First stop, head over to Jardin des Plantes. Trust me, this place is gold for kids. Not only do you get wide-open green spaces for running wild, but there’s also a zoo (a zoo in the middle of Paris!) and a natural history museum with dinosaurs. Yep, you heard me – dinosaurs. If that doesn’t spark their curiosity, I don’t know what will.

Now, if your kids are into science, the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie is a must. It’s a the biggest science museum in Europe with all the cool hands-on stuff that will make them feel like little scientists. And there’s a whole section just for kids where they can play with robots, experiment with light, and do all kinds of mind-boggling things. It’s basically a science playground.

For something more outdoorsy, the Luxembourg Gardens is a sweet spot to spend the afternoon. Let the kids run loose at the playground, catch a puppet show, or rent a little sailboat to float around the pond. (Bonus points: You get to kick back with a coffee while they play.)

Feeling adventurous? Here’s a fun idea: Play the Invader Flash Game with your kids. It’s like a high-tech treasure hunt where you roam the streets searching for cool street art mosaics hidden all over the city. You just need your phone to “flash” the art and win points. It’s a clever way to turn sightseeing into a game – and sneak some art appreciation in while you’re at it.

Oh, and don’t skip Disneyland Paris! If you’ve got a day to spare, hop on a quick train ride and let the magic happen. The kids will love the rides, parades, and shows. Plus, it gives you an excuse to eat even more churros.

Okay, we’ve saved the best for last. You have to take the family on a bike tour with us at Fat Tire Tours. I mean, what better way to see Paris than on two wheels? We’ve got everything to make it a smooth ride – from child seats and tandem bikes to trailers for the little ones. You’ll cruise past all the major sights, get some fresh air, and make memories. Plus, let’s be honest, it’s way more fun than dragging the kids around on foot all day!

So, there you have it – Paris with kids can be a blast, especially when you start the day on a bike ride. (Because obviously, that’s the best part!)

The post 9 Awesome Things to Do in Paris with Kids (And the Best One at the End, of Course!) appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.

Morning: Explore by Bike

8:00 AM – Breakfast at a Local Café Begin your day with a traditional Italian breakfast at one of Milan’s charming cafés. Enjoy a freshly brewed espresso while soaking in the morning ambiance.

10:00 AM – Milan Bike Tour with Fat Tire Tours Start your day with an exciting Bike Tour around Milan. This guided tour is an excellent way to explore the city’s hidden gems and famous landmarks. Cycle through picturesque streets, visit historic sites like the Sforzesco Castle, and learn fascinating stories from your knowledgeable guide. This tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and fun, ensuring you experience Milan like a local.

Afternoon: Cultural Delights

1:30 PM – Lunch at a Traditional Trattoria Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional Milanese trattoria. Savor local dishes such as Risotto alla Milanese or Ossobuco, paired with a glass of regional wine. This is the perfect time to relax and recharge before the afternoon’s activities.

3:30 PM – Visit the Duomo di Milano After your lunch head to the iconic Duomo di Milano. This stunning Gothic cathedral is the heart of the city. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and marvel at the intricate details of its architecture. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb to the rooftop for a panoramic view of Milan.

5:00 PM – Explore the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Just a short walk from the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the world’s oldest shopping malls. Stroll through the elegant arcades, window shop at high-end boutiques, and enjoy a gelato from one of the charming gelaterias within the gallery.

Evening: Shopping and Sunset

6:30 PM – Shop in the Brera District Head to the Brera District, known for its artistic vibe and trendy boutiques. Explore the narrow streets filled with art galleries, antique shops, and fashion stores. This is also a great place to pick up unique souvenirs.

7:30 PM – Aperitivo Time Enjoy a traditional Italian aperitivo at one of Brera’s stylish bars. Sip on a Negroni or an Aperol Spritz while nibbling on delicious appetizers. This pre-dinner ritual is a beloved Milanese tradition and a great way to unwind after a day of exploring.

Night: Fine Dining and Nightlife

8:30 PM – Dinner at a Fine Dining Restaurant For dinner, indulge in a memorable meal at one of Milan’s top restaurants. Whether you choose contemporary Italian cuisine or international flavors, the city’s dining scene is sure to impress.

10:00 PM – Experience Milan’s Nightlife End your perfect day in Milan by experiencing its vibrant nightlife. Visit a chic cocktail bar, listen to live music, or dance the night away at one of the city’s stylish clubs.

Overview

With its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively culture, Milan offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler. This example itinerary provides a balanced mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and local experiences, ensuring you make the most of your day in this enchanting city. Buon viaggio!

The post A Perfect Day in Milan: Your Ultimate Itinerary! appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.

In partnership with ITA, we’re excited to provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to obtain your international driver’s license. This document is essential for those planning to rent vehicles or drive in foreign countries, and it’s particularly useful for our customers who want the flexibility to explore beyond the guided bike tours.

What is an International Driver’s License?

