The Balkan Rally | The Party Rally from England to Macedonia.

Where is Macedonia?
Macedonia is in the Balkans, east of Albania, north of Greece, west of Bulgaria, and south of Serbia and Kosovo.


Do we sign up as a team or individually?
Individually, however a team webpage will be provided for paid up ralliers, members can then join it.


Do I have to enter my team mates' details at sign up?
No, you can sign up for a place now and then your co-drivers/passengers can join up later.


Do I have to be a student?
Absolutely not, The Balkan Rally is open to everyone and we want everyone to take part!


When is the Balkan Rally 2012? 
July 2012, the actual date will be revealed in due course.


How long will it take?
Two weeks to Macedonia. The closing party beside beautiful Lake Ohrid and takes place almost a fortnight after we leave the rolling hills of Dorset, How long you take to return to The UK is up to you.


Is there a specific route?
No, take whatever path you like. How you get to the finish line at Lake Ohrid is entirely up to you. Your Balkan Bible will offer recommendations however we won't get involved in this side of things because it's your adventure.


So this guidebook then, does it detail exciting things to do, places to see and nightspots to visit for not only the towns and cities in which parties will be hosted but also dozens of other destinations along the way?
Yes it does, thanks for asking.

I heard that there are awards given at the closing party in Macedonia, How may I get my hands on these?

You heard correctly, awards can be won in the following categories:

1. Best decorated vehicle: Won this year by the Balkan Rally Police Department whose car not only looked like a police car, but had sirens and lights to boot.
2. Most unlikely vehicle to make it: The 1980 VW campervan made it all the way to Lake Ohrid, sadly not all the way back.
3. Best souvenir: Won by a giant inflatable bottle of ketchup
4. Most obscene story: Ask Alistair Mitchell
5. Best photo: Went to The Previa syndicate for driving their Toyota into the middle of a river where it then broke down.
6. The James Goff award for excellence (formerly the Rob Tominey award for excellence): This award is for excellence and is awarded based on a multitude of factors that we can't even begin to explain.

How much will drinks cost?
You'll be disappointed to learn that as we go through Europe a pint of beer will get cheaper and cheaper.


Where do we sleep?!
At the parties we will provide somewhere to camp near the party location. Within your Balkan Bible you will find recommendations for every night. The Bible also has recommendations for Bars, clubs, festivals and tourist attractions along all the routes, plus various other travel advice and titbits.


What kind of documents will I need to bring on the Rally?
You will definitely need the following paperwork:

• Your Passport
• A valid MOT certificate
• Your Drivers license
• An International Drivers Permit
• The Vehicle ownership documents (V5 or log book)
• For some nationalities (although not British citizens) visas may be required, it is up to you to research this.
• All relevant travel insurance documents.
• International vehicle insurance (Green card) - Remember to check that your insurance covers the EU and Western Balkan countries that are not within the EU. (This includes Macedonia)

It's your responsibility to check you are legally able to drive in mainland Europe.


How many vehicles can I have per team?
As many as you like, entry is per person rather than per team so if you feel like it you could bring 4 people in 4 cars - might get a little dull though!


Does everyone on the team need to have a driving license?
No, anyone can go although only someone with a full driving license may take the helm.


How much money should I bring and in what form?
Throughout Europe there are cash machines, these are not always the cheapest way of bringing money with you due to some extortionate bank charges for withdrawals on foreign soil. Unfortunately, that might be your only option as traveller's cheques - once the traveller's lifeline, are becoming increasingly obsolete. As for how much you'll spend, that really depends on your lifestyle.


What about visas?
For British citizens there are no countries that require prior organisation of visas. For other nationalities, visas may be required. This is up to you to investigate though.


What if we breakdown permanently?
We cannot provide you with any assistance in getting rid of your car however if this does happen it will only add to the fun. You'll have to fend for yourself whilst desperately trying to reach Lake Ohrid by any means necessary, in time for the holy grail of all parties.


What about vehicle insurance?
You definitely need vehicle insurance. Most insurance policies you buy from within the UK, Europe and the US will cover you up to a certain point usually the edge of the EU. After that, you need to ensure you check, before you set off, what each country's insurance requirements are. Much of the time you'll find it possible to buy insurance on the border of these Non-EU countries however this may be more expensive than getting a green card.


What about travel insurance?
This is important, and we highly recommend you purchase it. Some of the countries you may pass through are not in the EU and so the European health insurance card will not cover you. There is also the usual danger of theft, not necessarily more likely in these countries, however it is better to be safe than sorry.