Above: Sign at the Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal, Texas

1. Don't overthink it ....

..... or you'll probably never do it.

The most important step is to GET GOING ! 

You can figure the rest of it out on the road.

2. Get a bike

choose one that feels just RIGHT !

Refer to step 1: Don't overthink it.

Just choose a bike that feels comfortable for YOU.

Top tip: gravel bikes work great for us, on a variety of surfaces.

Above: Our beloved bikes, Molly's (left) and Charlie's (right).

Charlie rides a Whyte Deane gravel bike, ordered online on a whim because he fancied trying a British brand. He recently upgraded to Hope wheels.

Molly's machine is a Specialized Diverge with Roval wheels, a second-hand bargain which felt right as soon as she took a test ride.

3. Pick a destination

Do check visa requirements ahead of time. Like needing a US visa just to transit through a US airport, who knew?! 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♀️

Some airlines will transport your boxed bike as part of your standard baggage allowance.

Others add hefty charges, so it's worth doing your homework. Budget airlines aren't always best overall !

4. Find a cardboard bike box

Ask your local friendly bike shop.

(More on this in the "Cycle Touring Tips & Tricks" section.)

5. Pack your bike

How to box your bike ?

Watch Charlie on Youtube:  https://youtu.be/-YLYB95zAJ4?si=9lENtI9yL_1oBz88

or ask your local bike shop for help.

You'll need to partially deflate the tyres (don't overdo this if tubeless, you might lose the rim seal) and remove handlebars, saddle, pedals, & front wheel.

Leave your back wheel in place if the box size allows, shifting gear onto a big sprocket (protects the derailleur).

Above: "Bike Tetris" gets easier with practice 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♀️ !!

You'll need LOTS of strong parcel tape to secure your box, once packed.

6. Pack your panniers

Quality waterproof panniers are game-changers.

When packing: less is more ("wear one, wash one").

And don't overthink it ! You can always refine your luggage during the tour.

And we do carry a basic tent, but it's for emergency use only - we're not that tough !

Part of our luggage - Charlie's panniers (above) are Carradry, a British brand. Can't fault them after many miles, rain, being thrown around, and generally abused! 👍

7. Get boxed bike to the airport

If car space is tight, just fold the empty bike box flat and pack it at the airport. 

8. Proof of onward travel * important *

If you don't want to commit to a fixed travel plan:

Be aware that your airline may refuse to check you in without "proof" of an outbound flight from your destination country.

Customs at your final destination may also want to see this.

Having a flight "reservation" (which gets cancelled later) is a low-cost solution that has always worked well for us: see "onewayfly.com"  (there are other companies too).

Although so far we've only been asked to show it about 50% of the time. 

Above: At this moment in time there are no SPACECRAFT taking bicycles around the world ! (A quirky café, Jeju, South Korea)

9. Buy local SIM card on arrival

This avoids extortionate data roaming & local call charges.

Google is our best friend for navigation (95% of the time!), translation, and finding accommodation.

10. ENJOY !

One day at a time, "changing the route to suit"  according to energy levels, terrain, weather, sites of interest, local advice.....