There are so many different ways to travel and see the world. If you enjoy cycling, why not combine your passion for the bicycle with your passion for travel?  This summer, consider dusting off your bike and hitting the road.  In this post, our guest author outlines the benefits of bicycle touring for teachers and suggests some possible destinations. Take it away, Mike!

Bicycle tour-loving teachers may seem like a small demographic, but it shouldn’t be.

There’s a ton of benefits every teacher can take advantage of by swapping the MacBook for a pair of handlebars, such as…

Proper Perspective

You don’t teach a class of identical robots, right? People are unique and they need to be approached as such – and this goes double for young people. The best way to do this is to gain an appreciation for how vast and diverse the world undeniably is.

You have to get out there, meet new people, visit new places, immerse yourself into different cultures, get food poisoning from that street food vendor which, against your strongest instincts, you decided to trust.

Only then can you return to your class with a newfound perspective, ready to deal with any out-of-the-box problem or scenario. Your travels will also help you to connect with and understand your students on a whole new level. Just because you’re a teacher, doesn’t mean you’re done learning. So get out there!

Saddle Up and Simmer Down

Get ready for a cold, hard fact: teachers are struggling to cope with stress and anxiety more than ever right now. 82% of them report having trouble getting to sleep at night due to their workplace worries, with the same amount stating that the levels of stress in their jobs have gone up within the last year.

If you’ve never indulged in a bicycle tour before, you might chuckle at the idea of it being a relaxing getaway. You might instead opt for another lazy beach holiday where you can work on your tan and master the art of the poolside nap.

While there’s nothing wrong with such a holiday, we’d like you to reconsider. A bicycle tour will change your idea of relaxation forever. There’s a lot to be said for crossing borders on a bike, racking up countless miles just from your own sweat and drive – it’s so far from the classroom environment, every teacher should throw it onto their bucket list.

Ditch the floppy hat for a decent helmet, swap the floral shorts for a pair of waterproof trousers, and get ready to get moving. You’ll probably still need some SPF 30, though.

For the Stories

Kids love stories – even the bigger ones. And you know what they say about stories – they’re always better if they’re true.

We all remember that one teacher who was full of exciting tales, who could make even the most unruly kid sit down to listen earnestly. These teachers were likely the same ones who took to the trail, meeting all kinds of people and forging connections all over the world.

For example – say you’re teaching geography. Imagine being able to provide personal wisdom about the country you’re discussing – because you’ve actually been there. Would you rather read about a place in a textbook, or stop by there in-person during a bicycle tour and find out what’s what for yourself? For us, that’s a no-brainer.

The F-word

Racking up your miles in a gym, on a bike that doesn’t move, staring at the sweaty back of the person in front of you. Sound appealing?

How about spurring yourself on during an epic journey, spanning multiple weeks, villages, towns, countries – even continents? And all the while improving your fitness mile by mile, place by place.

At the end, when you return home, you’ll no doubt be amazed at the benefits your bicycle tour has had on your body. Improved fitness, more energy, better teacher.

Plus, you’ll be setting a fine example for your students to follow (and you may create a few jealous co-workers, too).

It’s not all hard work and sweat, though, so remember to pack your camping hammock. When you stop for a rest or a well-deserved meal, you might find yourself in an exceptionally scenic spot, perfect for a nap or to get through a few chapters of your favourite book. A camping hammock will allow you to set up a comfortable chill-out spot in no time at all.

Okay, okay, I’m convinced! But where should I go?

There are so many options for the tour-hungry cyclist. You can go solo, with a group, or on a guided tour. Here are a few places to broaden your horizons and push your limits during your summer-holiday time:

Bicycle Touring Destinations

New Zealand, The Molesworth Road

There’s nothing like taking on a trail where you can see the road ahead, stretching out for miles and miles. New Zealand is an almost-endless bounty for the budding traveller, but The Molesworth Road will put your tour skills to the test.

Make sure you come prepared to this location; you’ll be out riding in the middle-of-nowhere for days on end, likely with just a trickling stream to refresh yourself in.

Burma, Myanmar

If you’re looking for the furthest place from your school’s staffroom, you might consider Burma. Taking a tour through the Myanmar region will be just like riding through a fantasy land, complete with notoriously-friendly locals and villages that float on water.

North America, The Great Divide Route

This one’s not for the novices. A 3-month excursion, this location will take you from Canada all the way down to the Mexican border – but if you don’t feel like dedicating your whole summer, you can pick whichever parts appeal the most to you. Just make sure you bring your mountain bike – it can get awfully bumpy.