F.A.Q.
Where is Macedonia?
Macedonia is in the Balkans, east of Albania, north of Greece, west of Bulgaria, and south of Serbia and Kosovo.
When can I sign up for the 2010 Macedonia Rally?
Right Now! Sign up closes on the 15th July.
What about 2011?
The sign up for 2011 will be about the same time next year. Get yourself on the mailing list and you'll be informed in good time. You can subscribe here .
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 Macedonia Rally?
The 2010 Rally launches on July 30th 2010 from Dorset.
How long will it take?
Two weeks to Macedonia. The closing party beside beautiful Lake Ohrid and takes place on the 12th August, just under a fortnight after we leave the rolling hills of Dorset, How long you take to return to Blighty 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. Check out this map and create yours.
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.
What is the vehicle of significant comedy value rule?
If a vehicle is deemed suitably amusing and ridiculous then that team will receive a prize at the closing party in Macedonia.
I want a prize but my car isn't amusing enough for the comedy value prize.
So decorate it, the most imaginatively decorated cars could win the Phillipe Starck sponsored design award.
But I don't want to do that either
We will be asking you guys to retrieve a number of items and complete various tasks along your way - some will be more difficult than others to find/complete. There will be prizes awarded to the teams who have managed to achieve the most number of these tasks. There will also be a special initiative award for the team that managed to find the most unlikely/ridiculous item as a souvenir.
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. Teetotallers beware.
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 budget, from Happy Campers to Hostellers to business class travellers. Well, maybe not the last one but everyone else is well covered. 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:
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!
Are there any rules?
YES! but not too many, check them out!
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. Flick over to the costs section of the website for a rough estimate of how much this summer jaunt will set you back.
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, but don't rely on this - check before you go!
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.
Macedonia is in the Balkans, east of Albania, north of Greece, west of Bulgaria, and south of Serbia and Kosovo.
When can I sign up for the 2010 Macedonia Rally?
Right Now! Sign up closes on the 15th July.
What about 2011?
The sign up for 2011 will be about the same time next year. Get yourself on the mailing list and you'll be informed in good time. You can subscribe here .
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 Macedonia Rally?
The 2010 Rally launches on July 30th 2010 from Dorset.
How long will it take?
Two weeks to Macedonia. The closing party beside beautiful Lake Ohrid and takes place on the 12th August, just under a fortnight after we leave the rolling hills of Dorset, How long you take to return to Blighty 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. Check out this map and create yours.
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.
What is the vehicle of significant comedy value rule?
If a vehicle is deemed suitably amusing and ridiculous then that team will receive a prize at the closing party in Macedonia.
I want a prize but my car isn't amusing enough for the comedy value prize.
So decorate it, the most imaginatively decorated cars could win the Phillipe Starck sponsored design award.
But I don't want to do that either
We will be asking you guys to retrieve a number of items and complete various tasks along your way - some will be more difficult than others to find/complete. There will be prizes awarded to the teams who have managed to achieve the most number of these tasks. There will also be a special initiative award for the team that managed to find the most unlikely/ridiculous item as a souvenir.
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. Teetotallers beware.
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 budget, from Happy Campers to Hostellers to business class travellers. Well, maybe not the last one but everyone else is well covered. 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)
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!
Are there any rules?
YES! but not too many, check them out!
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. Flick over to the costs section of the website for a rough estimate of how much this summer jaunt will set you back.
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, but don't rely on this - check before you go!
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.
What Do I Get?
9 events organised by the Balkan Rally
including the launch and finish parties.
10 events where entrants get free or discounted entry
including the top 100 DJ Mag clubs: Byblos and Porat.
See the event map and line up for more details of all the events.
Free or discounted accommodation
We will provide free accommodation at the launch and finish parties and discounted accommodation at all the event locations along the route.
The Balkan Bible
A mini-guide to every country you could conceivably travel through, it also gives details and dates of all the events and accommodation.
Your rally wristband
The key to grabbing those discounts and obtaining entry to all events.
The goodie bag
A bag of items with the sole aim of keeping you smiling.
Balkan Rally t-shirts
Extremely fashionable, very durable, the only thing to be seen wearing this summer.
The Balkan Rally website
The website allows you to create a teams and events, ask questions on our forum and communicate and meet other ralliers.