An international driver’s license, also known as an International Driving Permit (IDP), is a document that translates your driver’s license into multiple languages. It allows you to legally drive a vehicle in over 150 countries worldwide. For those embarking on a European adventure, having an IDP ensures that you can rent a car or motorcycle in most countries with ease.

Why Do You Need an International Driver’s License?

1. Legal Requirement: Many countries in Europe require an IDP in addition to your regular driver’s license.
2. Ease of Vehicle Rental: Most car and motorcycle rental companies prefer or require an IDP.
3. Peace of Mind: It serves as an extra form of identification and can be very helpful if you need to interact with local authorities.

How to Get Your International Driver’s License

Obtaining your international driver’s license is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you have a valid driver’s license from your home country. Most applicants need to be at least 18 years old.
2. Prepare Required Documents:
   • A copy of your valid driver’s license
   • A passport-sized photo
   • A completed application form
3. Apply Online: Visit the International Drivers Association’s website at e-ita.org. Here, you can fill out the application form, upload your documents, and pay the processing fee.
4. Processing Time: Applications are typically processed within 24 hours, and you can choose between digital and printed versions of your IDP. The digital version can be delivered instantly to your email, while the printed version will be mailed to your address.
5. Receive Your IDP: Once approved, you’ll receive your international driver’s license, which is valid for one year from the date of issue.

Tips for Driving in Europe

1. Know the Rules: Driving regulations vary from country to country. Make sure you’re familiar with local traffic laws.
2. Stay on the Right Side: Most European countries drive on the right side of the road, but there are exceptions like the UK and Ireland.
3. Have the Essentials: Always carry your IDP, regular driver’s license, passport, and insurance documents when driving.
4. Be Mindful of Speed Limits: Speed limits can change frequently, especially in urban areas. Pay close attention to road signs.
5. Plan Your Route: Use GPS or a reliable map to navigate, and consider potential toll roads and fuel stops along the way.

Conclusion

Getting an international driver’s license is a small step that can significantly enhance your European biking adventure. With the freedom to rent vehicles and explore new destinations, you’ll have more flexibility and opportunities to create unforgettable memories. Visit e-ita.org today to get started on obtaining your IDP, and prepare for the journey of a lifetime with our bike tours around Europe!

Happy travels and safe driving!

The post Explore Europe on Two Wheels: How to Get Your International Driver’s License appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.

By Sadra Sumner

The Flight from Newark to Paris

Improvements with the EU Health Pass

The post An American Traveling to Paris during Covid appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.

By Sadra Sumner

2020 taught us valuable life lessons.  Plans don’t always work out, flexibility in life is key, and the health, safety, and security of our loved ones is vital to our happiness.  As we carry those thoughts into a new year, our own tempered expectations of 2021 travel trends can be daunting.  Will this be the year of full recovery, or will we still be limited for the foreseeable future?  We’re looking to the five biggest travel trends in 2021 to help predict when the mundane might involve a plane so that we can keep experiencing the world in the safest way possible. 

1. Domestic travel is king in 2021

It’s no surprise that border closures have encouraged thrill seekers to look around them.  A recent 2021 travel trends study by Expedia & ARC showed that local demand grew significantly in 2020, especially those with outdoor options.  With more people exploring what’s in their own backyard, we see this trend continuing to boost local experiences and an appreciation for insider knowledge when international travel fully resumes.

2. Work from home – wherever that may be

For many of us, our 2020 daily commute was transformed into a stroll to the kitchen table. Without the need to be close to the office, many found solace in being as far away as possible, reinforcing the ability for many to work from remote locations.  We anticipate many more nomadic workers as companies adjust to virtual teams.  Do you live to work, work to live, or a bit of both?

3. Flexibility in travel from A-Z

Phocuswire coined the term ‘flexible as default’ in late 2020.  Of all the 2021 travel trends, flexibility will most certainly be the new norm for hotels, airlines, and in-destination activities. Creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for guests will be the goal of every company that has a chance to win back business once tourism springs to life.  Many companies have adjusted their cancellation policies to make vacation planning a less-stressful activity.  Fat Tire Tours has adopted a no-questions-asked, full money-back guarantee within 24-hours on most tours, making it easier than ever to get your reservation started.

4. Sustainable Travel

Lonely Planet took a different approach to their 2021 Best in Travel awards, foregoing naming specific destinations to visit in the year ahead.  Instead, they decided to focus on those positively impacting tourism through three criteria: sustainability, diversity, and community.  Some of the positive effects of covid stretch beyond Wales residents being greeted by goats in their planters; those who would normally jetset to a few different countries every summer are starting to consider the environmental impacts that their carbon emissions are causing.  Sustainable Travel seeks to protect and conserve while still allowing for the opportunity to visit beautiful parts of the world.  Guests are looking for companies whose values align with preserving local heritage.  They also want to experience new places in a sustainable way that allows others to continue to enjoy it after them.  And they want to learn about these magnificent corners of the world from all points of view.  Ethical companies who act in good faith and a genuine desire to help others experience their home will be those who come back strong. 

