Saving Money By Travelling on Your Motorcycle
It’s a no-brainer really when it comes to travelling by motorcycle for your holiday. Not only is it loads of fun to be exploring the world by two-wheels, it can also work out a lot cheaper than flying or taking the train to your chosen destination.
Now you’ve picked your chosen destination of your holiday, you’ll know whether you’ll be taking your own set of wheels or hiring a ride when you get there.
Booking your Ferry crossing
You’ll be travelling overseas without a doubt so it’s good to book your ferry as soon as possible to get the best deals.
Travelling across to Europe is pretty simple for bikers. You can get yourself loaded onto a ferry from Dover or Portsmouth which ports at Calais. Your bike will be stored safely and securely under deck giving you the chance to grab a bite to eat and stretch your legs ahead of the big ride at the other end.
Travelling by ferry couldn’t be easier, check out this video on just how to do it…
https://youtube.com/watch?v=sZqc7DJ-Nzk
The ferry takes on average 90 minutes and costs around £90 for a return.
Where to stay
You’ve decided where you’re going and how you’re going to get there, now you need to decide where you are going to stay.
There are a few choices available to you when riding abroad, but it really depends on how big your budget is and how much comfort you need.
Camping with your motorcycle. Credit: Flickr
One option is to book into a hotel or hostel that has secure parking for motorcycles.
If you’re sticking to a popular motorcycling route, you won’t struggle in finding a hotel that will accommodate for both you and your motorcycle. With motorbikes and scooters a favoured form of transport in most European countries, most of them will have motorcycle parking spaces.
You will, however, need to remember to lock your bike securely and make sure it is safe.
The alternative is to find a local campsite.
This gives you the perfect chance to be at one with nature, especially if you’re spending long days on open roads. All you need is your bike and your luggage, and your expenses will be to a bare minimum.
Popular campsites will come equipped with showers, toilets and even a club house. You will only have to pay a small fee to use the facilities.
Find and book a campsite for your trip here.
Worried about keeping your bike secure?
There are now a range of motorcycle tents that have been developed to store your motorcycle and room for you to sleep.
Check out this great video review of the Redverz Tent ranges, perfect for bikers…
Basic alarms and immobilisers on your motorcycle are a great start as acting as deterrents for thieves – and they will help to reduce your motorbike insurance premium when you do insure.
Motorcycle lock chains and cable locks are highly recommended when you’re travelling abroad – especially as you won’t be able to keep your bike in similar high security conditions as you would at home.
Don’t know where to start with securing your bike? Check out this review video…
Arctic Rider’s Advice
Gordon Stuart has first-hand experience of riding abroad, how to prepare for camping and taking his own set of wheels…
For Europe, as long as you have the time to ride to your destination, I’m always a fan of taking your own bike and putting in a few long days up front to get you to where you need to be.
You know how your bike rides, you what feels right and what feels wrong, and you’ll come home and love your bike even more for the adventure it’s taken you on.
Going further afield hiring is certainly cheaper than shipping. Unless you are planning month and month of riding shipping you bike is just too expensive. I’m planning a trip to Alaska in a few years and I was quote £3,000 to ship my bike there and back which is more than I paid for it.
I’m a huge fan of camping when I’m away riding. There is something unique about a long day’s ride being finished off by pitching your tent and watching the sun set!
Europe has a never ending supply of high quality low cost camp sites wherever you go. And if you are in a remote location you have the option to do some wild camping, which is a truly delightful experience (although always check local laws first).
I’ve done some hostel and hotel stays which are great ways to get a good rest if you have been long in the saddle for a few days. Hostels are particularly useful if you are self-catering and want somewhere dry to cook your bait, and drink you beer.
Check out Gordon’s video diary of his trip, battling with the cold nights and hot days…