I would tend to agree with the comments above, however, as I have a little time on my hands, here are a few pointers:

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed, as this site has an abundance of helpful information. However, I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START. A friend and I would like to tour Europe, start in Spain and work our way east, then up and over ending in Ireland. Perhaps someone who has done a similar trip would be interested in helping us make appropriate preparations.

First of all what time are you planning on coming over?

Spring or preferably early summer would be best for Europe - it's not like California, it always rains in the UK & Ireland x

Perhaps more importantly, how long have you got?! Your route sounds interesting and diverse, but there is a hell of a lot to see in Europe... Having just spent a couple of months in Europe this summer, I can recommend northern Portugal, southern and eastern Spain, the Pyrenees, the whole of the south of France across to the Alps, and even dip into Italy and Switzerland too. The UK and Ireland also have masses of culture, landscape and architecture to explore. Personally I'd stick to the western side of the UK if you like scenery, and do try and visit Scotland too. The UK is not a huge place (compared to California), but it still takes a long time to get anywhere. Fundamentally though, you will never see it all, so don't try - pick a few places that you 'must see' and then navigate between them...


BIKES: best bike suggestions for women (and less advanced riders)

You want something that will handle a lot of road (and higher speeds) well, but also be able to go 'off-road' as there are some fantastic dirt roads and trails to be found. Go for a mid capacity 650cc sort of machine... there is a reason why the BMW F650 is so popular as a travel machine, we don't have the stalwart KLR/XRL/DR range you do in the USA unfortunately. If you are bringing you own bikes, then you'll have a wider choice and an Euro dealer would be able to order parts if you required.


[I]Visas/Passports/Carnes: How does all this work and what of it do we need for Europe (we are American citizens and would be most likely flying over ourselves and the bikes) Are there any other documents we must have? Like insurance (health/auto)? What kinds?[I]

You shouldn't need a Visa for any EU country (not sure about Switzerland as it's non EU, but they are very relaxed at boards now anyway), and neither is a Carnet required unless you head further East into Russian territories.

US health insurance ought to be available with worldwide coverage. You won't be able to buy insurance for a foreign registered machine in the UK, but you can get green card cover for the whole of Europe from Arisa (see the thread here on the hubb) that covers the UK too.


How to know where to go: Best maps, GPS, etc...

Only you can decide that - you won't ever be able to see it all, so pick a few places you definately want to see, and plot an interesting route between them. It's always an adventure if you've never been there before. Michelin do some good road maps/atlas at around 1:400,000 scale - they show most roads and things like campsites etc. You don't need GPS particularly, although it can be nice to preprogramme your route in the night before and let it guide you while you admire the scenery. It's also very useful for getting you through or around towns and cities. I recommend a Garmin unit with City Navigator mapping software for Europe - you can buy this in the US before you leave.


ACCOMMODATIONS: This is a biggy. We do plan to camp a lot, in order to save $. Where to camp? Best hostels/hotels for people on bikes?

The one thing you will find is Europe is much more expensive to travel in compared to the US - roadside hotels tend to be big chains, and cost around €60-70 a night (yep, that's euros, not dollars.) There are no Motel 6's at 40 bucks a night, although the French do have the Formula 1 chain that are around €30 for the room. It's shocking the amount I had to pay compared to when I was traveling in the US last year.

There are plenty of campsites in southern Europe particularly, but some can be pricey as they tend to be in the more touristy areas. Wild camping is not as easy as it is in the USA, as most of the land in Europe (and especially in the UK) is owned by someone, and is typically someone's farm. It is possible to wild camp in more remote places, but best to get yourself off the beaten track a little way.


MONEY: How to handle purchases and currency. Is it best to have cash? Can you use your American Credit/Debit cards?

That's easy - any credit/debit card that has the VISA symbol ought to work in ATMs and in shops/restaurants/hotels etc. All petrol (gas x) stations take cards too. We live on plastic in Europe these days. Do watch out for the currency exchange rates when using you US card/s abroad though - you can get hit using a credit card for cash withdrawls especially.

Currency wise, almost all of Europe uses Euros, the UK and Norther Ireland has Stirling (Pounds), while Southern Ireland is Euros too. The Swiss have their own Francs.


Also, how much is enough!??? Everyone is different I know, but a general idea of how much to bring would be nice.

Impossible to answer - it depends on how long you are coming for, what you want to do (tourist things - theatre, exhibitions, concerts, restaurants etc.) but it will always cost more than you thought, and much more than it does in America typically...

A (very) rough calculation can be made on the following: hotels €60-70 a night, campsites €10-20 per night, fuel €1.30-€1.50 a litre (and yep, there are 4 of those to one of your gallons!) and fast food/modest restaurant €6-20 a meal.


*making money in another country if you're not a citizen???

Bar and restaurant work is still pretty easy to find I would imagine, although 'cash in hand' work is increasingly difficult to find in litigious Britain now...)


KNOWING HOW TO BUDGET!

Have money in the bank, and a credit card...


Oh and Equipping the bikes... What is essential to a successful trip and what is commonly suggested?

Tools that will allow you to remove a wheel and fix a puncture, and anything specific to the bike such as airfilters etc. if it's a US spec machine... Otherwise you can find a bike shop pretty easily.

Security can be an issue, which is why a lot of people use hard luggage if they plan on leaving the bike while sight-seeing (which is why you're coming to Europe, surely?!) Otherwise you can always check into a hotel and leave your kit there if you plan to spend some time away from the bike.

Clothing wise, the golden rule is bring less than you think you'll need - if you are traveling day in and day out on a bike you don't need much at all - just a change of clothes for the evening, a warm jacket/fleece and some underwear (and swimwear perhaps). But do have waterproofs with you, even if it's just an oversuit. You can alway buy anything you don't have but find you really need.


HELP!!! I know this is a lot to ask but the best advice comes from those who have been there and done it.

It is a lot, but hopefully I've given you something to further investigate?


We appreciate anything you can share even if it's just a good website or a useful book!

Thanks!

As others have said, this is probably the best website - plus google the tourist information sites of the countries/regions/cities you think you'll want to visit.

Books tell you about where other people have been - buy a map, get a pen, and plan your own adventure!

xxx