5. Online or bust – the biggest trend

Some tourist attractions have never needed to rely on the internet to survive.  Consider the Blarney Stone or South of the Border; these are often stops along the way to a bigger hotspot.  But with government imposed restrictions and limited operating hours, we’re going to our phones more than ever to verify that these places will be open. That’s not just a 2021 travel trend; it’s likely the beginning of a new age of reserving activities.  Amadeus, a leading travel technology company, recently published a study claiming that 4 out of 5 travelers confirmed that technology would boost their assurance in travel over the next year.  This translates to more last-minute mobile bookings and the obligation of smaller companies to get online or close up shop.  

Conclusion

All roads are still leading to Rome, but they may just be closed for maintenance right now.  We’re confident that travel will bounce back soon, and in the meantime, we’re working hard to make your future tour with us extra special.

The post 2021 Travel Trends – what you need to know appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.

The fête foraine in Paris kicked off on the 4th of July, and pubs in London reopened on the same day.  Even though Oktoberfest is cancelled this year, the capital of Bavaria responded with strict social distancing rules in order to get their famous beer-gardens up and serving.  The historic Giostra della Quintana will still take place in Foligno, Italy this August, a small province equidistant from Rome and Florence.  Music in the Parks will be restarting this August across Barcelona’s vast green spaces.  Simply put, Europe is reopening!

But it doesn’t look the same.  Masks are required in several indoor spaces, and pedestrians are either obliged to wear them outside or choose to do so.  Hand sanitizer is available at the entrance to stores, and even in public places that you wouldn’t expect.  Mediterranean beaches are reopening with scenes of bathers covering more of their face than their bodies.  

In the absence of overseas tourism and to counterbalance the last few months of lockdown, Europeans are starting to move around their respective countries and visit destinations not so far and wide from their homes.  A recent survey showed that 71% of French vacationers are choosing to stay within France, unlike most summer seasons where North Africa, Italy, and Spain are common getaway favorites.  Several European countries are also now allowing UK travelers to visit without facing quarantine.  So what’s the take-away?  Even though Europe won’t fully recover from the loss of a 2020 holiday season, locals are appreciating the wonders right at their doorsteps and enjoying the quiet and privacy relative to other summers, all while injecting a small flurry of activity into the tourism sector and allowing restaurants, hotels, and transportation companies to test out their covid safety measures on a small subsection of travelers.  It’s the calm before the storm. 

It may feel like many countries are still in the eye of the storm, but traveller’s intentions to visit Europe are at an all-time high.  A June survey shows that 80% of non-EU citizens are still looking forward to visiting Europe when they are able to do so, and the individual countries are acknowledging the importance of tourism and making plans for the future of it. 

Americans, Australians, and a handful of other countries with strict travel bans in place may feel like they’re missing out on the 2020 action.  In reality, Europe is still gearing up for travel to resume later this year or potentially in early 2021.  The safety measures that are being put in place now will have been tried and tested over the course of this holiday season so that you can travel with reassurance regarding social distancing, sanitization of high-touch areas (think payment terminals, public transportation, restrooms, etc.), and the silent, worldwide agreement that close talkers are unacceptable.

You may not know when you will be able to travel, but you can get inspired now!  We’ve redesigned all of our tours with special precautions in mind, such as:

• Sanitization of all handlebars, seats, and high touch surfaces before and after every tour
• All helmets sanitized pre and post-use
• Hand sanitizer available pre/post tour and on tour
• Government recommended social distance maintained at all times 

The majority of our tours are outside, and our skip-the-line museum tours, like our tours to Versailles in Paris, Florence Duomo tour, or Potsdam bike tour in Berlin are structured in a way to maximize safety.  Contactless check-in happens on all of our tours, and masks and gloves are available should you not have your own, or until Adam Sandler adds PPE to his list of going-out essentials.

So if you’re in the planning phase of your next European trip, even if you don’t know when that will be, here are three suggestions of some of our favorite, covid-safety approved city trips:

• Our Rome Night Bike Tour runs Sundays and Thursdays through the end of October, and gives you a chance to experience the vibrant night-life of the Trastevere neighborhood without compromising your safety.  We cruise through town just as the sun is setting and then stop along the banks of the river for a glass (or two!) of wine in an open-air setting with gorgeous views
• Our River Thames Small Group Tour in London departs at 10:30am for a day-time visit or 6:30pm for an evening of bike-riding in the open air.  We’ll stop for a pint in the evening!
• Our Barcelona City Bike Tour will kick off again at the end of July, and it includes parts of the Gothic neighborhood as well as riding along the beach-front. 

We are so excited to welcome our guests back on tour with us, and we look forward to showing you around our beautiful cities for another 21+ years. 

The post Europe Reopening appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.