You’ve spent hours scrolling through photos of turquoise water, ancient stone villages, and mist-covered mountains. Every image looks like a postcard, but you’re stuck wondering how to actually get your motorcycle there without losing your mind—or your deposit. I get it. I’ve ridden long enough to know that the gear you skip buying to save money is almost always the gear you regret not having when you need it most. Invest once, invest right. The same rule applies to planning a trip to some of the prettiest places in the world.
Key Takeaways
- Focus on logistics first: ferry bookings, crate shipping, and customs paperwork are the real gatekeepers to reaching remote destinations.
- Plan around seasonal weather windows to avoid closed roads and surprise fees at border crossings.
- Use a professional transport broker for international shipping to avoid costly delays and lost equipment.
Why Logistics Matter for Reaching the World’s Pretty Places
When most people think about visiting pretty places, they picture themselves standing on a cliff overlooking a fjord or walking through a lavender field. What they don’t picture is the 14-page customs form for their motorcycle crate or the ferry schedule that only runs twice a week. As a long-distance trip planner and motorcycle transport expert, I’ve seen countless riders abandon their dream trip because they underestimated the logistics.
The prettiest places in the world—think Lofoten Islands in Norway, the Amalfi Coast in Italy, or the winding roads of New Zealand’s South Island—require more than just a plane ticket. They require a solid plan for moving your bike from point A to point B without breaking the bank or your spirit.
Ferry Bookings: The Hidden Bottleneck
Ferries are the backbone of many scenic routes, especially in coastal regions. For example, the ferry from Hirtshals, Denmark, to Langesund, Norway, runs daily but fills up weeks in advance during summer. Booking a spot for a motorcycle costs around €80 to €150, but if you wait until the week of departure, you might pay double—or find no space at all. I always recommend booking at least 60 days out for popular routes like the one to the Faroe Islands or the crossing to Corsica.
Here’s a quick checklist for ferry transport:
- Check the motorcycle-specific lane policy—some ferries require you to strap your bike down yourself.
- Confirm the maximum height and width for crates if you’re shipping a dismantled bike.
- Bring your own tie-downs rated for at least 1,000 pounds each.
Crate Shipping: When You Need to Go Overseas
For destinations like New Zealand, Japan, or Patagonia, you’ll likely need to crate your motorcycle and ship it as air or sea freight. The cost varies wildly: air freight from Los Angeles to Auckland runs about $2,500 to $4,000 for a standard bike, while sea freight is $1,200 to $2,000 but takes 30 to 45 days. I’ve shipped bikes to all these regions, and the single biggest mistake riders make is not preparing the crate correctly.
Your crate must be custom-built to fit your bike snugly. Use 2×4 lumber and 3/8-inch plywood. Secure the bike with four straps at the handlebars and rear frame. Drain the fuel tank to below 1/4 tank to meet airline regulations. Label the crate with your name, destination address, and a contact number in the local language.
If you’re planning to ride through the stunning landscapes of the South Island, check out The Best Places to Camp in Grand Canyon for camping tips that apply to any remote area with limited infrastructure.
Customs Paperwork: The Part Everyone Hates
Customs paperwork is the least glamorous part of reaching pretty places, but it’s the most critical. Without the right forms, your bike sits in a warehouse while you’re stuck in a hotel lobby. I’ve seen riders lose entire weeks because they forgot a carnet de passage or didn’t have a bill of sale.
For international travel, you’ll need:
- A Carnet de Passage en Douane (CPD) for countries like India, South Africa, and most of South America. Cost: $400 to $1,200 depending on the bike’s value.
- A bill of sale or registration document to prove ownership.
- Insurance that covers the destination country—many require local liability coverage.
- An export certificate from your home country if you’re leaving permanently.
Start this process at least 90 days before departure. The CPD alone can take 4 to 6 weeks to process through your local automobile association.
