Day 0: Arriving to Passau

We had a very simple goal for day 0: arrive safe to Passau with all the necessary items for the bike trip.

Working full time and having two small children, the biggest hurdle of going for vacation is to find time for packing (the second biggest one being the planning in the first place).

I started conceptualising the trip a couple of months before; although the booking of some hotels and bike rental agreement were left for the last 2 weeks. Then, the last couple of days before vacation I slowly-slowly put together some of our things. However, the bulk of packing, including loading the car, was left for the morning of our departure while the kids were enjoying a daycamp.

Below I share some useful tips on planning and packing.

What to bring on a family bike trip with small children?

• Tools: make sure you bring a kit to repair a flat inner tire! A chain tool is recommended as well: pulling the trailer on a steep slope meant the end of my husband's chain. Unfortunately we did not have one with us! A few screwdrivers may come in handy in case some parts need to be adjusted; although there are some bike repair posts here and there along the path for non-urgent reparations that can be used alternatively (no chain tool or tire kit though)!

• Toys and books for the kids: ours just enjoyed the ride and the panorama eventually, but better be prepared...

• Clothes: this is probably trivial, but comfi and sporty gear; new top for every day, a couple of shorts, long pants, comfi shoes with a good grip on the pedal.

• Water bottles

• Sunscreen

How to transport your children (possible to rent at various shops in Passau):

• Child trailer: I find this a better option compared to a child seat. It is more protected from the elements of nature, and there is more support in case the little one wants to have a nap. Note: in Austria children must wear a helmet inside the trailer!

• Child seat: this is a cheaper option and it perhaps more visibility

How to transport luggage:

• Option 1: many agencies organise bike tours that include the transportation of you luggage from hotel to hotel.

• Option 2: rent a luggage trailer (or bring your own if you are a pro)

• Option 3: if you pack very very light you could fit into a pair of panniers per bike plus the back of your child trailer if you opted for one.