Responsible travel is a new way of travelling for those who’ve had enough of mass tourism. It’s not just about respecting and benefiting local people and the environment. You can expect to have a more enjoyable holiday thanks to the experts who run the holidays because they are so passionate about their business – a unique, authentic experience off the usual tourist trail.

The leading ethical travel directory, responsibletravel.com, has over 200 cycling and mountain biking holidays to choose from catering for everyone from hardcore adrenaline seekers to those who simply want to explore the countryside by bike. Each holiday is subjected to a strict selection process to ensure that they meet the social and environmental standards required. The traveller reviews are also monitored closely so that holidays that aren’t up to scratch are removed, and it’s these unedited reviews that give a real insight into how special responsible holidays can be. Here’s a selection of what they have to offer.

First there’s the really big adventures. Not for the faint of heart, how about a trip from Lhasa to Khatmandu., Cycle over 1,000km across one of the most romantic regions in the world. From Buddhist monasteries in Lhasa to bustling markets in Kathmandu and including an ascent to Everest base camp, this is the adventure of a lifetime. You can expect an experience like none other in this world on the Himalaya mountain bike tour, with stunning scenery and challenging riding, and you’ll be sure to get to know the locals. Or how about the Tiger Leaping Gorge cycling holiday in Yunnan, China, or perhaps you fancy exploring Borneo, Mongolia and Uganda by bike?

A little closer to home, there’s some tough challenges in the high sierras of Southern Spain where you will stay in a beautiful cortijo (farmhouse), dramatically perched just above the picture postcard village of Bérchules, in the wildly scenic Alpujarras region of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park of Andalucía.

And if you’re after a quick biking fix how about one of their England mountain biking holidays? Rocketing down singletrack and muddy trails or spinning along country roads can’t be a bad way to spend a weekend. There’s a whole range of short breaks in the UK and Europe.

Find out more about their cycling and mountain biking holidays
here