Smart to agree beforehand on how to handle unplanned events. This is a really thoroughly planned trip - the guys are lucky to have you! Silver platter level there. Thank you for all the tips!
One thing I would like to point out about spare bulbs in France, whilst you are right about it not being a legal requirement. If you get stopped for having a defective bulb the police will not let you move from the spot untill the bulb is replaced. I got this information from a French policeman when I was in France. So the only way to avoid a long delay is to carry spare bulbs. Hope this helps someone.
@@boxfullofneutral8514 you're unlikely to have a blown bulb if it's an LED, nor is it likely to be a quick roadside fix, which is why you have breakdown cover so you can get on your way.
What an amazing lot of information. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this it will really help not just me but all the other bikers who watch it. Ride safe
Top video Craig, your figures are very close to mine, so this video has allowed me to compare our costs to yours for the same trip. Great stuff mate. Much appreciated.
Nice, I’m the planner for our trips away so know what a ball ache it can be, but as you say all worth it in the end. Will definitely use the card you mentioned for this years solo ride to the Picos mountains, as I didn’t realise the banks sting you for using your normal bank card when we did Switzerland last year👍🏼
thanks for doing this video it really gives me a insight of what to get and plan. im traveling from france to switzerland in september alone on my lambretta.the video is a great help.
I will say some of the autoroutes in france are breathtaking. They're fast, good tarmac and especially the ones that cross the middle of france and they climb up high, there were some truly breathtaking views. Whilst I too favoured D roads and smaller, after needing to make up some mileage and taking auto routes from the south to north of france to make our ferry, it was a hell of beautiful journey despite being on motorways.
Mate you should get your holiday FOC for all the work and fine planning! I’ve toured in France a lot, solo, and in groups of up to 10. My tips are Get good maps of the areas, and look for the ‘green’ roads(scenic). The ride each day is just as important as the destination, so take you time and enjoy it. In France the smaller roads, are empty, and smooth, and you always stumble across a beautiful view, or village etc. French car and truck drivers are bike friendly, and will usually pull to the side to help you pass. I find that you can often park on the pavement outside a bar or shop as long as you are not causing an obstruction no one seems to mind. There are loads of quirky places to stay, such as chateau, caves in the cliffs(troglodytes), small Air Bnb, and use the tourist office in the local town if you get stuck. I have timed my trips with. Moto GP, or a WSBK, race , and it’s so much cheaper than the UK, and also great scene. After Brexit you will need a UK sticker(not GB), for the rear of the bike, and as mentioned a hi vis vest(accessible in case of a breakdown, and must be worn at the side of the road if you do). Don’t forget when you set off each day that you need to ride on the RHS of the road! Easy mistake to make when you’re relaxed ! Respect the speed limits, especially through the villages, which are often 50KPH(30mph)and 30KPH(20mph). Riding in France is amazing if you haven’t done it you must!
Many thanks Craig for an excellent explanation of what you need for me to go to France. There are 6 of us going to Normandy in June on our bikes. This will be my first time abroad on a motorcycle.
You are gonna love it and the best part is you ride on the right hand side, trust after half hour there you will see how crap the left side is, can’t explain it but the right hand side feels right, if feels natural.
Really informative video Craig, lots of good information and knowledge when planning a tour, especially for a large number of people ,must take a lot of time and patience to do all that but when I watch your tour's I can see how much the guys appreciate your hard work and comment, really enjoyed the video mate 🤘
Very interesting video pal. Your meticulous planning & organisation must make it a whole lot easier for your trip mates. Well done & thanks for sharing. 👍🏼
With Barclays bank, create an e-wallet through their phone app for euros. Before travelling, transfer money from your current sterling account to the e-wallet. As soon as you hit europe and use your debit card, money is subtracted from the e-wallet and not your sterling account. You can then top up the e-wallet whilst on the road through the phone app. I tried to fill up at supermarkets fuel stations as well as use their cafeteria for eating and loo.
What a fantastic video this is, and what a lot of work there is, just for a week away! I hope you are well reimbursed from the lads, for all your effort, work and the time you give up for the guys, just so that they can getaway from the Mrs and kids for a week! I have only ever done anything similar to this when the kids were still at home, for our summer Hols, but that is only for one unit, so to speak. Otherwise it has just been for me alone..., so this video has been a real eye-opener for me, and I hope, for your biking buddies as well, should they not already know! I raise my Helmet to you Sir.
Hi, thanks for the information on going to France, I’m thinking of going to Normandy in mid March, via the euro tunnel, it’s a solo tour and booking b and b for a total of 5 nights.
