travelling through europe, need advice!

[mutty]

Hi, Im going to be travelling to bulgaria from york in june, taking in about 12 countries in total there and back and was wondering if anyone had advice on any decent roads etc... Also my insurance will not cover me for serbia and Ukraine - they told me you could get insurance at the borders but dont know how that works. Anyone have experience with this? Ian

[heroes legend]

Cant give advice for decent roads, but michellin do maps which highlight 'roads of interest and/or beauty'. They were spot on for western europe.

As for the issues of 'insurance' in the eastern european countries, roughly translate 'insurance' with 'bribe'. There are a lot of complaints that the money given doesn't do anything other than allow entry. Try looking on www.horizonsunlimited.com and searching there.

As for your insurance policy? Dont tell anyone and pray to god you dont get yer bike nicked.

Also, you may need to get a carnet (look on HU for this) - if so its gonna cost you, because they usualy take a % of the value of bike + kit, and needs to be paid upfront before you enter the country, a bit like a visa.

[shirker]

Take the originals of all your documents, insurance, log book, licence, or you won't be crossing some borders!
you may have to buy insurance cover at some borders. Check if you need entry visas ie Ukraine, this could take a while to get?

Good Luck!

[natv4]

Re: insurance

I had the same issues when I went to Morocco. I thought without cover from my UK provider I would not be able to go. In reality most borders in the world do not expect you to have insurance for the country you are entering. It is rare (and very fairly expensive) to get insurance cover outside of Europe unless you live in the country in question. It is very unlikely that you will get any fully comp cover (outside of the EU) at all, so do not crash; Alternatively take a vehicle that you will not matter should the worst happen.

Most International borders, to non-EU countries, will have 3rd party insurance for that country for around 20-100 euros - depending on length of stay etc. Simply ask at the border; many borders will insist on seeing cover and send you to the correct counter to buy some if required. This was the case in Russia and Morocco.

With regards to countries in Europe whom are not part of the EU yet, it will depend upon that particular border. For instance in Croatia, the border guards insisted that I did not need cover as my EU insurance would cover me (which I knew it did not). My week or so in Croatia was filled with nerves as I tried not to get caught speeding on their fantastic roads. Unlike Austrian vignettes, I don't think it is worth the risk.

Don't worry too much about borders. I've crossed a few and with a little patience you will always find someone willing to help you understand what is required.

As has been mentioned, checking horizonsunlimited is a really good idea. There is information for nearly every border you could imagine, all in one nice easy site. The michelin maps are very good too. I use them for any trips now, just so I can find the good roads.

On another note, be careful with travel insurance. Make sure the policy covers motorcycles and check that your engine size is covered (some policies only cover motorbikes up to 125cc!). I personally only get insurance for particularly tricky countries (Morocco/Russia). I got this in case of a serious incident requiring medivac airlift (which could cost thousands).
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Travelling around the world...a bit at a time. Where am I now? / Visit my BLOG
Bike: Blue Honda VFR800fi (*NEW*) Mileage: 22k Countries visited: GB/F/D/CZ/PL/E/I/B/A/HR/H/Rus/E/MA
West Europe...2004, East Europe...2005, Russia/France...2006, Morocco...2007

[natv4]

I forgot to add... I find it handy to take an IDP (international driving permit) when leaving the EU. They cost about a fiver (from the RAC, check their website). I buy two use them whenever someone asks for my driving licence. That way, should something happen to it, I have a spare and at worst my real licence. Keep a close eye on your documents, use photocopies where possible (though most western borders will not accept them). Always scan all your documents before you leave and email the files to yourself. That way, even if you loose everything, you can still download and print those.
____________________
Travelling around the world...a bit at a time. Where am I now? / Visit my BLOG
Bike: Blue Honda VFR800fi (*NEW*) Mileage: 22k Countries visited: GB/F/D/CZ/PL/E/I/B/A/HR/H/Rus/E/MA
West Europe...2004, East Europe...2005, Russia/France...2006, Morocco...2007