Author: Elda Hamaker

No other mode of vehicle gives you the exhilarating freedom that a motorbike allows; the raw speed and manoeuvrability is a godsend to speed demons worldwide. So it is perfectly natural for the adventurous biker to want to hit the road in Europe or America, or perhaps even further in the spirit of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman who famously reached New York and South Africa on two wheels.   Once you’ve chosen your wheels – click here to find out more – then your first step is to pick up an International Driving Permit from the Post Office or AA, which will show your driving entitlements in different languages. You’ll need a registration document  (V5C) and other items including insurance and MOT. A European Health Insurance card is not obligatory but is a good idea, while various insurance forms on the Department of Health website will cover you for motorcycle travel. Remember, the minimum riding age in Europe is 18.   Ensure your bike is up to the task before you leave – a service and tyre pressure check should be mandatory, and remember to take a toolkit and spare key. Spend some time practicing riding with a load before you embark, as handling might be affected depending on the weight. If you’re hiring a vehicle make sure to ask to see the hire company’s safety certificates to...

Well, whether we like it or not, summer is almost at an end. So, it’s of no surprise that the majority of people are already starting to dream of sandy beaches and exotic locations. If you’re a little on the indecisive side and could do with some help making your mind up where to go for your next holiday, we’re going to give you a little advice. If you’re looking for a location that’s got a warm climate, friendly locals and no end of things to see and do, you can’t go wrong with Barcelona.   Photo Credit: Flickr   Being Spain’s second largest city, it’s an energetic and bustling metropolis. It’s characterised by awe-inspiring contemporary architecture, nestled in among unique world heritage sites. So, to help you understand just a little more about what makes it a number one tourist hotspot, we’re going to share some fascinating facts about the city.   1. Barcelona was never a city known for its beach culture. In fact, the city didn’t use any of their coastlines for recreation until about 1992. Since then, because they have such fantastic leisure facilities, the city’s beaches have become a major pull for tourists all over the world. It’s also worth mentioning that National Geographic, among many others, consider Barcelona to have the best beaches in the world. Which, when you consider just how many...