Morocco at a Glance Culture shock: 6 / 10. Non-western food, conservative dress, Muslim religion, higher police presence, poor infrastructure and poverty can be exciting or shocking depending on your own attitude. Alcohol is not freely available and some hotels can be “dry”. Road conditions: Very varied, so be alert to unpredictable road surfaces and new hazards.  Potholes, diesel spillages, camels and checkpoints are regular occurrences Experience level:   Intermediate – get European motorcycle touring under your belt first and be prepared to put advanced riding skills and some techniques for dirt/gravel roads to the test. Why you should go! For a European rider, Morocco offers possibly the most culture shock you can get for the least distance travelled, so it’s great for those who want the experience but have limited time and budget – the range of accommodation is immense, from £10 per night to hundreds!  Morocco has something for everyone: stunning views in the High Atlas and Rif mountain ranges; rugged Atlantic coastline, spectacular waterfalls, caves and forests to explore; and the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, Essaouira and Fes. What’s it like to ride there? In cities the traffic is chaotic. You will be competing for space with lorries, taxis, pedestrians, hawkers selling trinkets or snacks, and donkeys pulling carts, as well as people weaving in and out on small scooters.  It’s fun, but maybe not if you’re not used to it. Outside built-up areas, look out for camels ambling across the road in front of you, shiny and rutted surfaces left by heavy traffic and hot temperatures, landslides & rocks on the road in mountainous areas and large potholes on minor routes. Diesel spillages are a serious issue too, as many local vehicles are old and don’t get serviced. Fuel is plentiful (in fact new fuel stations are popping up all the time) and it’s normal for someone to fill your bike up for you, especially in remote locations.  Expect to pay around £0.90 / US$1.15 per litre for unleaded fuel. Must Ride The dirt tracks on the Dades / Todra Gorge loop; the twists and turns leading up to the Cascades D’Ouzoud – the highest waterfall in Morocco; and the narrow hairpins and stunning views on the 2,100-metre Tizi-n-Test pass. Getting There Regular ferries run from Spain (Tarifa or Algericas) to the Moroccan Mediterranean coast.  There’s other locations, but these are the two ports with the most crossings, cheapest prices and shortest duration.  You can check here for your ferry options. You can enter Morocco via the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, meaning you can come off the ferry without immediate border formalities, stop there overnight and then prepare for the border crossing the next day.  Alternatively the new port of Tangier Med is a good entry point, as when you disembark, you do the Moroccan entry formalities within the border compound, meaning no hustlers! If you don’t fancy riding all the way through Spain, freighting your bike is possible: check out www.flyandride.co.uk who will get your bike to a collection depot in Malaga.  It’s then only an hour or so to ride to the Spanish ports. When to Go Morocco is at its best mid-March to mid-June or September to November, when the climate and temperatures are moderate for both the mountains and the coast.  It gets intensely hot during the summer in the lowlands.  During winter the coast will still be pleasant, but the mountains will be cold and probably snowy. Look out for Ramadan – the Muslim month of fasting and purification – as during this time many restaurants and cafés close during the day and general business hours are reduced.  In 2020, this is from 23 April to 22 May – it’s not a problem, but you just need to manage your time better. What documents you’ll need Passport – British nationals don’t need a visa and simply need to present a current passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry.  You will normally be provided 90 days duration of stay. Driving Licence – Take your UK licence and a 1968 International Driving Permit (in the UK, visit your main Post Office to get one)Motorcycle Registration Document / Motorcycle Title – For UK riders, you must travel with your original V5C Vehicle registration document (other nationalities need the equivalent).  We recommend having copies of this in case you are stopped at police of military checkpoints. Temporary Vehicle Import Permit: No need to do the DT16-TER online anymore!  Morocco Customs will issue you with a temporary card for your bike with a QR code.  Don’t lose it as when you exit, the card is scanned to allow your bike to leave. Green Card – To be legal, you must have third party motorcycle insurance cover to ride in Morocco.  This can be satisfied by possessing a ‘Green Card’ issued by your UK insurer as proof of third-party motorcycle cover in Morocco and this must be presented to the Moroccan Customs as part of the entry procedure.   In our experience, many UK insurers refuse to provide this (especially if you have a cheaper policy).  