6 Eye-Opening Moped Holidays for 2014

You may never have considered getting on a moped, let alone going on a moped holiday. And that's OK. We're not suggesting you come over all Hell's Angels and jump on a huge machine and blast away at a million miles an hour.

What we are suggesting is hop on a moped or scooter, feel the wind in your hair and set off on the open road at your own pace without being constrained by tight train or bus timetables, or forking-out for expensive internal flights.

Having your own transport gives you the freedom to zip around cities and explore the local area, with mopeds, scooters and vespas being a cheap and easy choice.

So now we've convinced you, here are some of the best places for moped travel worldwide, along with tips and hints and great places to go, and what to expect in each country.

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Europe
Our favourite places for moped travel in Europe are warm southern countries such as Italy, Spain and Greece where rentals are plentiful. Inside the EU, you will need an AM licence but outside, rules vary. It’s well worth double checking information on crossing borders ahead of your trip, and go well-equipped, with decent luggage/panniers, spares and safety equipment if you’re planning to cover a bit of distance. For longer term travel, shipping your own bike is possible but pricey.

Italy
Home of the Vespa, you’ll feel right at home in cities such as Rome, Naples and Florence but don’t expect to be welcomed onto the Italian roads with open arms, traffic is known to be a problem.  It’s heavy and fast and locals drive using local rules, so be careful. Of course, when riding in Italy you’ll need to look the part too! There are scooter rentals countrywide – even one in the heart of Tuscany and the hills of San Gignano.

Licence Requirements: Generally the minimum age to hire a 125cc is 18, and you’d be looking at 150km per day as standard.

Daily Cost: Approx. £40

Spain
Guided tours are available for big cities such as Madrid & Barcelona, ensuring you can move around Spain’s biggest cities with knowledge and some city know how. Weave around more rural areas near the Costa Del Sol at your own pace, with coastal areas naturally designed for adventure. Northern Majorca is home to the expansive Tramuntana Mountains, with Bradley Wiggins and Team Sky using the mountains as their winter training base. Meander leisurely through these mountains and enjoy a different side to Majorca.

Licence Requirements: In Spain you need to have held a UK driver’s licence for three years to hire a scooter or moped. Children under 7 are not permitted to ride as passengers.

Daily Cost: Approx. £25

Corsica
Exploring this sunny French island in the Mediterranean by two wheels is cheap and easy, although some of the interior roads can be bumpy so take care. There are almost as many mountains as there are secluded beaches so have fun exploring.  A driving licence is all you need, parking is free in many town squares and you’ll be surprised at how many motorcycles are on the island, all are friendly – it must be a local law!

Daily Cost: Approx. £25

Further Afield: Backpacking round South East Asia is a popular backpackering trail, and although countries like India are much too big to traverse by moped, and can be treacherous in terms of traffic, hiring a scooter for parts of your trip can allow you see much more of an area without having to rely on sometimes unreliable public transport.

India
Scooting round Goa has become something of a backpacker stereotype – but that’s because it can be the highlight of many a trip. This coastal region is beach party central, so beware, as accident rates are high among backpackers. This may be because an international driving licence is not always seen as a necessity for hire, although if you are stopped by an official, you will almost certainly need one! Expect to pay between Rs 100-300 per day depending on the time of year and make sure insurance is covered within your hire.

Licence Requirements: An International Driving Licence is not always required for hire, but is needed.

Daily Cost: Approx. £6-£8

Thailand
It’s possible to pick up a moped in Thailand without any license at all, but to remain within the law, it’s sensible to possess one. One highly recommended route is the trip from Chaing Mai and through the famed Mae Hong Son Loop, which many local rental shops permitting you to take this route with easy bike drops at the end. The Loop takes in waterfalls, mountains and rural farms, so is ideal for a multi-day tip. Bear in mind, 40 people die every day in the country from motorcycle accidents so you ride your own risk – it’s not a great country in which to learn! Helmets are mandatory and hire services are widespread. 

Daily Cost: Approx. £3-£4

Licence Requirements: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for hire.

Vietnam

Simply the best way to see Vietnam is by scooter but like many other South East Asian countries, accidents are frequent, especially in Vietnam’s crazy cities and the roads leave a lot to be desired. The Top Gear trio of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May praised the country’s natural beauty after navigating through its mountains and busy cities on scooters for a TV special.
Scooters are available from just about anywhere in Vietnam – hotels, backpackers, travel agents, petrol stations, you name it. Make sure you have an International Driver’s Licence and travel insurance that covers you for riding a scooter.

Licence Requirements: Again an International Driver’s Licence is required for hire.

Daily Cost: Approx. £8-£10

For further information around motorbike and moped care visit Bennetts.