Truck Transport Options for Overland Routes
Sometimes you need to move your bike overland between regions. For example, getting from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Santiago, Chile, involves crossing the Andes. You can hire a truck transport service that loads your bike onto a flatbed for $500 to $1,000 per 500 miles. This is often cheaper than riding through rough terrain and saves wear on your tires and suspension.
I recommend using a broker who specializes in motorcycle transport. They handle the paperwork, insurance, and tracking. Look for companies with at least 10 years in business and positive reviews on forums like ADVrider or Horizons Unlimited.
The Best Times to Visit Pretty Places by Motorcycle
Timing is everything. The prettiest places in the world are often seasonal. Norway’s Lofoten Islands are best from June to August when the midnight sun gives you 24 hours of daylight. But the roads can be crowded. September offers fewer tourists and golden autumn colors, but you’ll need to watch for early snow at higher elevations.
For the Amalfi Coast, avoid July and August when traffic is bumper-to-bumper. May and October are ideal: temperatures hover around 70°F, and the coastal roads are less congested. In New Zealand, the summer months of December to February are perfect for the South Island, but the North Island can be wet. March and April bring stable weather and fewer tourists.
Here’s a quick seasonal guide:
- Lofoten Islands, Norway: June–August (midnight sun), September (autumn colors)
- Amalfi Coast, Italy: May–June, September–October (avoid July–August)
- South Island, New Zealand: December–February (summer), March–April (shoulder)
- Patagonia, Chile/Argentina: November–March (summer), but be ready for wind
- Scottish Highlands: May–September (long days), but rain is always possible
Weather Windows and Road Closures
Mountain passes in the Alps and Rockies often close from October to May. For example, the Stelvio Pass in Italy is usually open from late May to October. Check local road authority websites before you go. In Patagonia, the Carretera Austral in Chile can close for days after heavy rain. Always have a backup route planned.
I recommend carrying a satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach Mini 2 for areas with no cell service. It costs about $300 plus a monthly subscription, but it can save your trip—or your life—if you get stuck in a remote area.
Packing for Pretty Places: What You Actually Need
Packing light is the goal, but you need the right gear. For a two-week trip through multiple climates, I carry:
- Waterproof riding gear (jacket, pants, gloves) that breathes. Look for Gore-Tex or similar membranes.
- A base layer set (top and bottom) made of merino wool for warmth without bulk.
- A lightweight down jacket that packs down to the size of a water bottle.
- Waterproof boots with good grip for walking on wet cobblestones.
- A tool roll with a tire repair kit, a small pump, and a multi-tool.
Don’t forget a dry bag for electronics and documents. Even if your panniers are waterproof, a second layer of protection never hurts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the prettiest places in the world for a motorcycle trip?
The prettiest places in the world for motorcycle travel include the Lofoten Islands in Norway, the Amalfi Coast in Italy, the South Island of New Zealand, the Scottish Highlands, and Patagonia in Chile and Argentina. Each offers unique scenery but requires different logistics—ferry bookings for Norway, customs paperwork for Patagonia, and careful timing for the Amalfi Coast to avoid summer crowds.
How do I ship my motorcycle to a pretty destination overseas?
You can ship your motorcycle via air or sea freight. Air freight is faster (5–10 days) but costs $2,500–$4,000. Sea freight is cheaper ($1,200–$2,000) but takes 30–45 days. You’ll need a custom-built crate, a carnet de passage for some countries, and a bill of sale. Work with a reputable freight forwarder who specializes in motorcycle transport to handle customs clearance.
What paperwork do I need to take my motorcycle to a pretty place in Europe?
Within the European Union, you need your registration document, a valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance (green card). For non-EU countries like Norway or Switzerland, you may need a carnet de passage if you’re staying longer than 90 days. Always carry a copy of your insurance policy in English and the local language.
When is the best time to ride to pretty places in the world?
The best time depends on the destination. For the Lofoten Islands, June to August offers midnight sun and mild temperatures. For the Amalfi Coast, May and October avoid crowds. For New Zealand’s South Island, December to February is summer, but March and April have stable weather and fewer tourists. Always check local road closures before planning your route.