On a mission

[Deester]

As a change to normal life I am in the planning stages of a trip I want to go on the end of this summer.

I am leaving Germany to return back to the UK in August / September for good.

My plan is to drive the following route. If anyone has experience of driving in the more eastern countries I would like your warning comments as to make it through uneventfully.

Outward
Germany -> Czech Republic -> Slovakia -> Ukraine -> Russia (Moscow)

Return
Moscow -> Belarus -> Poland -> Germany -> Belgium -> Scotland

I have mentioned this to a few people and most of them think I am crazy but its something I have always wanted to do.

I have just read the book Road to Bejiing about 2 guys in an Austin healey who made the trip across Siberia to Bejiing from London. So I cant be that mad!

Any travellers like to share their knowledge of these countries?

Thanks,
Deester

[JMGS4]

Do it, but take an old wreck because everything that's not screwed down in those countries will get stolen!

[Deester]

JMGS4 said: Do it, but take an old wreck because everything that's not screwed down in those countries will get stolen!

Should have mentioned that I am planning to use my 10 year old BMW 520i. Not too bad on fuel and very reliable and most of all not expensive!!!

[Podie]

Germany -> Fine.. doubt you'll have any grief

Czech Republic -> Varies.. most "civilised" places that have been Westernised, no issues... but out in the "sticks" can be tricky... they will only speak the local lingo...

Slovakia -> No experience

Ukraine -> Oooh... brave man.

Russia (Moscow) -> Still quite dangerous for Westerners... and you WILL stand out like a sore thumb. Biggest issue here is the local mafia... things just "disappear"... with the local plod often helping.

Belarus -> No experience

Poland -> Varies. Local plod WILL nick you... and you'll get a fine of a few thousand zloty's every now and then... but it's nothing too bad. English is poor, they won't understand your driving licence.. but they are generally nice people. Filling up is interesting... usually done at "hooters" (areas where they shop and barter goods).. straight from a tanker.

Bigger cities, like Krakow, Lodz etc aren't too bad. Watch the pollution in Katovice (sp?) - it'll make your eyes sore...

Belgium -> Full of fake French people

Scotland -> !


Given the nature of some of those countries, you'll need something that'll run on virtually ANYTHING you put in the tank...

[Podie]

Deester said:

JMGS4 said: Do it, but take an old wreck because everything that's not screwed down in those countries will get stolen!

Should have mentioned that I am planning to use my 10 year old BMW 520i. Not too bad on fuel and very reliable and most of all not expensive!!!

OK... but in the likes of the Ukraine, Moscow, parts of Poland etc... it'll EASILY label you as a westerner.. who has money.

[kevinday]

Go for it, the BM sounds OK, but beware of car thieves as previously mentioned (BMs are one of the top stolen brands in Central and Eastern Europe). Shame you will miss Hungary. I have driven up into the far corners of the Czech Republic and the roads are fine for the most part. Most petrol stations will accept credit cards. Some countries (Czech Republic for sure) require a sticker if you drive on the main roads. Always carry some Euros and Dollars for road-side 'fines' as well.

[JMGS4]

Things to take:
bath plug, as they're always missing in Roooshia, (a multi fit type, you know a large flat one with a middle sticking down)
petrol filter to fit any funnel or tank inlet, as eastern europe has "lumpy fuel"
dollars to bribe local police
good maps
nothing of any great value
an extra passport secreted somewhere
normal spares.. plugs, distributor cap and rotor, locking wheel nuts, spare tyre +1, spare innertube, double up on fitted petrol filters. Spare petrol can 50l as it can be rare in some places!
Driving can be fun in Slovakia/Slovenia, but don't be surprised to get an ox or donkey-cart on their motor?ways. Ukraine can be difficult entry with obnoxiously arrogant border guards a bit of "cross my palm" sometimes helps (usually with fags or dollars)

ENJOY!!

[Deester]

Thanks for the tips guys. It looks like a bit of a challenge but I would much rather do this than go on a package deal holiday somewhere!

At least I won't forget this trip!

So taking the 355 is out then? How far do you think I would get? Czech border?

[Fatboy]

So taking the 355 is out then? How far do you think I would get? Czech border?

I reckon the ferrari would probably get to moscow - you on the other hand would probably turn up in a ditch