Packing Tips

One of our most frequently asked questions is what to pack for your upcoming trip. Whether you are packing for a biking, bike & boat, cruise, or hiking trip, there are clothes and gear that will prepare you for an enjoyable and comfortable tour.

For all of our trips...

We advise you to bring clothes that are informal, comfortable, and functional. Athleisure clothing is a great choice because it tends to be lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, fast-drying, and looks stylish as well. Bring comfortable walking and/or athletic shoes. Depending on your destination, you might want to bring a jacket in addition to a sweater/outer layers. We suggest always bringing rain gear.

Your final packing list will, of course, depend on where you are going, the type of tour that you are participating in, and your time of travel. Do note, if tour specific items are needed, this will be specified in your final travel information. Be sure to check out our packing suggestions and gear to pack by activity below.

Not sure what type of trip you're taking? For inspiration, check out top-rated tours like the Highlights of Dalmatia E-Bike & Boat tour, the Bruges to Paris E-Bike & Boat tour, or our legendary Camino de Santiago E-Bike Tour.

  • Cellphone/camera and charging devices
  • Phone holder for your bike
  • Adapters for country-specific outlets
  • Small backpack for valuables that you want to carry with you
  • If bringing an accessory such as a hairdryer, you will also need a converter (you can read more about converters and adapters here)
  • Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat with visor)
  • Chapstick
  • Wet wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Personal toiletries
  • Small first aid kit
  • Water shoes if you plan to take a dip in the lake/river/ocean (some island tours can have sharp crustaceans you want to avoid)
  • Rain gear (just in case!)

Biking

  • Helmet (your own properly fitted helmet is safer for you than any rented helmet!)
  • Cycling gloves
  • Water bottle
  • Small flashlight
  • Phone mount for bike handlebars
  • GPS (if you have your own and if your self-guided cycling tour provides GPS tracks)

Packing tip: If you're cycling the Best of Tuscany Bike Tour, expect warm days and hilly terrain—padded shorts and breathable layers are key.

Hiking & Walking

  • Hiking boots/walking shoes
  • Backpack (of appropriate size)
  • Water bottle
  • Walking/trekking poles
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)
  • Multi-tool

Birding & Bird Watching

  • Binoculars
  • Sturdy walking shoes/hiking boots
  • Field guide and/or notebook and pen

Packing tip: A bird watching tour like our Birding on Colombia's Caribbean Coast will see temperatures above 32ºC, so be sure to dress in sweat-wicking layers and bring a sun hat.

Note: This is just a general guide and some gear may be included. Please check the Inclusions tab on the specific tour page.

For bike and barge tours and small ship cruises you should bring athleisure clothing to fit your activity, whether it be biking, walking/city touring, golfing, etc. During the day, ladies typically wear slacks, shorts, capris, exercise wear, informal tops, and sweaters/sweatshirts. Men typically wear slacks, jeans, shorts, exercise wear, informal shirts, and sweaters/sweatshirts. As for dinner/nights, guests typically wear daytime attire but may choose to "dress up" their look by adding a scarf, a new top or cardigan, although none of this is necessary. Furthermore, high heels, formal attire, ties, and expensive jewelry are not necessary.

On trips like the Peloponnese & Saronic Islands E-Bike & Boat tour, sun protection and a swimsuit are essentials—you’ll bike and swim in equal measure. Likewise, if you're taking one of our multi-activity tours like our Multi-Adventure Tour in the Ionian Islands, be sure to pack your swimsuit and sports clothing to make the most of every activity.

For cruises in cooler climbs, like the Alaska's Glacier Wildnerness tour, bring warm layers and accessories. We recommend packing a light puffer/insulated jacket for warmth without too much bulk.

Depending on the daily distance and intensity of your specific biking itinerary, some travelers bring padded cycling shorts and cycling jerseys. If your boat has a pool or hot tub, be sure to pack your bathing suit!

For more pre-trip information, check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Need a little packing inspiration?

Browse some of our most-loved trips and see what experienced travelers bring:

Classic Banff Hiking Tour - The best of the Canadian Rockies
Provence - E-Bike & Boat - Discover the Rhone River Valley
Amsterdam to Cologne - Bike & boat along the majestic Rhine and IJessel through Holland & Germany
Sri Lanka Spice Trails - Bike the Island of Spice

Sognefjorden - Norway's King of the Fjords - Explore the longest and deepest fjord in Norway by bike (check out our colleague Jessica's blog post)
Douro River E-Bike & Boat - Explore the beauty of the Douro River Valley by boat & electric bike!