You've covered most of the details, for sure. It's a boring subject, but so many people go off with little or no preparation. Our trips are simpler, with fewer people - but follow those principles. The big savings are in using Eurotunnel, and twin rooms.
That is one of the most useful and informative videos I’ve ever watched. I am thinking of doing a Northern Europe tour and your vid has really opened my eyes as to what I need to plan for…. Many thanks….. top class…
Wow, you really got a good deal on digs there! We are off to Austria in May so I've used a couple of your tips for planning, cheers for putting this up.
Thanks for the video. I'm also a "cat herder" 😀 tour organiser and my process is similar to yours. The only things my groups do differently are: 1) Use of motorways to cover big distances quickly. This allows us to get time in the Alps/Dolomites/Pyrenees without making the tour more than a week with 2 weekends. 2) Use of Trivago for hotels as it finds the cheapest option. 3) Stay at a hotel for more than 1 night so we get time on nice roads without luggage on the bike. (We also like a room to ourselves! Have a great trip.
Its very handy to be able to watch videos like this as its a great way to learn stuff you might not know before setting off on your trip. Got hurt in Switzerland a few years back with the price of a McDonalds
Good video with great content, its easy when a small group go as we all just book our own things but when its a larger group there seems to be a lot more involved. Its good that you take on this challenge for the good of your touring mates.
Great vid Craig I only travel with my wife on pillion so we tend to stay in smaller B&B’s average around €80 a night for 2 usually with breakfast we also like to stay outside of busy towns. I always look at my furthest destination then plot stops in between and your right sometimes you have to alter Routes to suit hotels. Sometimes getting lost finds the best roads also never ride too far it’s just too dangerous. Love watching your tours - holidays stay safe all 👍👍
Also Craig too many miles chasing down motorways and you miss so much we love the French countryside love your vids a great bunch of mates truly enjoying each other’s company stay normal and have a blast I’ll enjoy watching your next trip 👍👍
What a cracking video 👊🏼 Didn’t realise that it would be as cheap as this, although I’ve not ridden in Europe, I would have thought about double this. Definitely food for thought Best wishes
Excellent vid. I was chomping at the bit to go somewhere before, but more so now. Hope you enjoy this years trip and thanks for taking the time to do this.
Just discovered your inspirational channel. I tour solo (no itinary) and always take the Michelin Regonal maps for the area I am interested in and the 721 National Map. I pre-book only my first night(s) in France and use my phone and Google maps to look ahead for accommodation on the day. I aim for small provincial towns rather than cities and use the local tourist office where the staff are multilingual. French Campsites are regulated and good value but you will need warm gear above 1000m. See you in France at Coupes Moto Legende ?
Brilliant vlog Craig been doing this for 30 years You have the heart of a lion , took 18 bikes to Assen from here in N.I. for Motogp many years ago never again it's like working with 14 year old's and herding cats all rolled into one, just do it for me and my wife now. So all I have is Sat nav on front and sat nag on rear. lol
I bet this is gonna get loads of views over time, a very in-depth and informative plan of how much it costs and how you plan a tour. You mentioned you have a group chat to organise the details, I was wondering if the same goes for even the uk weekenders for noobs to ask questions about certain details? Thanks for sharing and your time and effort into putting this together 👌. See you on your next adventure ✌️ 🤙 🤟
Great detail Craig. I am sure the lads all appreciate it. I have a mate who does all the leg work like you. It’s been a real eye opener for me. I will cut him a bit more slack from now on 😂😂
Thanks, a useful video on all the parts and order that they need to be in for a trip to work well. So far most of the trips I have been on have been organised by others but if at some point I'm involved myself then your video will be a good guide/checklist I'm sure.
Very interesting and informative Craig, you mention team and we alot but to me it looks like you do it all, this isn't me picking holes sthis is me just saying how much work you put in for the tour which is very impressive on its own, hats off to you for your commitment to the tour and making sure its enjoyable for all of you.
Great Video thanks. From what i understand your NHS medical card has no validity now we are out of the EU, you need to pay for medical treatment by yourself or through insurance.
Completely wrong. You need the new GHIC card if you don't have a currrent EHIC, and most travel insurance policies require that you present the card FIRST for treatment.
Great watch mate, some good pointers as we're doing tunnel,france and switzerland same week as you did but ours is 10 days total as we travel to/from the north east. Wondering if any of you used a different sim card for europe? thanks again for sharing.
Good lots of advice there , I've been organising tours in Europe on and off for 20 years , though max I've had was 8 . This year its 4 so not too bad , we've individually just booked our shuttle this year for may . I see your 2024 tour says black forest ...which is where we are off and looking for 1st night around arras (there for my50th 12 years ago) .. have you sussed a hotel mav around baden baden yet , trying to get free safe bike parking ones at mo .. bit pricey. We go on around a ,£100 a day all in too. Look forward to your next vid.
