Frequently asked questions
Is my money safe?
Flexitreks Ltd is a company committed to customer satisfaction and consumer financial protection. We are a member of ABTOT, the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (membership number 5512).
ABTOT provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, and in the unlikely event of our insolvency, will provide either a refund if you have not yet travelled, or repatriation if transportation was included in your package.
Please note that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with us.
Should you require assistance whilst abroad due to our financial failure, please call ABTOT's 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT-protected travel company.
You can find out more about ABTOT here: www.abtot.com.
Do I need insurance?
Absolutely you do! It is your responsibility to make sure you have adequate travel insurance in place for your cycling holiday.
What are the passport and Visa requirements?
It is your responsibility to make sure your passport and/or visa and any other immigration requirements comply with any regulations governing entry to your chosen country or countries. You should check these with the relevant Embassy and/or consulate.
Requirements can change and you need to make sure that should changes occur, you have sufficinet time to meet the new requirements. For other nationalities please consult the relevant embassy.
If your documents are not in order and you are not able to travel because of this, you will be liable for any cancellation charges as detailed in our booking conditions. In addition we will not take any responsibility or issue refunds because of an invalid or lost passport/visa.
Where can I get up-to-date foreign travel advice?
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issues travel advice, which is regularly updated and relates to political, economic and other circumstances prevailing in countries throughout the world. You are strongly advised to check this advice before you book and again before you travel. Their telephone number is 020 7008 1500 and details are also available online at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
How fit do I need to be for a cycling holiday?
As we want to share cycling experiences with everyone, we have made sure we have a great mix of tours to suit all ages and abilities. Our easy cycling holidays are suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. So if you enjoy weekend walks of 3-4 miles you will be fine. Check out our grades for more information or if you need help in making that final decision, feel free to call us and we will be happy to assist you.
What types of bike are used?
We use good quality city, hybrid bikes and also electric bikes that are serviced and ready for you on arrival.
What is included?
All our cycling holidays include accommodation, luggage transportation and route information. Breakfast is always included. Some tours offer half board, which includes dinner, while a few offer full board, which includes packed lunch and dinner.
Our bikes are shown as a supplement as we often get clients who take their own. All prices shown are in British pounds.
What happens if I need help when I am on the trip?
As we work with local partners, we always provide a local contact number should you need assistance. So rest assured you are not alone! This number is to be used in case of an emergency or if perhaps you are unhappy about some aspect of your holiday. It is important for you to address this immediately and not at the end of the holiday or when you return home, as this gives us the opportunity to put things right, on the spot.
Please note: if you have a puncture you are expected to be able to repair this yourself with the repair kit provided. So we do suggest you have some knowledge of this before coming on the trip, including how to use the tools involved.
Do you cater for single travellers?
Many of our trips are suitable for solo cyclists. On some of our bike and boat holidays you have the option for cabin share, while on our cycle touring options, many trips can be booked for a supplement.
How does luggage transfer work?
Your main luggage is transferred for you each day from hotel to hotel. On some tours the amount of luggage is restricted and we will advise you of this. Leave your luggage with reception each morning and while you are riding it will be transported to your next night’s stop.
What to pack for my cycle trip?
Below is a list of things to consider taking on your cycling holiday. Not everything will apply to you, as we offer such an exciting and eclectic mix of tours.
- Essential documents
- Passport and/or Visa
- Travel Insurance document
- Money/Credit cards
Riding gear:
- Your Head: Helmet: This is vital and we suggest you bring your own for health and safety reasons – your helmet is unique to you and moulded to your head!
- Your Body: Layers is key – wear thin layers during the day, which can be taken off quite easily. The outer layer should be wind proof and water resistant.
- a. Cycle Tops: Consider taking a few breathable cycling tops. (A breathable cycle top is great as it helps prevent you from getting cold). Cotton tops may absorb sweat but they also release it again.
- b. A fleece or sweater
- c. Anorak or windbreaker – hopefully this stays in the pannier!
- d. Cycle gloves – essential on all trips and worth considering. They keep your hands less sweaty which means a better grip on the bike and they help protect your hands on longer rides.
- e. Bandana – great for the ears in windy weather!
- Your Legs: Shorts – A good pair of cycling shorts is a good idea and padded always helps. Trust me, it makes all the difference, especially if you think that on average you are cycling for 6 consecutive days and in a variety of weather.
- You may also like to have some lightweight long trousers depending on your trip.
- Your Feet: Trainers/sneakers/hiking boots: Most people opt for these and remember if you are on a cycling cruise holiday rubber soles should be worn.
Miscellaneous:
- a. Sun glasses, sun cream – a must! Maybe some lip balm as well.
- b. Hat/Cap for when you are not cycling
- c. Scarf – sometimes you may need to visit a religious site and be asked to cover up so this is a good article to carry
- d. Sandals – not for cycling though!
- e. Swim wear
- f. Beach towel
- g. Toiletries – especially if you are on one of our bike and boat trips
- h. Tissues/Wipes – invaluable for so many occasions.
- i. First aid kit – just in case!
- j. A small language book – not essential but why not give it a go.
- k. Notebook and pen – in case you want to detail your trip
- l. Lunch box – great if you are making a packed lunch
- m. Snacks/Nibbles/Energy bars – I know that you can buy all these things locally but everyone has their favourites!
- n. Camera – essential
What accommodation & room types do you offer?
We show a sample of accomomodation used on each tour. These are to give you an idea of the type of properties we use and may not necessarily be the ones allocated to you. In some cases it may be 4 weeks prior to your trip that the exact hotels details will be supplied. This is because we work with local partners who use a pool of properties, which are constantly being updated to make the best use of them.
We offer a variety of accommodation; hotels, inns, farmhouses, guesthouses, boutique properties and even castles. Room configuration varies. Many of the hotels we offer have double rooms but we can request a ‘twin room’. A twin room is usually 2 beds attached and which cannot be detached but which have seaprate matresses, duvets and pillows. It may also be 2 separate single beds or even a single bed and a sofa bed. We will request your preference but cannot guarantee this will always be met and will not accept a booking that is conditional on this being met.
Why are some local taxes not included?
Some hotels have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. This fee varies and is ever changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €1-€4 per person per night.
Do you cater for special diets & allergies?
While we can generally accommodate those who are vegetarians it is not always possible to provide other special meals, nor can we provide separate menus. Depending on the diet, in some cases a supplement will be charged and in particular, on our bike and boat trips. This will be advised at the time of booking. Please note that we shall endeavour to meet your special requests but cannot accept any booking that is conditional on this being met.
What currency will I need?
Euro: Austria, Belgium, France, Croatia, Germany, Holland, Italy, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Czech Replubic.
British Pound: England
Danish Krone: Denmark
Hungarian Forint: Hungary
Polish Zloty: Poland
Romanian Leu: Romania
Swiss Franc: Switzerland
Turkish Lira: Turkey