If you cannot get a Green Card, at most points of entry to Morocco, there are booths selling local insurance, which can be bought to ensure that you are legal on the road.  In 2019, costs were approximately €65 per motorcycle for 3 weeks.  However, they can be closed at weekends.  Buying at the border (if available) can be time-consuming and the quality/level of cover is questionable. Travel Insurance – Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel to cover your medical or repatriation costs in case of illness or injury.   Consider Campbell Irvine who are adventure travel specialists.  Tell them are you touring by motorcycle. GlobeBusters are passionate about travel by motorcycle and whether you decide to travel with us for two weeks or five months, our aim is to give you a great touring experience, supported by years of relevant expertise. Book a Morocco Trip here with GlobeBusters Article by GlobeBusters Motorcycle Tours

You finally decided to go exploring the riches and beauties of Australia. Added benefit – you’re going to have a first caravanning adventure. However, before you start packing your bags, have in mind that towing a caravan is more than driving a car. It will give a completely new perspective on your travel and teach you how to appreciate a free parking space. In order for everything to go smoothly, here are some useful tips every new caravanner should know. Make a list! Everything is better with a list . Moreover, for your first caravanning adventure, it’s certainly necessary. It should include towing aid, fire extinguisher, sway control device, insulation tape and other parts of the general safety and equipment. Also, don't forget medicines, batteries, water, chairs and other items you will generally need for your everyday camping. Music, movies, books, board games and other entertainment should also make a checklist since it will help you to relax after a long hours drive. Make a map! Australia is quite a country and it has a lot to offer. From amazing hiking trails to gorgeous beaches, it will tempt you to make more stops than you have time for. With a map created based on good research and together with your co-travellers, you’ll be able to see it all and in time. There is the most popular route for caravanners from Cairns to Brisbane on the East coast. This way you’ll see some of the most beautiful landscapes like Great Barrier Reef. Going down Pacific Highway from Brisbane to Sydney will be a great opportunity to surf. Besides the gorgeous beaches, you can stop and watch the whales. The coastal Stuart Highway from Adelaide to Darwin will take you through mountainous Flinders Ranges to the central desert and gorges on the north. Van up! One of the crucial preparations involves checking the van, inside and out. Secure the drawers and all other loose elements which may open up during turns. Lock windows and the door, and also pack your belongings so they don’t get scattered all over. Lift the steps up, check if the towing aid is in place, and fixed tightly so the caravan doesn't get unhooked during the drive. Make sure that all appropriate and necessary lights are on both on the van and your vehicle, as well as that the air pressure in all tires is correct. Rise and shine early. Have a good night’s sleep before the big day and wake up early . The sooner you start the trip the bigger are the chances you’ll avoid the traffic crowd. If it’s your first time towing the caravan then light traffic might help you relax and get the hang of things. However, don’t drive if you’re tired or haven’t had enough sleep. It’s better to take it slow and without any pressure to avoid stress and anxiety during driving. Get used to the small space Take a good look at your home for the next few weeks. It may be small and restricted , but you don’t need more really. It will be enough to sleep and prepare meals, but other than that, you will spend most of your time discovering Australia. Go teamwork! If you’re travelling with someone then make sure you all know your responsibilities. Every member of the travelling caravan has to contribute and help so the trip would be great for all. Practice hand signals for when you have to be guided through the narrow paths and parking space. When setting up camp, assign tasks to everyone so it would go faster and you can all enjoy the rest. During road trips, it’s important to establish teamwork so everyone can have fun. Practice makes perfect. Setting up camp is something you will have to do very often and after a long ride. The perfect way to do it with ease is if you practice all the steps. That way you’ll do it quickly and can use the rest of the time for a well-deserved rest and exploring. Premium boat hose reels are great for quick set up and will give you clean water supply. This will especially make your dog happy since there nothing better than playing with the water hose after being confined to a small place whole day. In the end After these extensive preparations don’t forget to take with you that which will you value the most – good mood and enthusiasm for adventure.