Great video and thanks for taking the time to prepare the content and upload it. Just a quick question please if you don't mind. We are off to Ypres (Belgium) in July. We are going on the Tunnel from Folkestone. What would you advise is the best route down to Folkestone from the Midlands? We aint looking forwards to that journey to be honest as it's a bit of a slog. Many thanks and keep up the very informative video's. 👍👍👍👍
We take m5 onto m52, then onto m40 and take m25 s as round London. Not the greatest ride but we find it’s the one route we just want to crunch miles on. Previously we stay in high Wycombe which is half way to break up the journey.
Thanks @Motourev for reply. I'll put this option to my two pals. Looks like motorway is the better option ( unfortunately )😞 But Thanks for taking the time to reply to me. Many thanks pal.
Wow that was good i was thinking £2000 lol and yes every tour price up and down and what each folk pay. Nice one and as always Craig your presentations Awsome thanks all for the time you and everyone on your tours. 😃👍
So, your personal total expenditure for 8 days away (in the Tourist season) was £704.- ! That is approx £88.- / day. And that is, after converting into my local currency, a damm good price. I will be doing a 14 day trip from Switzerland to, and around Wales this summer, ending up at my Sister's place in Shrops. for a few days before the ride back back to Switz. So this should help with planning my expenditure, thanks. Knowing how I can rough it, i'll probably do it using less, but I now have a maximum as a guide line. I'll know more next autumn. I've been to so many places over the course of my life, Switzerland being so central as a starting point, but Never have I managed a trip to England on my Bike:
Yes it’s not expensive to tour, ok we don’t eat in fancy restaurants but eat fast food and we don’t need 5⭐️ hotels, just somewhere to sleep. People get the idea tours are expensive as they see the price from organised tour campanies
@@Motourev ...yeah, the organised tour prices, and also seeing them fancy Vloggers showing us the high life way, while begging us to join their "patreon" or at least "buy me a coffee"! Me, i'll go in a Lidl or the like (think i've seen you do the same), get a water, a roll, some cold meat or cheese and park somewhere nice for 40mins and later a Restaurant stop for the loo and a good coffee!
😂 must be a pain having to doing everything for Oggy, that lad don’t know he’s born. You’d think by now he would’ve done something for you, pure selfish mate.
Great video again Craig 👍🏻 I do have a question for you though. Do you know if you need the pollution stickers in the areas of the Normandy beaches? Is just we’re thinking of a last minute trip and it says the stickers could take up to 6 weeks to arrive which is past when are thinking of going.
@@Motourev Hi pal thanks for the info 👍🏻 I’ve ordered them online through the official site so fingers crossed they’ll come in time 🤞🏻 if not we’ll just have to reschedule.
@@bazzsom don’t reschedule it’s only a €60 fine if you got caught, it’s not like a speeding fine. Cameras do not detect them it would only be if a physical traffic warden checked your bike whilst parked in public.
Why aren’t you comparing like for like? The alternative to Eurotunnel is a Dover to Calais crossing which will be much cheaper than the longer Brittany Ferries option?
We choose Caen if we have a long ride to the ferry as we use the crossing as a break, so if we’ve done 7 hours ride then have another 3 hours home we use the ferry time as down time. We choose Calais if we are touring east side to south and Caen if touring middle to west south. It’s all about planning ahead and using ferry time as rejuvenation time. Choosing based on price and time is useless unless you’ve pre planned it as a benefit as we do for down time. It’s all down down to how you plan your tours and actually using your loaf to making the best out of crossing times.
Wow how good was that,even though i dont have a passport,i found that really interesting, thanks for taking the time to explain ;-) Ride Safe Mr B \m/ PS,The lads dont no their the born do they ,,,,lol
Motorcycle Trips to Spain from UK - Costs: Fixed costs - Return ferry crossing with a private cabin (Portsmouth. or Plymouth to Bilbao or Santander), bike prep and insurances £1000 Variable costs - About £105 to £120 per day. This assumes staying in hotels, guesthouses and apartments rather than camping.
Thanks mate, really very informative to watch. I’ve a question as I never done a tour yet but planning this year. When booking accommodation (booking,com or airbnb) do you also filter for parking? Or is it important to look for secure parking or street parking is fine? Do you lock the bike at night? Thanks!
If we have a hotel in a city we try to make sure there is secure parking. If hotel out in French country side then we are happy to leave outside. Yes we all have locks and if a city we also lock bikes together.
