Europe journey in few weeks.
 

I am going to do a journey in next few weeks. I will travel from London to Paris, stay there for 2 nights visiting my friend, than going to St. Moritz in Switzerland to visit another friend (2 nights again) and then I will go to Czech republic and after few days straigh back to London. And am wondering if you guys can give me some answers on my questions or even some useful hints which I didn't realize before.

- Ferry/tunnel journey - so far it looks like the cheapest way is to buy actually 4 tickets. Two same day return tickets which will cost about £40 (ferry) or £56 (tunnel) comparing to return ticket for those 2 weeks which would be £60 (ferry) or £85 (tunnel). Looks quite silly, does anyone have experience with that and maybe a tip where or how to buy these tickets cheapest?

- what documents do you carry with you when you travel to Europe?

- what about the compulsory equipment (hig-vis jacket, first aid kit, etc..)

- any tips on good and cheap breakdown cover for Europe for approx. 2 weeks

Might forgot some questions so will be adding later probably. Thanks.

Re: Europe journey in few weeks
 

I always use the Eurotunnel and buying the later in the day tickets (usually from 4 o'clock onwards) makes them about £20 cheaper (each way). When you get there it gives you the option of an earlier train at no extra charge if there is space, which for a motorcycle there is on 99.9% of the trains.

Now you are not guaranteed that this will work how you want so it's a bit of a gamble, but I've done it countless times and never had a problem.

Re: Europe journey in few weeks
 

Documents - V5 (not a copy), Insurance certificate, MOT, drivers license (both parts), passport, breakdown insurance docs, EHIC card, travel insurance (make sure it covers riding motorcycles over 125!).

Compulsory Eqpt - hi-vis under seat, spare bulbs, cloth warning triangle that fits over a helmet, first aid kit and from next month a breathalyser kit for France. - most of this I carry anyway.

Re: Europe journey in few weeks
 

I believe that the tunnel/ ferry operators have a term that if you do not use the return portion of a day crossing, they have the right to charge you for difference between what you paid and a single. So you could end up paying for the equivalent of two singles!

I've never done it, maybe others have?

Re: Europe journey in few weeks
 

Well that's exactly what I am concerned of and what came to my mind and wanted to hear experience of others.

Re: Europe journey in few weeks
 

The cheapest place when I crossed was DFDS Seaways for the bike. Irritating how expensive it is - it compares to a car, but bikes seem to fill the spare nooks and crannys on the boat.

Re: Europe journey in few weeks
 

Regarding the breathalysers, They come into force July 1st but government guidelines say they will be enforced (ie, start fining) from November.

Re: Europe journey in few weeks
 

Id also recommend annual breakdown cover, works out cheaper over the year, i just upgrade for £3 extra for the month im going to Europe then drop it down again next month.

Re: Europe journey in few weeks.
 

Good point with breathalysers but luckily I will do it in July, so won't bother having one.

Breakdown covers really interst me. Any tips on short cover just for this trip or even for long term covers which would cover me here in UK as well as on that trip?

Edit: So far I have found best price here: http://www.vehicle-rescue.com/ Does anyone know this company? Real experience? Those big guys are really expensive, for example AA is almost £150 for that trip...

Edit: Also this is fairly priced http://www.breakdowndirect.co.uk/

Re: Europe journey in few weeks
 

Are you kidding, im setting off tomorrow to Italy, and high-vis, spare bulbs, warning triangle that fits over a helmet?? first aid kit...?
How will I fit everything in my bike - what a load of nonsence.