Spring has sprung the highly-anticipated warmer and sunnier days, and summer is right around the corner - is there a better time to discover some of Australia’s  least known cycling routes? Of course not.Luckily for all you cycling fanatics out there, there is no shortage of fun and adventure in the Land of Oz, with bike-friendly urban, rural, and wilderness routes just waiting to be conquered by restless spirits. From Victoria and NSW to Tasmania, South Australia, and Queensland, a single lifetime is not enough to discover and experience the natural beauties Australia has to offer. Here are the five hidden cycling treasures of Oz you are bound to fall in love with. Great Ocean Road First, you’ll need to plan for four to five days on the road. Second, you’re going to have a blast. The 250-kilometre stretch of twists and turns from Torquay in Geelong to Warrnambool to the west is a truly breathtaking scenic route that looks much better from a seat of a bike than a seat of a car. Because why drive when you can ride and experience the scenery? Start in Torquay and witness all of the iconic sights symbolic of the Australian landscape - the cliffs, the ocean, the golden sandy beaches,and the rainforests. The Grand Ocean Road truly is a journey to remember. High Country Brewery Trail Fancy an ice-cold pint at the end of every trail? No problem, the Victoria’s High Country Brewery Trail has got your covered. This is not a race, oh no, this is a journey of taste and pleasure. The trail entailing natural beauties at Warby Range, through the Beechworth Mountain BikePark, to the Ovens River at Bright, will also have you taste unique homemade brews at every stop - a perfect refreshment after a challenging trail. The trail that begins at Glenrowan and ends at the breathtaking Mount Beauty has everything a cyclist’s heart could possibly want from an adventure in the Aussie wilderness. Remember, it is still wilderness nonetheless, so make sure you research and obtain all of the necessary equipment at a reputable online bike store in Australia in order to stay safe, and make your adventure a breeze. Rottnest Island Did you know that off the coast of Perth, arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world, lies an island bosting more than sixty golden sandy beaches? Welcome to Rottnest Island , where you will feel more inclined to put on a pair of shades and you favourite swimsuit and just lay about all day long, soaking in the rays. When you do decide to hop on your trusty metal steed though, you will find that the pleasant, scenic ride around the island won’t take you more than a few hours, depending on how many stop you make to take a dip or marvel in the beauty before you. What makes this island even more inviting for cyclists is the fact that the roads are sealed off for vehicles - a true paradise for bike (the cool kind) enthusiasts. Mount Buller Winter is over, the snow has melted from the mountain’s slopes, so what are you waiting for? Mount Buller is waiting for you. During the spring and summer seasons, this popular winter escapade transforms its façade into one of country’s most vivid mountain biking destination. But if this notion alone is not enough to tickle your imagination, how about the fact that in December 2014 the Australian Alpine Epic trail was opened and officially dubbed an “epic mountain bike ride” by the International Mountain Biking Association? Elite cyclists only, though! Maria Island Off the coast of Tasmania lies yet another island, a National Park in its entirety, and a true heaven for cyclists no matter the experience, no matter the skill level. Keep in mind that there are no stores on the island and you will be left to your own devices once there, so make sure you pack all of the necessary provisions before your board the ferry at Triabunna. Traffic is not allowed on the island, so you can enjoy walking and cycling with the native animals to your heart’s content. Be sure to visit the Painted Cliffs while there! Australia has no shortage of traversable natural wonders that are perfect to explore and experience from the seat of your trusty steed. Be sure to hit up these hidden gems this season for a cycling adventure of a lifetime.