A good info vid. Even tho i like to ride alone or with just one person extra. Still got some good pointers from your vid. Am glad we dont have mot on our bikes in the netherlands. Dont know tho if the french give a crap about that. There enough gas stations you can still pay cash. I rather avoid french than being even for a day being ripped of for 80 euro,s for 20 euros of petrol. But than again every country has its wierd to us rules.. have a safe next trip
Going back to Switzerland and the high cost of living. The majority of us normal folk, ("I say us folk" as I have lived in Switz. for many years), or your average Joe Bloggs, so to speak, do earn that bit more than the UK guy does, but at the end of the Month after all bills etc. have been paid..., the amount left, is not much more, if any, than it would be for any English person on his wages. It is only the top 30% -40% of the population that really rake it in. Just thought i'd put that out, to give it a bit more perspective. Oh, one more thing, If you eat out in a Tourist destination, like Interlaken truely is, then everywherte is expensive..., even at McDonalds! Go to any "normal or ordinary town" then you'll get a Burger Meal, drink inc. for much less, and because i'm not as daring or flamboyant as you all seemingly are, I stay away from any Indian Restaurant (ugg, hate the stuff), preferring to use the money saved, to put another "Tiger in my Tank"! Good video once again, Thanks. Now i'll let you get back to all that planning for the 2024 trip, see ya!
The Critair is not mandatory. It is only required in certain towns and cities, if you choose to go into the restricted zone without one and get stopped then you will be fined. When you buy one make sure that you get it from the official website, costs less than five euros. There are plenty of rip off websites that charge a lot more for ordering it on your behalf.
Not sure where in Switzerland you paid 15 quid for chips but you got ripped off, I've travelled through Switzerland a few times and away from the tourist traps found food and drink prices only marginally more expensive and occasionally at times comparable to the UK.
This is one of the most helpful videos I've ever watched on YT. Thnx so much for your efforts.
Thank you, hope it is of some use
Smart to agree beforehand on how to handle unplanned events. This is a really thoroughly planned trip - the guys are lucky to have you! Silver platter level there. Thank you for all the tips!
@@KetilDuna it’s all come about from learning by mistakes
One thing I would like to point out about spare bulbs in France, whilst you are right about it not being a legal requirement. If you get stopped for having a defective bulb the police will not let you move from the spot untill the bulb is replaced. I got this information from a French policeman when I was in France. So the only way to avoid a long delay is to carry spare bulbs. Hope this helps someone.
not much use for an led headlight
@@boxfullofneutral8514 you're unlikely to have a blown bulb if it's an LED, nor is it likely to be a quick roadside fix, which is why you have breakdown cover so you can get on your way.
@@lmaoroflcopterindeed madam hence my comment
For those of us NOT in the UK, the video starts at 5:21
What an amazing lot of information. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this it will really help not just me but all the other bikers who watch it. Ride safe
@@davemartin4456 thank you
Top video Craig, your figures are very close to mine, so this video has allowed me to compare our costs to yours for the same trip. Great stuff mate. Much appreciated.
@@billh5850 no problem 👍🏻
Fantastic explanation and it’s a credit to you how well organized it is
Thank you kindly!
I've never seen such an informative video before. Thank you very much!
Hope it’s helpful
Nice, I’m the planner for our trips away so know what a ball ache it can be, but as you say all worth it in the end.
Will definitely use the card you mentioned for this years solo ride to the Picos mountains, as I didn’t realise the banks sting you for using your normal bank card when we did Switzerland last year👍🏼
It’s worth it to stop the greedy bankers getting their bonus 😂 enjoy your trip
thanks for doing this video it really gives me a insight of what to get and plan. im traveling from france to switzerland in september alone on my lambretta.the video is a great help.
I will say some of the autoroutes in france are breathtaking.
They're fast, good tarmac and especially the ones that cross the middle of france and they climb up high, there were some truly breathtaking views.
Whilst I too favoured D roads and smaller, after needing to make up some mileage and taking auto routes from the south to north of france to make our ferry, it was a hell of beautiful journey despite being on motorways.
Thanks very much for this. Very informative.
Mate you should get your holiday FOC for all the work and fine planning! I’ve toured in France a lot, solo, and in groups of up to 10. My tips are
Get good maps of the areas, and look for the ‘green’ roads(scenic).
The ride each day is just as important as the destination, so take you time and enjoy it. In France the smaller roads, are empty, and smooth, and you always stumble across a beautiful view, or village etc.
French car and truck drivers are bike friendly, and will usually pull to the side to help you pass.
I find that you can often park on the pavement outside a bar or shop as long as you are not causing an obstruction no one seems to mind.
