Planning Your Trip

General Travel Tips

Whether we are travelling alone, with friends or with one of the specialist motorcycle tour operators, it is good to know what to expect – and what is expected of us. The information given in this section helps you on your way. But, whilst every care has been taken in its preparation, it is given in good faith alone. No responsibility can be accepted for any inaccuracy. Always check with the official tourist and motoring organisations for the individual countries you propose to visit – to get it wrong may be a costly and very inconvenient business.

Before considering each country individually

The following points may be regarded as of general application:

Helmet Law

All the countries listed require an approved and properly fitting helmet to be worn at all times when motorcycling.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

An IDP permits you to drive a vehicle overseas when accompanied by a valid UK driving licence. IDP’s are valid for 12 months. The format of the IDP varies depending on whether a particular country requires a 1949 or 1926 Convention type of IDP. IDP’s cannot be issued to holders of UK provisional licences.

Taking the Kids

The oft asked question (as well as the oft forgotten one) is whether children can be taken either as pillions or side car passengers? In some cases (the UK included) there are no actual age limits. But always assume that a child should be able to reach the footrests and have a fixed and proper seat. Do exercise common sense in any event. Some young children may be perfectly safe at a very young age – whilst others twice that age may be totally insecure. Ensure that they know how to sit, balance and lean etc. Provide them with the best possible body armour (not helmet hand me downs please) and please, please, please don’t hamper the child’s position by wearing a rucksack yourself. Individual national laws relating to children as passengers are set out in the alphabetised list of countries.

European Health Insurance Card

Since the 31st December 2005 the old E111 medical form ceased to be valid. You will now need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It covers the European Union, together with Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein. Normally valid for 3 to 5 years, it generally covers treatment on the same basis as a person normally living in the country you are visiting. There are special rules for chronic diseases or pre-existing illnesses together with pregnant ladies. There are also special rules relating to non-UK citizens. You are advised to take out comprehensive private insurance regardless of your EHIC.

Before you travel to any country please checkout the following website for full comprehensive information including security and safety tips.

www.fco.gov.uk

Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Travel Advice Unit
Consular Directorate
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Old Admiralty Building
London SW1A 2PA

Tel: 0845 850 2829
(Please do not use this number for visa-related enquiries)
Fax: 020 7008 0155
email: consular.fco@gtnet.gov.uk
(for Travel Advice enquiries only; please note emails will be replied to Mon-Fri between 0900 and 1700 only)

• Austria
• Belgium
• Denmark
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Holland
• Italy
• Luxembourg
• Norway/Finland/Sweden
• Poland
• Portugal
• Spain
• Switzerland

• Ferry Routes
• Accommodation Listings
• Travel Features
• Motorcycling Books and Videos
• Accidents and Claims Abroad
• Motor Trains Information

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USEFUL TRAVEL LINKS

French Railway Transport Official UK Site - www.sncf.co.uk

German Railway Transport - Dbautozug www.dbautozug.de

T T Accommodation - Variety - www.eventaccommodation.co.uk

Travel Directory www.travel-directory.org

TFG Global Travel Insurance - buy travel insurance on-line www.globaltravelinsurance.com

Travelhops Travel Search Engine Directory  

Turkey Holidays   Cheap package holidays, late deals and all inclusive holiday bargains abroad from Directline Holidays.