The Cyclist
Go for a change of scenery on a pedal-pushing vacation
By Rebecca Matheson
Amelie Dupont/Paris Tourist Office
For an exercise-heavy outing, take a peek at escorted tours that focus on bicycles as the primary form of transportation. Entrench yourself in a new culture, soaking in breathtaking rural views and the bustle of city streets.
With "Cycle Vietnam" 15 days with Intrepid Travel, guests ride from the outskirts of Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, where a cyclo, or three-wheeled cab, will replace your bike on a sightseeing adventure. In between you'll pedal past mountains and beaches, through the lush Mai Chau Valley and over Hai Van Pass to stunning coastal views. Prices start at $2,035 per person, without airfare; participants bring their own bike or rent one in Hanoi for $150.
Mountain bike in Moab
U.S. residents don't have to venture too far afield for a stunning landscape and plenty of outdoor workouts. G Adventures' 12-day "USA Hike, Bike & Raft" tackles four national parks, Monument Valley and the high-energy haven of Moab, UT, along with an adventure on Southwest rapids.
In Moab, guests test their mettle on popular trails and soak up the splendor of the region's red-rock formations. This tour also includes an overnight rafting excursion through Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River and hiking -- one trek included, with the option of a second -- around Grand Canyon National Park. Begin and end this fast-paced fling with the bright lights of Las Vegas. Prices start at $2,949 per person.
A mild Tour de Paris
To take part in the Tour de France is a serious cyclist's dream, but the route is daunting and not necessarily feasible to those with limited vacation time (not to mention endurance). Try a shorter, more relaxed alternative in the City
of Light.
After booking your Paris hotel stay, visit www.FatTireBikeTours.com to browse daylight and nighttime bike tours of the city, the Palace of Versailles and more with a mixed group or by private guide. True competitors still can get a taste of the Tour de France spirit -- Fat Tire offers a ride that traces the final leg of the course as it speeds down the Champs Elysees and ends in the Champ de Mars.
The information in this story was accurate at the time it was published in January/February 2015.
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