Beginners guide
Getting Started with Motorcycle Holidays
Thinking about your first motorcycle holiday? This guide covers everything from choosing the right trip to what to expect on day one — so you can book with confidence.
What you need to know
Choose your first trip
Start with a guided tour in a destination known for well-maintained roads and reliable infrastructure — Portugal, southern France, or Scotland are all excellent first choices. Look for tours with a beginner-friendly label, daily distances under 250 km, and a support vehicle.
Sort your bike
You don't need a touring bike to start. Operators can advise on suitable machines, and many offer hire packages. If bringing your own, an adventure tourer, sports tourer, or naked bike over 500cc is typically well-suited. Make sure it's serviced before departure.
Book and prepare
Most trips can be booked directly through the operator on Motorcycle Holiday. Deposits are typically 20–25%, with the balance due 6–8 weeks before departure. Once booked, your operator will send a detailed pre-departure pack covering kit, route, and logistics.
The week before departure
Check your bike, pack your gear, and confirm your insurance covers touring abroad. Download offline maps as a backup to GPS. Share your itinerary with someone at home. Then relax — the hard work is done.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about booking a motorcycle holiday.