There are loads of quirky places to stay, such as chateau, caves in the cliffs(troglodytes), small Air Bnb, and use the tourist office in the local town if you get stuck.
I have timed my trips with. Moto GP, or a WSBK, race , and it’s so much cheaper than the UK, and also great scene.
After Brexit you will need a UK sticker(not GB), for the rear of the bike, and as mentioned a hi vis vest(accessible in case of a breakdown, and must be worn at the side of the road if you do).
Don’t forget when you set off each day that you need to ride on the RHS of the road! Easy mistake to make when you’re relaxed !
Respect the speed limits, especially through the villages, which are often 50KPH(30mph)and 30KPH(20mph). Riding in France is amazing if you haven’t done it you must!
@@beachboy4106 we always take the country roads too, it is planned not to do any motorway
The deposit at the pump is the same if you use the pay at pump in the UK
Many thanks Craig for an excellent explanation of what you need for me to go to France. There are 6 of us going to Normandy in June on our bikes. This will be my first time abroad on a motorcycle.
You are gonna love it and the best part is you ride on the right hand side, trust after half hour there you will see how crap the left side is, can’t explain it but the right hand side feels right, if feels natural.
Normandy is great riding country. Initially similar to rural England, yet different enough to piqué the interest. I had a great week there May 23.
Really informative video Craig, lots of good information and knowledge when planning a tour, especially for a large number of people ,must take a lot of time and patience to do all that but when I watch your tour's I can see how much the guys appreciate your hard work and comment, really enjoyed the video mate 🤘
Very interesting video pal. Your meticulous planning & organisation must make it a whole lot easier for your trip mates. Well done & thanks for sharing. 👍🏼
Thank you, yeah they get an easy ride out of it 😀
With Barclays bank, create an e-wallet through their phone app for euros. Before travelling, transfer money from your current sterling account to the e-wallet. As soon as you hit europe and use your debit card, money is subtracted from the e-wallet and not your sterling account.
You can then top up the e-wallet whilst on the road through the phone app.
I tried to fill up at supermarkets fuel stations as well as use their cafeteria for eating and loo.
Just watched this video again - gets better every time 👏
What a fantastic video this is, and what a lot of work there is, just for a week away!
I hope you are well reimbursed from the lads, for all your effort, work and the time you give up for the guys, just so that they can getaway from the Mrs and kids for a week!
I have only ever done anything similar to this when the kids were still at home, for our summer Hols, but that is only for one unit, so to speak. Otherwise it has just been for me alone..., so this video has been a real eye-opener for me, and I hope, for your biking buddies as well, should they not already know! I raise my Helmet to you Sir.
😂❤
Really good informative video.
Thanjs pal 👌
Glad you enjoyed it
Hi, thanks for the information on going to France, I’m thinking of going to Normandy in mid March, via the euro tunnel, it’s a solo tour and booking b and b for a total of 5 nights.
You will love it, a place everyone should experience. Hope you have an amazing time.
You've covered most of the details, for sure. It's a boring subject, but so many people go off with little or no preparation. Our trips are simpler, with fewer people - but follow those principles. The big savings are in using Eurotunnel, and twin rooms.
@@AliG-iq4gd yep twin rooms we insist on, if you want your own room then you pay for the entire room
Great video Craig - fantastic to hear how democratic the group is and I think the rules are a really brilliant idea 👏
You need them with a group this size or everything goes to pot 😂
That is one of the most useful and informative videos I’ve ever watched. I am thinking of doing a Northern Europe tour and your vid has really opened my eyes as to what I need to plan for…. Many thanks….. top class…
Glad it was helpful! ❤️👍🏻
Wow, you really got a good deal on digs there! We are off to Austria in May so I've used a couple of your tips for planning, cheers for putting this up.
You’re welcome, hope you have an epic tour 🤘🏻
Thanks for the video. I'm also a "cat herder" 😀 tour organiser and my process is similar to yours. The only things my groups do differently are: 1) Use of motorways to cover big distances quickly. This allows us to get time in the Alps/Dolomites/Pyrenees without making the tour more than a week with 2 weekends. 2) Use of Trivago for hotels as it finds the cheapest option. 3) Stay at a hotel for more than 1 night so we get time on nice roads without luggage on the bike. (We also like a room to ourselves! Have a great trip.
Some great tips I will look into those
Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
My pleasure!
Great video Mav, I think you covered all that’s needed for such a trip. I’m sure there will be many who find this helpful.
I hope so too!
