrases in the local language like "hello," "thank you," and "help" – mastering the local slang might just earn you a few smiles! You should also check travel advisories and scour reviews from other travelers. You’ll want to know which areas are safe, the best ways to get around, and if you’re traveling internationally, where your country’s embassy is (just in case).
Plan, but not too much
Have a bucket list of fun experiences you want to do? Great – but don’t pack your schedule tighter than your suitcase. Leave space for the unexpected, like a random street fair, a hidden cafe, or a spontaneous invite to explore a local spot. Flexibility can be where the magic happens in solo travel.
Pack light and smart
When packing, stick to versatile clothing, bring only the essentials, and use packing cubes to keep things organized. And don’t forget the essentials – a power bank, universal adapter, first aid kit, and digital and physical copies of your important documents.
Stay connected
Before you go, ensure you have a reliable way to stay connected. This might mean purchasing a local SIM card, renting a portable Wi-Fi device, or arranging for an international data plan. Staying connected helps you navigate unfamiliar areas, keep in touch with loved ones, and access important information on the go. Apps like Google Maps, Google Translate, and currency converters can be lifesavers during your travels. Don’t forget to download offline maps and guides in case you lose internet access.
Share your itinerary with someone you trust
While solo travel is about independence, it’s always smart to let someone know your plans. Share your itinerary, accommodation details, and contact information with someone you trust. A quick “I’m safe and having a blast!” text can ease your loved ones’ nerves. Apps like Find My or WhatsApp location sharing can add an extra layer of safety.
Choose accommodations wisely
Your accommodation can make or break your trip. Look for highly rated places (especially those recommended by other solo travelers). Hostels and guesthouses are perfect for meeting people, while private Airbnb spots can offer quiet comfort.
Own the solo dining experience 
Eating alone? Bring a book, journal, or your phone to keep busy, or sit at the bar and strike up a chat. Joining food tours or cooking classes is another fun way to combine good eats with good company.
Stay safe
If you’re going to listen to one of these solo travel tips, pick this one! Safety should always be a top priority when you're on your own. Keep your head on a swivel, be mindful of your surroundings, avoid flashing valuables, and trust your gut. If something feels off, it might just be. Consider keeping a photocopy of your passport in a separate bag and storing emergency cash in multiple locations. It’s also a good idea to have the contact information for local emergency services saved on your phone.
Make friends (but set boundaries)
Traveling solo doesn’t mean being alone 24/7. Join group tours, attend events, or use apps like Meetup to connect with locals and other travelers. Remember, always trust your gut when meeting new people, and don’t feel pressured to share personal details if you’re uncomfortable. 

Read more
After years of waiting, these European cities will finally be connected by train
Dreaming of visiting both Paris and Milan this year?
Inside of a building with brown walls, Milan, Italy

Are you planning a trip to both Milan and Paris this year? Your travel plans just got a major boost. Trenitalia France has announced the long-awaited return of its Paris-Milan train service, which will resume operations on April 1, 2025. The direct route, which passes through Turin, will once again connect the French and Italian cities, making it easier than ever to experience both iconic cities in one trip.

The service was suspended after a landslide near Maurienne in the French Alps on August 27, 2023, caused significant damage to the route. Now, after extensive repairs and months of anticipation, bookings are officially open, signaling the long-awaited revival of this beloved connection.
The details of the Paris-Milan train

Read more
Qantas made these changes to its frequent flyer program
Qantas makes changes to Frequent Flyer program
qantas frequent flyer program 787

 

Qantas has announced multiple changes to its Frequent Flyer program, with enhanced benefits across the board. Members can soon access additional premium cabin reward seats and accrue even more reward points on each flight. As part of the update, Qantas will raise the price of Classic Reward seats, which haven’t changed in six years.
Qantas will introduce the changes over the next 12 months

Read more