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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about our wonderful holidays. Click here to find out more about our cycling and walking holidays.
Phone: +31 (0)53 430 34 35
Email: info@happycyclingholidays.com
Or ask us a question via chat.
Booking
You can easily request a trip through our website. Simply choose your preferred trip and fill in the booking request form with your details and preferences.
We’ll then check availability for you. If the trip is available on your preferred start date, you’ll receive a confirmation. If it isn’t available, we’ll contact you to discuss suitable alternatives.
Yes, submitting a booking request means you are committing to the trip. Once you submit your request, we start arranging your trip. If the trip is available on your preferred start date, you’ll receive a confirmation and your booking will be final. If the trip isn’t available, we’ll contact you to discuss the options.
Please check your booking request carefully before submitting it. If you want to make changes after your booking has been confirmed, additional fees may apply.
If you have any essential requirements for your booking, such as separate beds, please make sure to mention them clearly in your request. Additional costs may also apply to these requests.
You can find more information about changes, essential requirements and preferences here.
We handle every booking request personally. We don’t work with fixed availability, so once you submit your request, we check whether accommodation is available for your preferred start date.
If the trip is available, we’ll confirm your booking, and it will be final.
If the trip isn’t available on your preferred date, we’ll contact you to discuss the options and, where possible, find a suitable alternative together.
We aim to process booking requests within 5 to 8 working days. Please note that this may take a little longer during the peak season.
Unfortunately, we can’t hold a trip without a commitment. We handle every booking request personally, and arranging a trip takes time and preparation. For this reason, all booking requests are binding.
Yes, you can adapt our trips to suit your needs to some extent. However, all our trips follow a set route, carefully planned and tested by our route experts. This means we cannot create completely new routes just for you.
Depending on the trip, different changes may be possible. For example, you may be able to book extra nights before or after your trip, add an extra rest day along the way, choose a different room type or start at a different point along the same route. For some trips, it is also possible to shorten the route.
You can let us know your preferences at the bottom of the booking request form. If you would like to add extra nights along the way, we recommend sending us an email with your preferred itinerary. If you have another request that isn’t listed here, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to discuss the options with you.
Depending on the trip, it may be possible to start at a different town along the route.
If you would like to start somewhere else, feel free to contact us to discuss the options.
Please note that this may affect practical details, such as parking options and transport to and from your starting point.
Yes, you can also request a trip at short notice, up to 2 days before departure.
Please note that bookings made 14 days or less before departure may be treated as last-minute bookings. Depending on the trip, an additional fee may apply. If so, this will be shown in the price overview on the booking request form.
Transport & Luggage
This depends on the trip. You can find out whether transfers are included by checking the ‘Included/Not included’ section under ‘Details’ on the trip page. Any additional transfers that you can book will also be listed on the relevant trip page.
For almost all our tours, your luggage is transported from one accommodation to the next. This service is included in the trip price.
There are a few exceptions, so please always check the ‘Details’ and ‘Included/Excluded’ sections on the relevant trip page.
During your trip, your luggage is transported from one accommodation to the next. This means you only need to carry a small bag with the things you’ll need during the day. Your luggage is usually collected in the morning and will be waiting for you at your next accommodation by late afternoon.
To help our drivers identify your luggage and make sure all your bags are transported, please use the luggage tags we provide. These tags include your booking number and the name of the lead booker.
You’ll receive your luggage tag digitally or at your destination, depending on the trip. The exact procedure will be explained in your travel documents, so please read them carefully before departure.
In most cases, you can bring one piece of luggage per person, with a maximum weight of 20 kg. Please note that some trips have a different weight limit. If this applies to your trip, you’ll find the details under ‘Details’ and then ‘Additional Information’ on the trip page.
Would you like to bring more luggage? For most trips, it’s possible to add an extra piece of luggage to your booking. The cost varies depending on the trip. Contact us to find out about the options and prices.
Your luggage usually needs to be ready for collection by 9:00 am and should arrive at your next accommodation before 5:00 pm. Some trips have different times. If this applies to your trip, you’ll find the correct times in your travel documents, so please read them carefully.
Please keep in mind that on the last day of your trip, your luggage may not arrive until late afternoon. Depending on your travel plans, it may be more convenient to book an extra night so you can start your journey home the following day without rushing.
Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions to the luggage collection and delivery times listed in your travel documents. Our drivers transport luggage for several customers according to a fixed schedule, so the times cannot be changed.