Its very handy to be able to watch videos like this as its a great way to learn stuff you might not know before setting off on your trip. Got hurt in Switzerland a few years back with the price of a McDonalds
Loads of good info there for a tour organiser. I love the organisation part of the tours that I do. Great vid Craig!
Thanks 👍
Good video this, thanks for the honesty. As the organiser of our trips I can say that your friends are lucky to have you.
Cheers buddy, hard work and a lot of grief but I love it
Good video with great content, its easy when a small group go as we all just book our own things but when its a larger group there seems to be a lot more involved. Its good that you take on this challenge for the good of your touring mates.
Very true!
Excellent information - really comprehensive. - thanks very much! 😀👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great vid Craig I only travel with my wife on pillion so we tend to stay in smaller B&B’s average around €80 a night for 2 usually with breakfast we also like to stay outside of busy towns. I always look at my furthest destination then plot stops in between and your right sometimes you have to alter Routes to suit hotels. Sometimes getting lost finds the best roads also never ride too far it’s just too dangerous. Love watching your tours - holidays stay safe all 👍👍
Fully agree mate, too many miles = tired = dangerous
Also Craig too many miles chasing down motorways and you miss so much we love the French countryside love your vids a great bunch of mates truly enjoying each other’s company stay normal and have a blast I’ll enjoy watching your next trip 👍👍
Fantastic information Craig thank you 🏍️
Glad you enjoyed it
What a cracking video 👊🏼
Didn’t realise that it would be as cheap as this, although I’ve not ridden in Europe, I would have thought about double this. Definitely food for thought
Best wishes
You can spend a hell of a lot more if your are picky about hotels, we just need a bed and bathroom.
Excellent vid. I was chomping at the bit to go somewhere before, but more so now. Hope you enjoy this years trip and thanks for taking the time to do this.
❤️ hope you get out and explore too 🤘🏻
What a great video. 👍. That was very informative and lots of very good tips.
Glad it was helpful!
That was brilliant, very informative and thanks for taking the time to share. Will definitely use this as a future guide.
Brilliant video again thanks mate 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
really well put together video, good information and the edit on this one was brilliant. top drawer.
Thank you! Cheers!
Cheers for the breakdown of your organization. So much more than my solo tours but highly educational. Something to keep in mind for the future
What a brilliant video, I am just planing a trip into France in April, all the information provided is really useful, Thank you.
Enjoy your trip
Just discovered your inspirational channel. I tour solo (no itinary) and always take the Michelin Regonal maps for the area I am interested in and the 721 National Map. I pre-book only my first night(s) in France and use my phone and Google maps to look ahead for accommodation on the day. I aim for small provincial towns rather than cities and use the local tourist office where the staff are multilingual. French Campsites are regulated and good value but you will need warm gear above 1000m. See you in France at Coupes Moto Legende ?
Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed the content
Timely video, looking to book for late Sept.
Use Splitwise to share and track expenses instead of spreadsheets.
Brilliant vlog Craig been doing this for 30 years You have the heart of a lion , took 18 bikes to Assen from here in N.I. for Motogp many years ago never again it's like working with 14 year old's and herding cats all rolled into one, just do it for me and my wife now. So all I have is Sat nav on front and sat nag on rear. lol
😂😂😂 Sat nag, that’s classic. We have people outside the group wanting to join the tours but I can just about cope with looking after the team 🙈
I bet this is gonna get loads of views over time, a very in-depth and informative plan of how much it costs and how you plan a tour.
You mentioned you have a group chat to organise the details, I was wondering if the same goes for even the uk weekenders for noobs to ask questions about certain details?
Thanks for sharing and your time and effort into putting this together 👌.
See you on your next adventure ✌️ 🤙 🤟
I will message you
Great detail Craig. I am sure the lads all appreciate it. I have a mate who does all the leg work like you. It’s been a real eye opener for me. I will cut him a bit more slack from now on 😂😂
😂😂 buy him a beer on the next tour, he will appreciate the thought.
Always wondered how much it would cost, very well done very informative 👍
Thanks! 👍
Thanks, a useful video on all the parts and order that they need to be in for a trip to work well. So far most of the trips I have been on have been organised by others but if at some point I'm involved myself then your video will be a good guide/checklist I'm sure.
Do it, you will love it and it’s very satisfying when you’ve provided a tour and team have had the time of their lives
Very interesting and informative Craig, you mention team and we alot but to me it looks like you do it all, this isn't me picking holes sthis is me just saying how much work you put in for the tour which is very impressive on its own, hats off to you for your commitment to the tour and making sure its enjoyable for all of you.
Good to know the different way you plan than me. A few good tricks in planning as well.
Hotels is what gets us, we can’t just turn up being so many of us.
