Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Giovanni Lamonica, Aralsk, Kazakhstan.

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Giovanni Lamonica,
Aralsk, Kazakhstan.



Like Tree4Likes
  • 1 Post By Temporaryescapee
  • 1 Post By OTRA
  • 2 Post By Pongo

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 Sep 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Manchester
Posts: 5
Talking First trip across Europe

Hello my name is Alex and I always wanted to travel a lot on my bike, well it's time to do it
I'm living from Manchester to Romania on 8 October, I'll be passing through
france (calais till belgium border)
Belgium
Germany
Czech Republic
Slovakia
Hungary
And finally Romania,where i will stay for 5 days before I start the trip back to uk crossing
Hungary
Austria
Germany
France
Being my first long trip on the motorcycle I would appreciate any tips,tricks and suggestions or advise(will be on a buget so me and my misses will stay as much as possible on tent), hope to meet a lot of nice people along the way so if you're on the same route maybe will meet for a cup of coffee
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Sep 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Wrexham, UK
Posts: 25
First long trip! October!! & camping!!! Hope you've got plenty of warm and wet weather gear. My advice would be wait for summer 2016, if you don't - Good Luck and ride safely.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Sep 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Manchester
Posts: 5
Thank you.I just want to get out of my comfort zone.it's to easy to do it in the summer and I really need a break right now .hopefully it won't be to bad and I hope I will meet nice people that will make me forget about the could and nasty wheather
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Sep 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: York
Posts: 34
You should be OK in October, perfect riding conditions if you ask me, I was in Hungary and Romania a few weeks ago and the temperature was 40 degrees and way too uncomfortable. You may get wet camping though, once you get further east accommodation isn't particularly expensive so cheap hotels may be the best option, depending on your budget of course.

The nights will close in quicker so it would be wise to plan carefully to make sure you reach your destination before dark, riding in the likes of Romania is a challenge in itself during daylight hours and definitely won't be much fun in the dark.

Sounds like a good trip, remember to pack as light as possible.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Sep 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 4
I recommend to visit Poland Especially Warsaw, i was there for 7 days on a business trip and I spent a really nice time there (especialy in New Orleans club, on Zgoda 11. Really good place to visit when traveling with buddys Nice striptease ) People are very friendly, english speaking and it has really low costs of living
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 24 Sep 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 380
First trip across Europe

Alex

I did pretty much your trip in June. The ride report is on here somewhere.

My tips would be:

Don't try and do too much - its a lot of miles in 2 weeks
Take it steady in eastern europe - some low grip dodgy roads about
Make sure tour bike is ready for a long stint (tyres, chain and sprockets, etc)
Enjoy - its a great trip :-)



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Sep 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Germany
Posts: 106
Smile

Hi Alex,

may be by bad weather ... you have to find a campground very fast.
I can highly recommend this one:

Free POIs for campsites in Europe to use on your cellphone or navi:
Archiescampings

@Germany
if you come up from Belgium up to germany:
The "middle rhine valley" might be interesting for you.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Rhine

Just take the highway to BONN and go north untill WIESBADEN.
On the left side (of the river rhine) the street nummber is "B42" on the right side "B9". (2-2,5 hours to drive may be more)

You will find a lot of campsites besides the river rhine.
This one is on the way, nice, simple but a great beargarden in the summer:
Campingplatz und Biergarten "Auf dem Salmenfang" in Rheinbreitbach am Rhein und Siebengebirge
But take in mind,
a lot of the campgrounds are closing at the end of september in germany.

Have fun & good trip!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Sep 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 1
Sounds very interesting .

Have you considered doing a cruise on some of the European rivers? That way you can almost travel across the whole continent in a week or so?

My wife and I are really into these cruises - we take a 7 day cruise in Europe, in March-April next year - and that will be our 5th cruise in 6 years .
This time it is gonna be Rhine - https://www.riuscruises.com/river-cr...jour-1061.html - through Germany to Holland .

Best wishes
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 28 Sep 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 35
If you're in no real rush, I would stop for a coffee at every fuel stop. It beaks the journey and quite often you can see flyers for a nearby attraction you might otherwise miss :-)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 28 Sep 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: DIEPPE - NORMANDY - FRANCE
Posts: 77
Hi Alex

Camping on wet conditions is ok for one or two nights , but you can also consider using HU communitees ,we are hundreds around the world and of course around Europe , check the list . The other problem with camping (i always camp when travelling) out of touristic season is most of them are closed
until april/may so you can have bad surprises ,and some countries dont accept wild camping.Anyway have a nice trip.
Ride safe a cool.
Roger
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 29 Sep 2015
Pongo's Avatar
R.I.P. - 2020
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Cotes d'Armor, France.
Posts: 377
Hi Alex,

It's a lot to do if you have time constraints, and you'll spend most of your time on the bike, which might not be comfortable for both of you, and adverse weather will significantly slow your progress. Please take into consideration the current political climate and thousands of people on the move across the countries where you are travelling, there will be inevitable delays, and you might not find it easy. You only have to look at the news to understand that border crossings may be more difficult than expected, esp Hungary.

This is your first big trip and you might want to get out of your comfort zone a bit, but think about future travels together. If it's not a good experience it might put you off, and for the inexperienced traveller doing too much too quickly, could put you into difficult and perhaps dangerous situations, like travelling too late into the afternoon and not finding anywhere to camp, getting tired in unfamiliar surroundings, poor road conditions etc.. And don't forget your other half!

If I was considering doing this trip, I'd only plan as far as the next country, and see where it gets me, and as I avoid time constraints and schedules to keep to, it's my way of travelling safe & stress free.
__________________
-''It is better to walk alone than with a crowd going in the wrong direction''. ( Herman Siu)
-'' Live life then give life '' (www.lltgl.org.uk)
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 2 Oct 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Central Scotland
Posts: 9
Camping is a fun way to do it, but it does get very tedious after a while. Me and my Dad camped on our last Europe trip, sharing the same tent, and after a week or so we needed our own space so ended up using hotels.
It didn't help that it rained for a couple of days so sleeping next to your wet gear etc just to put it on still wet gets unpleasant.
Maybe best to avoid Alpine roads in case of snow but maybe others can advise on that as I have only ever been in the middle of summer.
Riding over there is easier than you think , just remember to keep on the correct side of the road at junctions/after breaks/in the morning etc.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 2 Oct 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: East Sussex, England
Posts: 171
Youth Hostels

Youth Hostels are a great budget option if the camping becomes a chore - having to move on after just one night's camping, escaping wet weather. Good to have access to a kitchen and some space to relax too. Private rooms also available.
Not essential to be a member but membership does entitle you to a discount. Join at YHA UK and the card is valid internationally.

Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 4 Oct 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Dubai, UAE
Posts: 206
For Hostels try searching on hostelbookers.com if you want to have somewhere prearranged before you get to your destination.

I discovered quite a few really great places to stay from this website.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 14 Oct 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
currently -9 and snowing in Poland!!
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Buying and storing a motorcycle in Europe wheatwhacker Trip Paperwork 21 18 Jun 2022 10:38
Toronto -> Vancouver -> Alaska Future Trip SayWord Travellers Seeking Travellers 6 26 Apr 2015 05:12
Europe trip - compadres wanted m0rt Travellers Seeking Travellers 7 5 Dec 2013 13:44
My first short trip from beirut to Europe samer Welcome to HU 3 16 Apr 2013 22:26
Advcie please! - Mid November Trip Europe nibby Route Planning 9 5 Apr 2012 15:58

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:17.