Would you like to bring extra or unusual luggage, such as a bicycle, bike case or sports equipment? Please mention this when submitting your booking request. The options and any additional costs may vary depending on the trip.
If you’re unsure what’s possible, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to look into the options for you.
Bicycles & Bike Rental
Of course! You’re welcome to bring your own bicycle, renting a bike is optional.
Please keep in mind that you are responsible for arranging transport for your bicycle to the starting point of your trip. If you use a transfer at the end of your trip, you may need to reserve an extra space for your bicycle and pay an additional fee. Depending on your trip and the available transport options, renting a bike may be more convenient.
Yes, you can rent a bicycle on almost all our cycling holidays. In most cases, you can choose between a regular bicycle and an e-bike. Some trips also offer other types of bicycles.
You can find the available options and prices under ‘Details’, in the ‘(Rental) Bicycles and E-bikes’ section on the relevant trip page.
No, bicycle insurance is not usually included as standard with your trip or rental bike. However, you can take out bicycle insurance through us.
You can find more information about bicycle insurance here.
Looking for a different type of bicycle or accessories, such as a bike trailer or child seat? Feel free to contact us to discuss the options.
Bicycle helmets are also not included as standard when you rent a bike, but they are available to rent on some trips. As this is not possible everywhere, please let us know if you would like to rent a helmet.
The available options and prices vary depending on the trip, but we’ll be happy to help you find out what’s possible.
This varies depending on the trip. All rental bikes come with at least one pannier, either single or double. Other accessories may be included on some trips, but this is not standard.
Would you like to know which accessories are included with your rental bike? Feel free to contact us and let us know which trip you’re interested in.
In most cases, your rental bike will be waiting for you at your first accommodation. Sometimes, you’ll need to collect your bike from a location within walking distance. If this applies to your trip, it will be clearly explained in your travel documents.
In most cases, you can leave your rental bike at your final accommodation. The bike rental company will collect it from there, so you don’t need to worry about returning it yourself.
Travel Documents & Preparation
Your travel documents contain all the practical information and route details you need during your trip. They include:
- Practical information: Details about parking, luggage transport, accommodation and emergency contact information.
- Digital routes: You’ll receive a code for the Ride with GPS mobile app, which allows you to download the routes and follow them on your phone. You can also download GPS files through the app for use with another navigation device. You can find more information about the app here.
Once we’ve received your full payment, we aim to have your travel documents ready at least 3 weeks before departure. During peak season, this may take a little longer. You may also receive your travel documents earlier.
Unfortunately, we can only send printed travel documents by post within the Netherlands and Belgium. If you live elsewhere, you’ll receive your travel documents digitally and can print them at home if you wish. The luggage tag must always be printed.
The documents you need depend on your destination and nationality. Before departure, always check whether you need a valid ID card or passport and whether any additional entry requirements apply. If you’re travelling with medication, also check whether you need a medical certificate.
For the latest information about visas, travel documents, medication and other entry requirements, always check the official travel advice provided by your country of residence.
What you need depends on your destination and the type of trip. Make sure to bring valid travel documents, suitable clothing and footwear, any personal medication and essentials for the journey.
If you’re cycling, also pack clothing for different weather conditions, a fully charged phone and, if needed, a power bank.
Your travel documents include a code for the Ride with GPS app. Use this code to download the routes for your trip and follow them on your phone. The routes take you from one accommodation to the next.
For more information and instructions on using the app, click here.
Contact
If you still have a question after reading our FAQs, feel free to contact us.
Phone: +31 (0)53 430 34 35
Email: info@happycyclingholidays.com
You can also send us a message via chat.
Payment
Once your trip has been confirmed, you’ll need to pay a deposit of 35% of the total trip price within 10 days. Any cancellation and/or travel insurance premiums, booking fees and, where applicable, contributions to the Calamiteitenfonds and SGR must also be paid within this period.
If you book a trip less than 6 weeks before departure, you’ll need to pay the full trip price in one instalment.
The remaining balance must be paid no later than 6 weeks before departure. If you book a trip less than 6 weeks before departure, you’ll need to pay the full trip price in one instalment.
You can pay for your trip using any of the following methods:
- iDEAL/Wero
- PayPal
- Credit card
- SEPA bank transfer
- Bancontact
Where possible, we recommend paying via the button on your personal booking page. This allows your payment to be processed directly in our system.
