Bagging a trip of a lifetime
We all dream of doing that ‘once in a lifetime’ motorcycle tour, but not all of them are as advertised. Here’s how to make sure you pick the one that is right for you…
Here’s what you need to consider before parting with your money.
Very few people, if any, would buy a new motorcycle simply on the basis of promises made in an advert, but surprisingly many happily commit thousands of pounds to a trip without even making a few basic checks. Remember, you are paying a third party on the basis that they will deliver precisely the experience advertised. To make matters more confusing, there is no legislation required to set up a motorcycle tour business and the quality of provision varies widely across the world.
They range from the outstanding to the downright dangerous, and it is worth finding out where the tour provider you have chosen fits on this scale.
So, how do you go about doing that?
HOW SAFE IS YOUR MONEY?
As there is no legislation regarding the setting up of a motorcycle tour company it is worth making a few checks.
It’s good to start with where the business is based. This determines what consumer protection is offered if something goes wrong. Can you get your money back? Is your deposit refundable? If you have to resort to legal action, how easy and viable will this be? All of this will be considerably easier if dealing with a UK-based operation as your basic consumer rights are enforceable through UK courts. This is not the case with all foreign operators.
To get a better idea about the operator, check out their reputation. Any reputable operator will be able to put you in touch with satisfied clients. Some of the better ones will have good media coverage you can
review. Third party opinion is worth seeking out and you can ask to be able to speak to other customers who have experience of travelling with the company. How much repeat business an operator gets is also worth finding out. The good operator should be happy to answer as many questions as you have and talk face to face if you wish.
WHAT WILL IT COST YOU?
Does the advertised cost include your international flights, ‘in-country’ travel arrangements and accommodation? Will you be met on arrival and what is the standard of the accommodation? Are all meals included and what about fuel? What about tips and gratuities?
Once you work out what’s included in the price and what isn’t, you can come up with the total cost of the trip.
HOW SAFE ARE YOU?
Your operator is responsible for ensuring your safety throughout the time you have booked with them, unless you have chosen to travel with a high degree of independence. As such, what is their health and safety record and do they have full Public Liability
Insurance? Does the insurance cover them for travel by clients abroad? What experience do their guides have and do they hold appropriate First Aid qualifications and expedition qualifications? Is support available to you at all times? Does the operator provide advice on any vaccinations that may be required? Bear in mind that health and safety is viewed very differently in different parts of the world, so what we expect in the UK may be somewhat different from what is expected elsewhere.
The type of trip makes a big difference – the risks are not the same if you choose to have a high degree of independence (which may mean being given a satnav for directions, and only meeting with your guide when needed) or if you go for more support ( a guide leads you every day to the next stop).
If it is the more independent travel you seek, are you able to cope on your own if things go wrong? Will you have easy contact with the tour leader if needed, and if not, can you repair a damaged bike, fix a puncture and speak the local language? If opting for a more guided experience, is a guide provided and, if so, how many? Is there a support vehicle and is mechanical support available?
Accidents will happen and people will be hurt. Does the tour company provide support for this eventuality? How will they get you to a hospital and how will they look after you if you have to return to the UK?
Some operators will simply take anyone who pays the fee but, particularly for more challenging locations and trails, it is worth asking what checks they may make on the medical history of the clients?
Are they making any checks on the riding skills of all the members of the group travelling together? Do they offer any training prior to the trip taking place or on arrival in a country?
WHAT DOES THE TRIP INVOLVE?
How many days is the trip and how far are you expected to ride each day? What are the road conditions going to be? You should know in advance whether it is Tarmac, off-road riding, or a combination of both. What are the weather conditions likely to be at the time of year you are travelling? Are you going to be riding at altitude, and have alternative routes been planned for changed circumstances?
You must be realistic as there is a world of difference in riding on pristine Tarmac roads in Europe and gnarly, muddy trails in the jungles of the Far East.
How much rest time is built into the schedule? Is time going to be set aside for cultural stops, meal breaks and photo opportunities, or are you going to be expected to ride for hours? Will you be riding at the pace of the slowest in your group or be expected to keep up with the fastest?
Who are your riding companions? The composition of the riding group is critical to the enjoyment of all taking part. How much do you know about the others? Are there any pre-requisites for joining the tour?
It’s also worth considering what the application process for joining the trip is. Do you fill out a medical questionnaire? Does the operator keep you fully informed of all required documents? Is there a limit to the number of people who can be part of your travel group? Is there a maximum number you are happy travelling with – or indeed a minimum? Will the trip be cancelled if less than a certain number of people sign up, and when will you be told it is all definitely happening? Will you get your money back if this happens?
WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM THE TRIP?
It’s easy to blame the business operator if things go wrong, but have you also asked yourself a few basic questions?
Are you fit both mentally and physically for the challenge you have signed up for? Do you have the appropriate riding experience? Have you ever ridden the type of bike you are about to jump on? What about riding in the environment where the tour is based? Can you cope when things go wrong, and are you a good team player?
It pays to evaluate yourself carefully as this will influence the choice of trip best suited for you. Remember, a good operator should be evaluating you as much as you are them, and they will not be afraid to advise you to consider other trips if they feel uneasy about your ability to cope on the tour you have your heart set on. It is in everyone’s best interests to be realistic and honest.