Many embarking on Motorcycle Travel journeys often wonder about the best way to secure comfortable and safe accommodation for themselves and their bikes. This guide shares practical tips for easily finding places to stay, ensuring motorcycle security, and explains the advantages of choosing guesthouses over camping for riders who balance adventure with the demands of content creation on the road.
Why Guesthouses Outshine Camping for Motorcycle Touring
A common question from fellow adventurers revolves around my preference for guesthouses instead of camping during motorcycle travels. The allure of camping, with its promise of freedom and waking up to breathtaking natural views, is undeniable. I wholeheartedly agree that there’s something magical about sleeping under the stars.
However, my reality as a content creator for platforms like YouTube and familycircletravel.net necessitates a constant connection. Producing videos, engaging on social media, and writing articles demands consistent access to electricity and reliable Wi-Fi, especially during evenings and nights – luxuries often unavailable when camping remotely.
Furthermore, the time investment in tasks like sourcing ingredients, setting up camp, and cooking meals on a portable stove directly subtracts from valuable riding and video editing time. My priority is maximizing time on the road and creating engaging content for you.
While the occasional lakeside campsite with stunning mountain vistas is tempting, the practicality of carrying extensive camping gear – tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, fuel, food, and extra water – clashes with my goal of traveling light. I prioritize carrying only essentials for daily use or emergency situations. Therefore, a conscious choice had to be made.
Beyond logistical considerations, two personal preferences heavily influence my decision against camping. Firstly, after a long day of motorcycle travel, the comfort of a proper bed is incredibly appealing. Secondly, the simple pleasure of a clean bathroom to wash away the day’s accumulated dirt is a luxury I deeply appreciate.
Surprisingly, finding hotels or guesthouses has never been an obstacle, even in extremely remote corners of the world. Opting for guesthouses and hotels has not limited my ability to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Preparing for the Unexpected: Emergency Shelter
During my Asia to Europe journey on Basanti, a ride through the desolate mountains of Tajikistan highlighted the importance of preparedness. In such remote locations, encountering another person in a day was rare. This solitude brought the realization that if a breakdown occurred, emergency shelter would be crucial.
While my satellite phone ensures I can call for help in emergencies, immediate assistance might be hours away. Being stranded could also mean facing sudden rain or swarms of mosquitos.
Therefore, for my Patagonia to Alaska expedition with Dhanno, I decided to carry a lightweight emergency shelter. This compact tent isn’t designed for regular camping but provides essential protection from rain, wind, and cold if an unexpected night on the roadside becomes necessary.
For detailed information on my gear and equipment choices for this journey, you can refer to this resource: Gear and Equipment for Dhanno.
Booking Flexibility: Accommodation on the Go
My travel style leans towards spontaneity, and this extends to booking accommodation. For the Patagonia to Alaska trip, the broad plan involved desired countries and optimal travel seasons. Riding Patagonia during its summer and reaching Alaska in the same season dictated a timeframe. Realizing six months was insufficient for the desired route and explorations, the trip extended to 1.5 years.
Accommodation bookings follow a similar flexible approach. I rarely book until I’m certain of reaching a specific destination the following day. This allows for itinerary adjustments based on weather changes, road closures due to landslides or protests, or recommendations from fellow travelers about must-see locations.
Generally, reservations are avoided. I prefer arriving at a guesthouse and inquiring about room availability directly. This approach has consistently worked well. However, during peak holiday seasons or local festivals known to cause overcrowding, advance reservations become necessary.
Alt text: Unique treehouse accommodation found during motorcycle travel, showcasing the charm of spontaneous lodging choices.
Finding the Perfect Motorcycle Travel Stays
Traveling by motorcycle introduces specific accommodation needs and considerations. Fortunately, the motorcycle travel community is vast and generous, with many riders sharing their preferred places to stay through various apps and online platforms.
iOverlander App: A Traveler’s Goldmine
My evening routine includes planning the next day’s route. Once the destination is set, iOverlander is my first resource. This app is a treasure trove of traveler recommendations. Often, fellow motorcyclists have passed through the same locations and left valuable reviews for campsites, hostels, and guesthouses. These reviews often highlight crucial details like secure motorcycle parking and reliable Wi-Fi. iOverlander also connects me with like-minded travelers, fostering opportunities to exchange stories and travel tips.
When iOverlander suggests a potential stay, I might use booking.com to check availability or directly call the guesthouse. Sometimes, I simply arrive and inquire about rooms in person.
Pro-tip: After downloading iOverlander, internet access is no longer needed to find accommodation, making it ideal for remote motorcycle travel.
Maps.me App: Offline Navigation and Hotel Finder
If iOverlander doesn’t yield results, Maps.me becomes my second go-to resource. Searching for ‘hotel’ within the app pinpoints nearby accommodations. I often bookmark a couple of options for easy navigation after a long day’s ride.
Instead of gravitating towards highly-rated hotels, I often select those with lower ratings. These are frequently the most budget-friendly options in town, saving time on extensive price comparisons. Furthermore, lower-rated hotels are less likely to be fully booked. For short stays of one or two nights, elaborate amenities and prime locations are less critical.
Like iOverlander, Maps.me functions offline after downloading regional maps. Beyond accommodation, I also utilize Maps.me for navigation and route planning, complementing my Garmin GPS.
AirBnB App: Extended Stays in Comfort
For longer stays in a specific location, AirBnB is often my preferred platform. Especially in larger cities, AirBnB frequently offers apartments at prices comparable to a bunk in a budget hostel.
The main drawback of AirBnB is coordinating arrival times with hosts for key handover. My unpredictable travel schedule often makes precise arrival times challenging. Fortunately, most AirBnB hosts have been accommodating and flexible in arranging key exchanges.
Motorcycle Security: Parking with Peace of Mind
In my experience, securing safe, gated parking for my motorcycle at accommodations is almost always possible. Only a few times have I had to park on the street overnight. In such instances, unloading all luggage and bringing it into the room is a non-negotiable precaution.
While inconvenient, this process is now easier with Dhanno compared to my previous bike, Basanti. Basanti had hard panniers which required complete emptying when street parking, despite having locks easily bypassed with tools. Dhanno’s soft luggage bags offer a simpler solution – I just detach the bags entirely and carry them inside.
Finally, a motorcycle cover is always used, regardless of parking location. This protects against weather elements like bird droppings, rain, and dust, but also deters casual tampering or unwanted attention from passersby.
Alt text: Motorcycle travel security: Dhanno, a touring motorcycle, covered with a protective cover while parked overnight outside a guesthouse room, emphasizing safety and care for the bike during travels.
Your Motorcycle Travel Accommodation Guide
This guide covers the essential aspects of finding suitable guesthouses, B&Bs, or hotels during motorcycle travels. If you have further questions, please feel free to ask them in the comment section below. Safe travels!
