European Motorhome Holidays

36 days • Escorted Tour
from $11,975 pp.

23 days • Independent Motorhome Tour
Year Round • from $5,279 pp.

25 days • Escorted Tour
from $9,490 pp.

26 days • Independent Motorhome Tour
Year Round • from $7,625 pp.

About Europe

The European Union is made up of 27 member states with an estimated total population of 450 million people.

Languages

With some 24 languages throughout Europe, English remains the most spoken and widely understood in the EU with 44% able to speak the language. Next is German at 36%, French 29%, Italian 18% and rounding out the top five is Spanish at 17%. You will find that the vast majority of Europeans are bi-lingual, with many having the ability to speak more than 3 languages.

Climate

Most of Europe see seasonal temperatures consistent with temperate climates in other parts of the world. Western Europe experiences warm summers and cool winters whilst Southern Europe’s Mediterranean climate provides hot, dry summers and cool to mild winters. Central Europe enjoys warm to hot summers and cold winters.

• Summer (June - August)
• Autumn (September- November)
  
• Winter (December-February)
  
• Spring (March-May)
  

Currency

The official currency for the EU is the Euro (€) and it is used in 19 of the 27 of the member states. The Euro is divided into 100 cents. Coins are issued in denominations of €2, €1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c. Banknotes are issued in €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10 and €5. Countries that have their own currency include Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Romania & Sweden.

VAT

Value Added Tax (VAT) in the EU is a general, broadly based consumption tax applied to goods and services, similar to GST in Australia & New Zealand. Rates vary across the EU, with the lowest being Luxembourg at 17% and the highest being Hungary at 27%. By law, all prices advertised in retail shops must include VAT. If you are visitor to the EU and permanently reside outside the EU, you may be able to apply for a refund of all or part of any VAT paid but refund forms must be completed by the shop that the goods have been purchased at and you will need to provide your passport or other identity document proving you live outside the EU.

Tipping

Whilst tipping in Europe isn’t as common as it is in the United States, acknowledging good service is always appreciated. Be sure to check your restaurant bill to see if a service charge has been added. This is quite normal throughout the EU, but if it isn’t, a 5-10% tip is a good rule of thumb.

Public Holidays

The EU does not set public holidays for its member states and we suggest you seek information on public and school holidays for the individual countries you will be visiting as these will vary.

Electricity

Plug shape, holes and sockets vary in different countries throughout the world, meaning a universal plug adapter is a must to ensure your appliances from home can work abroad. The Type C plug, with its two rounded prongs, is used throughout Europe. They generally use AC power, typically 230V / 50Hz.

Passports & Visas

It is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure that they meet the entry requirements of the countries they are visiting. These may vary depending on the nationality of the passport you are travelling on and we recommend you contact the High Commission, Embassy or Consulate of the countries you plan to travel to, well in advance. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your holiday, with an additional 6-month validity beyond this required.