@@Motourev yep, I know, whenever there is more than 2 or 3 it changes everything
Love videos like this down to earth and straight!....was the final cost include insurances?
No as I already had paid it earlier in the year, breakdown cover is included in my bank account, travel insurance was about £9 for a one off trip
Thanks for putting this together
Great Video thanks. From what i understand your NHS medical card has no validity now we are out of the EU, you need to pay for medical treatment by yourself or through insurance.
We have the GHIC now, the successor of the EHIC, this is valid, as is the EHIC until it runs out.
Completely wrong. You need the new GHIC card if you don't have a currrent EHIC, and most travel insurance policies require that you present the card FIRST for treatment.
Really good vid mate. I bet you need a holiday after sorting that lot 😊
Yeah I do 😂
Great watch mate, some good pointers as we're doing tunnel,france and switzerland same week as you did but ours is 10 days total as we travel to/from the north east. Wondering if any of you used a different sim card for europe? thanks again for sharing.
I’m with EE and mine worked perfectly. Just had to pay £2 a day for roaming fee if I used my data
Good lots of advice there , I've been organising tours in Europe on and off for 20 years , though max I've had was 8 . This year its 4 so not too bad , we've individually just booked our shuttle this year for may . I see your 2024 tour says black forest ...which is where we are off and looking for 1st night around arras (there for my50th 12 years ago) .. have you sussed a hotel mav around baden baden yet , trying to get free safe bike parking ones at mo .. bit pricey. We go on around a ,£100 a day all in too. Look forward to your next vid.
We are stay near to Strasbourg in France then just crossing the border on the morning into Germany.
Cheers, will check out.
@@robertbates1079 we are staying here www.booking.com/Share-kohXng
Great video and thanks for taking the time to prepare the content and upload it. Just a quick question please if you don't mind. We are off to Ypres (Belgium) in July. We are going on the Tunnel from Folkestone. What would you advise is the best route down to Folkestone from the Midlands? We aint looking forwards to that journey to be honest as it's a bit of a slog. Many thanks and keep up the very informative video's. 👍👍👍👍
We take m5 onto m52, then onto m40 and take m25 s as round London. Not the greatest ride but we find it’s the one route we just want to crunch miles on. Previously we stay in high Wycombe which is half way to break up the journey.
Thanks @Motourev for reply. I'll put this option to my two pals. Looks like motorway is the better option ( unfortunately )😞
But Thanks for taking the time to reply to me. Many thanks pal.
@@gordonsmall2498 sadly the midlands is the complete horrible side of getting to Folkestone. Just try to pick outside of rush hour
Very informative, thank you.
Wow that was good i was thinking £2000 lol and yes every tour price up and down and what each folk pay. Nice one and as always Craig your presentations Awsome thanks all for the time you and everyone on your tours. 😃👍
Thanks 👍
I was thinking the same and if not even closer to 3K, this had definitely got me thinking for the future 🤯👍
great video mate
So, your personal total expenditure for 8 days away (in the Tourist season) was £704.- !
That is approx £88.- / day. And that is, after converting into my local currency, a damm good price. I will be doing a 14 day trip from Switzerland to, and around Wales this summer, ending up at my Sister's place in Shrops. for a few days before the ride back back to Switz. So this should help with planning my expenditure, thanks. Knowing how I can rough it, i'll probably do it using less, but I now have a maximum as a guide line. I'll know more next autumn.
I've been to so many places over the course of my life, Switzerland being so central as a starting point, but Never have I managed a trip to England on my Bike:
Yes it’s not expensive to tour, ok we don’t eat in fancy restaurants but eat fast food and we don’t need 5⭐️ hotels, just somewhere to sleep. People get the idea tours are expensive as they see the price from organised tour campanies
@@Motourev ...yeah, the organised tour prices, and also seeing them fancy Vloggers showing us the high life way, while begging us to join their "patreon" or at least "buy me a coffee"!
Me, i'll go in a Lidl or the like (think i've seen you do the same), get a water, a roll, some cold meat or cheese and park somewhere nice for 40mins and later a Restaurant stop for the loo and a good coffee!
Excellent video .
❤️🙌🏻
thank you good insight
Alot of work goes into that pal hats off again.......think ill stick to wales lol.
well crewe to northwich 🤣🤣🤣
😂 must be a pain having to doing everything for Oggy, that lad don’t know he’s born. You’d think by now he would’ve done something for you, pure selfish mate.
Crewe to j&s for a breakfast
Awesome, thankyou 👍
Great video again Craig 👍🏻
I do have a question for you though. Do you know if you need the pollution stickers in the areas of the Normandy beaches? Is just we’re thinking of a last minute trip and it says the stickers could take up to 6 weeks to arrive which is past when are thinking of going.
