Some good advice from the guys,

On the documents front, I always have two copies of everything, good quality double sided jobbies. One I fold up someplace easy-ish to get at. One that I age a little (fold it a few times etc) and laminate, this one I keep for easy access.

Passport - that goes in a body belt, two reasons, it's safest there, and if you have a spill, your important docs are with you not hidden on the bike.

Consider some kind of ICE device, be it dog tag, ICE-TAG (electronic), something that gives your name, address, any important medical details etc. The ICE-Tag does this very well but many people have an almost aggressive objection to these (can't understand why).

Keep a scanned in copy of your doc on a pen drive - just in case.

Originals go somewhere very safe and difficult to get to. You might need them.

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I've never had any problems riding with jonny foreigner, with the exception of once when we were all stopped because someone in out group (no names Bernard) crossed a solid white line at a junction. Even then the fuzz were OK.

It's worth having getting a bowl of salt, then have a read through the foreign office website of risks in each country (you'll need the salt as a pinch isn't enough). Then read the US version for the UK to put it all in perspective.

Inoculations - not really a major problem but Tick born Encephalitis is very nasty indeed, and on the up in some countries, according to reports. Check to see what medical risks you might encounter. Rabies is another, although the inoculations only give you extra time to get to the hospital, they don't protect you. Maybe you don't need any, but no harm checking.

Other stuff, HiVis vest , bulbs etc, I tend to put a HiVis vest rolled up somewhere the fuzz can see, and I can get at without leaving the bike. Always carry a good first aid kit, and if you can get some broad spectrum antibiotics it's worth having them just in case. Spares are a sensible thing anyway, so put some bulbs in, or replace everything with LEDs before you go - that way you'll only need a spare headlight bulb. HG also sell a bikers emergency triangle, it's a helmet cover with a HiVis triangle on it - dual purpose!

In the main, just get out there and ride, enjoy it, take your time and don't ride like a plonker. Make sure you get used to the traffic and the wrong side riding before you try to push your speed up.

I love riding in Europe, it's like a drug and you get withdrawal symptoms after a while.

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.