Traveler's Guide (no air travel)

For peace of mind, every traveller should always have travel insurance. It is important to check the insurance contracts you have and, if necessary, to take out additional insurance to protect yourself adequately.

Credit card or personal insurance coverage
If your trip is insured through your credit card or other personal insurance, check to see if it meets your needs. Does it include coverage for medical care and hospitalization abroad? Does it include cancellation insurance to cover all non-refundable prepaid travel expenses and trip interruption insurance? Does it include coverage for lost or stolen luggage? After analyzing the situation, you will be able to determine whether or not you should purchase additional insurance.

Coverage offered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)
Visit ramq.gouv.qc.ca to find out more about the health insurance coverage that covers all Quebecers when traveling within or outside Quebec.

Since the cost of health services outside Quebec is usually higher, it is essential to have private travel insurance that covers, in whole or in part, the costs that the Régie does not reimburse.

Vélo Québec Voyages reminds you of the importance of verifying whether your trip cancellation/interruption insurance includes unforeseeable and fortuitous events.

Vélo Québec Voyages assumes no responsibility for loss, theft or damage to your luggage and personal effects (including your bicycle) during your trip. It is your responsibility to have adequate insurance for your luggage and bicycle. Many home insurance companies, some group insurance plans and some credit cards cover property damaged or stolen outside the home. Check with the appropriate authorities.

In addition, if you have taken out Blue Cross insurance with us, you can read about the conditions of the baggage coverage in the "Policyholder's Guide".

Three weeks before your trip, we'll send you full details of the departure point, parking areas and meeting time. You can leave your vehicle in a designated area at the departure site. However, Vélo Québec Voyages declines all responsibility in the event of theft or vandalism.

If you have chosen a destination that includes a shuttle bus at the start of your trip, your bike will be transported by truck. When your bike is loaded, it must be stripped of all equipment (panniers, helmet, locks, etc.). Bikes will be protected by blankets, but you are free to further protect your bike by, for example, wrapping the frame with Styrofoam rolls used to insulate water heater pipes.

• You have breakfast at your hotel, (between 7:30 and 9:30).
• You leave the hotel before 10 am, leaving your luggage at the luggage truck.
• You take the road at the time and pace that suits you. You have in hand the detailed maps and itinerary of the route, including the towns and villages on the program.
• You can eat lunch when and where you want.
• On arrival at the stopover town, your luggage will be waiting for you at the hotel, where rooms are usually available between 3 and 4 pm.
• The dinners included in the package are taken at the hotel or in a nearby restaurant. They include a starter, main course and dessert. Drinks, alcoholic or not, are not included.

You share your room with the person accompanying you. If you're traveling alone, we'll match you with someone of the same sex. Depending on the city and the number of participants, the group may stay in one or two hotels. The list of hotels where you will be staying will be sent to you by e-mail three weeks before your departure.

When you leave the hotel, we ask you to return your key to the reception and to pay, if necessary, the bill for the products and services purchased at the hotel (e.g. telephone calls, minibar).

If you do not plan to sleep at the hotel on certain nights of your trip, please always inform the guide, so as not to worry anyone.

What about your bike? It will spend the night in your room or in a safe place provided for this purpose. We recommend that you lock it at all times.

We recommend that you have a complete tune-up of your bicycle before you leave. A bicycle in good condition is the first guarantee of a successful trip.

For small problems (adjustment, flat tire, etc.), the guide will be able to help you out and get you back on the road when he passes by. At any time, you can reach them by phone, so that they can help you out or drive you to the nearest bicycle store in case of a major breakdown.

That said, nothing beats self-sufficiency if you want to get back on the road in a few minutes! For a list of basic parts and tools to pack, see the "Packing and Checklist ↑" section.

If you are unable to complete your day, due to fatigue, illness or a major mechanical problem, the support vehicle will drive you and your bicycle to the next stopover city.

Vélo Québec Voyages's professionnal guide is your contact person during your entire trip. Whether you have questions or need advice on the proposed itineraries, hotels, meal planning, transportation of your luggage, mechanical needs, supervision on the road, etc., your guide is Vélo Québec Voyages' representative on the ground. They will listen to your needs and expectations.