At the moment no but think from next year more areas are covered. The longest we’ve waited is 2 weeks for the crit air sticker
@@Motourev Hi pal thanks for the info 👍🏻 I’ve ordered them online through the official site so fingers crossed they’ll come in time 🤞🏻 if not we’ll just have to reschedule.
@@bazzsom don’t reschedule it’s only a €60 fine if you got caught, it’s not like a speeding fine. Cameras do not detect them it would only be if a physical traffic warden checked your bike whilst parked in public.
@@Motourev Oh ok thanks for again for the info 😁👍🏻
Beat me to it, just putting one of these together for Norway lol
I look forward to watching that one too. Planning a norway tour atm
Really useful
Why aren’t you comparing like for like? The alternative to Eurotunnel is a Dover to Calais crossing which will be much cheaper than the longer Brittany Ferries option?
We choose Caen if we have a long ride to the ferry as we use the crossing as a break, so if we’ve done 7 hours ride then have another 3 hours home we use the ferry time as down time. We choose Calais if we are touring east side to south and Caen if touring middle to west south. It’s all about planning ahead and using ferry time as rejuvenation time. Choosing based on price and time is useless unless you’ve pre planned it as a benefit as we do for down time. It’s all down down to how you plan your tours and actually using your loaf to making the best out of crossing times.
Wow how good was that,even though i dont have a passport,i found that really interesting,
thanks for taking the time to explain ;-)
Ride Safe Mr B \m/
PS,The lads dont no their the born do they ,,,,lol
Glad you enjoyed it!
Why do you go at the end of July beginning of August when it’s peak season? Everything is more packed and expensive then.
I work in education so I only have school holidays to go away.
Motorcycle Trips to Spain from UK - Costs:
Fixed costs - Return ferry crossing with a private cabin (Portsmouth. or Plymouth to Bilbao or Santander), bike prep and insurances £1000
Variable costs - About £105 to £120 per day.
This assumes staying in hotels, guesthouses and apartments rather than camping.
Thanks mate, really very informative to watch.
I’ve a question as I never done a tour yet but planning this year. When booking accommodation (booking,com or airbnb) do you also filter for parking? Or is it important to look for secure parking or street parking is fine? Do you lock the bike at night? Thanks!
If we have a hotel in a city we try to make sure there is secure parking. If hotel out in French country side then we are happy to leave outside. Yes we all have locks and if a city we also lock bikes together.
A good info vid.
Even tho i like to ride alone or with just one person extra. Still got some good pointers from your vid. Am glad we dont have mot on our bikes in the netherlands. Dont know tho if the french give a crap about that.
There enough gas stations you can still pay cash. I rather avoid french than being even for a day being ripped of for 80 euro,s for 20 euros of petrol. But than again every country has its wierd to us rules.. have a safe next trip
Thank you 🙏🏻
Going back to Switzerland and the high cost of living. The majority of us normal folk, ("I say us folk" as I have lived in Switz. for many years), or your average Joe Bloggs, so to speak, do earn that bit more than the UK guy does, but at the end of the Month after all bills etc. have been paid..., the amount left, is not much more, if any, than it would be for any English person on his wages. It is only the top 30% -40% of the population that really rake it in. Just thought i'd put that out, to give it a bit more perspective. Oh, one more thing, If you eat out in a Tourist destination, like Interlaken truely is, then everywherte is expensive..., even at McDonalds! Go to any "normal or ordinary town" then you'll get a Burger Meal, drink inc. for much less, and because i'm not as daring or flamboyant as you all seemingly are, I stay away from any Indian Restaurant (ugg, hate the stuff), preferring to use the money saved, to put another "Tiger in my Tank"! Good video once again, Thanks. Now i'll let you get back to all that planning for the 2024 trip, see ya!
The Critair is not mandatory. It is only required in certain towns and cities, if you choose to go into the restricted zone without one and get stopped then you will be fined. When you buy one make sure that you get it from the official website, costs less than five euros. There are plenty of rip off websites that charge a lot more for ordering it on your behalf.
Can l come on tour with you. I can never get it that cheap
😂
😎🏍💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦🍻 thanks for sharing
Not sure where in Switzerland you paid 15 quid for chips but you got ripped off, I've travelled through Switzerland a few times and away from the tourist traps found food and drink prices only marginally more expensive and occasionally at times comparable to the UK.
That's a job of work and very diligent of you but it must feel like herding cats at times :)
More like a pack of wolves 😂
The breathalyser law in France has been withdrawn.