Airless Travel Guide

For peace of mind, travelers should always take out travel insurance. It's important to check the insurance contracts you hold and, if necessary, take out additional insurance to protect yourself adequately.

Credit card or personal insurance coverage
If your trip is covered by credit card or other personal insurance, check that it meets your needs. Does it include coverage for medical care and hospitalization abroad? Does it include cancellation insurance covering all non-refundable prepaid travel expenses, as well as trip interruption insurance? Does it include coverage for lost or stolen luggage? After analyzing the situation, you'll know whether or not you need to take out additional insurance.

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

Since the cost of healthcare services outside Quebec is generally higher, it's essential to take out private travel insurance to cover all or part of the expenses not reimbursed by the Régie.

Vélo Québec Voyages reminds you of the importance of checking whether your trip cancellation/interruption insurance includes unforeseen 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 coverage 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.

What's more, if you've taken out Blue Cross insurance with us, you can read about the terms and conditions of 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.

• Breakfast at your hotel (between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m.).
• You leave the hotel before 10 a.m., leaving your luggage in the luggage truck.
• You set off at a time and pace that suits you. You'll have maps and a detailed itinerary of the route, including the towns and villages on the program.
• You can have 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. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages 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 reception and, where applicable, to settle the bill for products and services purchased at the hotel (e.g. telephone calls, minibar).

If you don't plan to sleep in a hotel on any of the nights of your trip, please always let the guide know, 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 bike before you leave. A bike in good condition is the first guarantee of a successful trip.

For minor glitches (adjustments, punctures, etc.), the guide will help you out and get you back on the road as soon as he passes by. He can be reached by phone at any time to help you out, or to take you to the nearest bike store in the event 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 the basic parts and tools you need to take with you, see "Luggage preparation and checklist ↑".

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

Your Vélo Québec Voyages professional guide is your contact throughout your trip. Whether you have questions or need advice on proposed itineraries, accommodations, meal planning, luggage transportation, mechanical needs, supervision on the road, etc., your guide is Vélo Québec Voyages' representative on the ground. He's there to listen to your needs and expectations.