Hi there AusGirl,

I'm going to be completely useless here but I can't resist the opportunity to witter on pointlessly about something I know nothing about so please forgive me.

I've never been on a cycle touring holiday myself but I've been plotting to go and have been asking myself (and anyone who would listen) exactly the same questions you have.

I've never tried a trailer on my bike but it's something I'm not too enamoured with the thought of. Just that whole 'being in traffic with something attached to the back of my bike' idea doesn't appeal to me. I guess it should be something motorists couldn't help but notice and should mean they give you a wide berth but I'm just not convinced. I'll stick with pannier bags and give them my vote of confidence.

At a point, I had made a big list of bits and bobs to bring with me on my proposed cycling holiday but that got lost somewhere when we moved house. I guess it all depends on where you're going, when you're going and where you plan on staying. I mean, there's not much point in bringing cooking utensils, sleeping bags and a tent if you're going to be staying in a B&B every night. Also, a compass and a map aren't going to be as much use in the middle of a big city as they would be out in the countryside.

Something I've been told to definitely take with me on cycling excursions is baby wipes. Apparently they are marvellous for removing oily grime from one's person. Bringing a couple of spare inner tubes (in addition to puncture repair kits [I should put in a plug for my own web site there]) couldn't hurt either. Although most punctures should be repairable (if that is a word), I would guess nobody wants to spend time fixing them in the pouring rain when they could pop in a new tube and make their way to some shelter.

Can you please post a reply to this post with a few more details of what you have planned and I'll see if I can be any use to you. Sorry I can't be more help at the moment.

Take care and I'll keep checking here for replies.