No, it’s not possible to pay for your trip in multiple instalments. Once your trip is confirmed, you’ll need to pay a 35% deposit within 10 days. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 6 weeks before departure.
Unfortunately, it’s not possible for each traveller to pay their share separately. All payments must be made by the lead booker, who is responsible for paying the full amount. Of course, you can arrange between yourselves how to split the costs.
Bookings made 14 days or less before departure may be treated as last-minute bookings. Arranging a trip at short notice often requires extra time and work, such as securing accommodation, transport and other travel arrangements more quickly. A last-minute booking fee may therefore apply, depending on the trip. If applicable, this fee will be shown in the price overview on the booking request form.
In addition to the trip price, you’ll generally need to pay booking fees, the SGR contribution and the Calamiteitenfonds contribution. Other costs may include optional extras such as bicycle and/or cancellation insurance, transport to and from your destination, and any transfers. You are responsible for arranging your own transport to and from the destination.
Any tourist tax or fee for bringing a pet is paid directly at your accommodation.
All mandatory costs are clearly listed in the price overview when you submit your booking request. If a last-minute booking fee applies, this will also be shown there.
On each trip page, under ‘Details’ and then ‘Included/Excluded’, you’ll find a clear overview of what is and isn’t included in your trip price.
Accommodations
We carefully select our accommodations to ensure they suit each trip. For trips with a fixed base, you’ll find the accommodation listed at the top left of the trip page, next to the green tick marks. For trips that involve travelling from one place to the next, you’ll find an overview under ‘Details’, in the ‘Accommodation’ section.
For trips that involve travelling between accommodations, we may occasionally need to arrange an alternative due to availability. We’ll always choose accommodation of a similar standard. If this involves an additional charge, we’ll discuss it with you in advance.
Yes, you can request a single room on the booking request form. A supplement usually applies, as accommodation providers often charge more per person when a room is used by one person only. This applies to both single rooms and double rooms for single use.
The supplement varies depending on the trip and the accommodation rates. You’ll find the amount listed in the price overview when completing the booking request form.
In general, it’s not possible to choose your own accommodation. Our routes are designed around carefully selected accommodations that suit the trip. We only book accommodation providers we work with, so we cannot arrange alternative accommodation of your choice.
The accommodations listed on our website are the ones we usually book for each trip. However, availability may occasionally mean we need to arrange an alternative. We’ll always choose accommodation of a similar standard.
On some trips, you can bring your dog. These trips are marked with a dog icon in the top right corner of the trip page. You can also use the ‘Dogs allowed’ filter when browsing cycling or walking holidays in a specific country.
If you’d like to bring your dog, please mention this at the bottom of the booking request form. This allows us to take it into account when booking your accommodation and arrange dog-friendly rooms for you. You can find more information about the options and costs for each trip under ‘Details’, in the ‘Additional Information’ section.
Some accommodations only allow dogs in certain room types, which may come with an additional supplement. Any such supplement is listed under ‘Additional Information’ and is separate from any fee charged by the accommodation for bringing a dog. You’ll pay the accommodation’s pet fee directly on site.
Most accommodations offer rooms with separate beds. You can indicate this preference on the booking request form, and we’ll pass it on to the accommodation(s). Please note that this is a preference only, and we cannot guarantee that separate beds will be available.
If you want your preference guaranteed, fees apply. You'll find more information about that here.
Yes, you can mention your room preferences in the ‘Special requests (including dietary requirements) or comments’ field at the bottom of the booking request form. For example, you can request a ground-floor room or a room with a balcony.
We’ll pass your request on to the accommodation providers when making your booking. Please note that this is a preference only, and we cannot guarantee it will be possible.
If you want your preference guaranteed, fees apply. You'll find more information about that here.
Accessibility varies depending on the trip and accommodation. We’re happy to check the options with the relevant accommodation providers for each booking. We want to help you enjoy your trip without any worries.
Feel free to contact us and let us know which trip you’re interested in and what support you need. We’ll look at the options together.
Meals
Almost all our trips include bed and breakfast. Some trips also offer half board, while a few are only available with half board.
What’s included depends on the trip, and some trips offer different options. You’ll find more information under ‘Details’, in the ‘Included/Excluded’ section, and on the booking request form.
Yes, we can pass on your dietary requirements or allergies to the accommodation providers. You can mention them in the ‘Special requests (including dietary requirements) or comments’ field at the bottom of the booking request form.
