I want plan a motorcycle holiday through Europe, how do I start planning this? Advice needed!?
Question by jim_aherne2003: I want plan a motorcycle holiday through Europe, how do I start planning this? Advice needed!?
I am 21 years old and I have held my full license for around 3 months now. I have always wanted to drive through Europe on a bike and I wanted to start planning this. After thinking through about what I want ive developed the following criteria -
- I would like to travel for around a week although this could be shortened to less if the financial cost was significantly reduced
- I own a Ducati 748 – definitely not a touring bike – and I would want to hire a bike that is more reliable and comfortable
- I would be riding alone and setting out from London. I would like to take the Dover to Calais ferry to france and then head towards Italy with the south of the country being my ultimate destination. However I have not decided a route as of yet.
- In terms of sleeping arrangements I would be happy taking a tent and just camping each night or visiting hotels on the way – does anyone have any advice about this?
- I do not want to book with a motorcycle touring company as from what Ive seen these are very expensive and I am looking for minimal costs.
Basically im a student who loves bikes and I just want to see as much as I can for minimal costs. If anyone has any advice, knows any good bike hire companies or can recommend a good bike, or indeed knows a good company that can help arrange such a trip I would be really grateful
Thanks for taking the time to read this!
Best answer:
Answer by Willeke
I have not done it, but my brother has.
Just do it.
If you are British, think about buying a bike rather than renting it. Rental costs will run up high, and if you buy a proper second hand bike, the reselling worth will be almost the same as the cost of buying. And like with cars, bike rental companies have age restrictions and may also have restrictions on whether you can rent when your license is less than a year or two years old.
If you are not British, it might proof difficult to impossible to insure a bike in the UK, in that case, look for a different starting point. Not all European countries have the same strict rules for insuring for foreign visitors.
I would advice against camping, as it requires a lot more gear and most motorbikes are not build to haul big loads. Staying in hostels is a good alternative and you might also consider couch surfing if you want to stretch your budget further. I have never done that but what I hear from people who do is positive.
And you can still go to a hotel if you do not find a place this way.
Do not work out your route to the minor road, take a good map and if you can, a gps system so you can not get really lost. And listen to the people you meet underway, that way you will hear about the best places to stay and the best spots to visit.
Keep your daily distances short, about 4 hours driving at most, so you have time to sightsee, relax and can adjust your plans to whatever comes up.
The south of Italy could be well within reach, even going slowly, just remember to keep the same length of time for your return journey, so you do not have to race the French peages just to make it back home in time for your first day at work/in university.
I would personally try to travel at least 2 weeks, giving you more time. Just cut on the cost of lodgings and food, eat a good lunch in a department store or supermarket restaurant, and do your dinner on sandies, keep your drinking under control, and you can stretch your budget a lot further.
And use your search options, there is a lot on internet, often in the shape of blogs. Once you find one, use the links they give to find others. I do not have links handy, my personal transport is a bike and a trike without motor, so my favorite blogs are about those.
Give your answer to this question below!