Planning your tour abroad
Have you considered touring Europe by motorbike?
UK motorbike tours are great fun – but to get the thrill of the open road combined with the excitement of visiting somewhere entirely new, you’ll need to travel further afield. There are an increasing number of travel providers offering motorbike tours and holidays, and of course there’s no reason why you shouldn’t go it alone. If you’re keen to take your bike abroad but don’t know where to start, then here’s how to plan the perfect trip.
1. Set the pace: You might like the notion of travelling from France to Moscow in a week – but if you find yourself aching after a few hours in the saddle then this sort of trip may not be for you.
Think about the sort of riding you enjoy, the type of roads you prefer and the way that you want to do things. Would you rather take the fast approach – riding at maximum speed along a motorway to a pre-planned destination and then spending a few days there before moving on – or the slow approach, meandering along country roads and stopping when and where you feel like it? The decision you make will dictate your entire holiday.
2. Location, location: Once you know how you want to do things, you’ll be in a position to plan your destination. This, of course, depends largely on your preferences, but many motorbike tourists tend to pick mountainous or hilly locations. Close to home, France and Spain tend to be the most common choices, with the Alps and the Pyrenees being particularly popular.
France is considered to be among the most motorcycle-friendly countries in Europe – although watch out for speed traps on the country’s motorways.
3. Buddying up: There are plenty of motorcycle package tours available, and if you’re socially inclined then they can offer a fantastic experience with a chance to meet like-minded individuals.
Group tours can also be a safe option if you’re travelling to a far-flung destination where you’re unfamiliar with the language and the customs, or if you’re embarking on your first motorbike holiday and want to get acquainted with the drill. On the other hand, going it alone gives you greater flexibility and can end up a lot cheaper.
If you decide to travel independently then book in advance to get the best deals – companies such as Thomas Cook offer a wide selection of package holidays, which can sometimes work out cheaper than standard return flights.
Finally, don’t be afraid to be spontaneous. It’s a good idea to plan your holiday in advance – but once you’re out there on the open road, the whole world is your oyster. Make sure you enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience to the max.
This article was published for TravelSavvy short breaks in Europe by Andy Cornish. To read more Barcelona travel articles from our travel writers visit the article archive.
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