Please note that we cannot guarantee that all requirements can be met, as we are not present at the accommodations ourselves. We also recommend informing the accommodation directly about your dietary requirements or allergies when you check in.
Bed and breakfast includes your overnight stays and breakfast. You’ll need to arrange your other meals yourself.
Half board includes your overnight stays, breakfast and dinner. You’ll need to arrange your own lunch. Drinks are not included unless stated otherwise.
Some accommodations offer packed lunches. You can request one in advance by adding a note in the ‘Special requests (including dietary requirements) or comments’ field at the bottom of the booking request form. We can then check the options with the accommodation for you. You can also ask about packed lunches when you arrive.
Your travel documents may also include information about places to eat and drink along the route, so you can plan where to stop during the day.
During the Trip
We’re here to help throughout your trip. If you have any questions or run into problems abroad, we generally recommend contacting our local representative first. You’ll find their contact details in your travel documents. If you’re unable to resolve the issue together, feel free to contact us.
If you experience damage or personal injury during your trip, please also contact your insurer as soon as possible. They can advise you on the steps to take and what you’ll need to make a claim.
Yes, if you’re travelling, you can also reach us outside our regular office hours. In case of an emergency, our emergency phone line is available daily, including weekends, until 8:00 pm. You’ll find the emergency number in your travel documents.
For minor repairs, such as a flat tyre, we recommend bringing a small repair kit. If you can’t fix the problem yourself or the bike needs more extensive repairs, we’ll help you find a suitable solution. This often means contacting a local bike repair shop, as we’re unfortunately unable to provide on-site assistance.
If you’re using a rental bike, always contact us or the local bike rental company first so we can discuss the options. If your rental bike isn’t working properly, we’ll work with the rental company to find a suitable solution.
If unforeseen circumstances mean you have to end your trip early, please contact us or our local representative as soon as possible. This allows us to inform your remaining accommodations and, where applicable, cancel any further luggage transport.
If you need to end your trip due to damage or personal injury, also contact your insurer as soon as possible to find out what steps to take and which costs may be covered.
Contact your insurer as soon as possible to find out what steps you need to take. Of course, you can also contact us if you need assistance.
Cancellations and Changes
Depending on availability, we may be able to make changes after your booking has been confirmed.
A €27 amendment fee applies to changes to a single part of your trip, such as adding a rental bike or an extra night.
For multiple or more substantial changes, such as changing your departure date, the amendment fee is €60. Changing your departure date may also incur cancellation fees.
Would you like to know what’s possible in your situation? Feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to discuss your wishes and any additional costs.
Once your booking has been confirmed, it is binding. However, you can still cancel your trip, subject to our cancellation policy. You can find the full terms here.
After cancelling, you’ll receive a cancellation invoice, which you can submit to your travel insurer if applicable.
Yes, you can change a participant on your booking. An amendment fee of €27 applies.
Practical Information
We offer a range of trips with different difficulty levels. You’ll find the difficulty level in the top right corner of each trip page. When browsing trips in a particular country, you can also use the filters on the left to select your preferred level.
For more information about our difficulty levels, click here.
Yes, all our trips are self-guided, and we don’t offer guided tours. You travel independently, but you can count on remote support whenever needed. We also provide all the necessary travel information and documents to help you enjoy your trip without any worries.
In general, our trips are also suitable for families with children. Whether a particular trip is suitable depends on factors such as the children’s age, experience and fitness level.
Discounts may be available for children on some trips, depending on the trip and their age. Feel free to contact us to discuss the options for your chosen trip.
If you need accessories such as a child bike seat or a cot, you can also get in touch with us. We’ll be happy to explore the options for your trip.
Of course! You can easily book a trip for one person by changing the number of travellers to one on the booking request form.
Please note that a single-room supplement usually applies, as accommodation providers often charge more per person when a room is used by one person only. You’ll find the supplement listed in the price overview on the booking request form.
For some trips, an additional luggage transport fee may also apply when travelling alone, as the driver may need to make the journey specifically for you. This fee doesn’t always apply and isn’t shown directly on the booking request form. If it applies to your trip, we’ll let you know in advance and ask for your approval.
Accessibility depends on the destination and the specific trip. We recommend contacting us in advance to discuss your needs and explore the available options together.
Yes, in principle, you can. You can submit a booking request for up to 10 people through our website. If you’re travelling with a larger group, please contact us by email or phone to discuss the options.
As all our trips are booked on request, we recommend submitting your booking request as early as possible, especially if you’re travelling with a larger group.
