Cycling Hideaways
Cycling Hideaways is a new initative to encourage people to take up cycling holidays as a way of keeping healthy as well as seeing more of the areas they visit. On their website they would like to encourage rental accommodation owners in towns and villages to register and list their peoperty joining their initiative. We have conducted an interview with the founders.
What keeps you motivated in working on cycling holidays?
Cycling Hideaways provides a much needed link between people who go on cycling holidays and people who offer rental accommodation and can accommodate precious bicycles. Not every holiday rental welcomes cyclists and their bicycles but not every cycling holiday needs to be a camping holiday.
Cycling Hideaways is a new website to encourage people to take up cycling holidays as a way of keeping healthy as well as seeing more of the areas they visit.
Who do you hope to work with for your initiative?
There is no doubt that cycling as a form of relaxation and as a form of exercise is on the increase. People are much more aware of their health nowadays and the idea of a holiday that is restricted to lying on a beach is somewhat old fashioned. I’d like to encourage as many rental accommodation owners as possible to consider engaging the interests of cyclists by providing secure lock-up facilities for bicycles if it is impractical for cycles to be taken indoors, or by recommending local bicycle hire facilities.
What do you consider as 'non-traditionally thought of' destinations?
There are so many designated cycling paths, beautiful country walks by rivers and mountains where people can appreciate the natural beauty of a different country. Being eligible to be listed on Cycling Hideawys depends on a number of factors such as:
1 – 2 years experience providing accommodation for holiday makers.
Proximity to Places of Special Cultural Interest
Proximity to Local Craft Artisans
Proximity to Places that provide local cuisine or music.
Proximity to Places of Special Historical Interest.
Proximity to Coastal Routes.
Proximity to Lakes, rivers or mountains
Understanding nature makes us understand a culture and often this is missed by holiday makers. So much more of a country is open to you when you get on your bike.
Do you charge if property owners list their destination on your site? (If yes, how much)
For a limited period only, it is completely free for rental accommodation owners to list their property on Cycling Hideaways; this can be self catering or Bed and Breakfast. The normal fee is £100 per year.
Which are the top five destinations so far listed on your site as the best ideas for cycling holidays?
We have properties listed in Thailand, The Amalfi Coast in Italy, The Balearic Islands in Spain and in Romania, so a real variety to choose from. We offer a range of ideas on the site for people considering a cycling holiday.
Will your site visitors receive any special perks or discount if they cite your website or certain code at the point of booking the accommodation of the properties listed on it?
All properties listed on the site are completely managed by the owners. We do not take a fee for any of the bookings. Holiday makers are encouraged to get in touch with the owners direct to negotiate bookings and so on. Our aim is to open up the world of possibility for people on cycling holidays to find their ideal Cycling Hideaway.
