Formula One (F1) is one of the most anticipated sports tournaments of the year. Yes, just like you, even we cannot wait for the races. What are your plans? We suggest that you avail Grand Prix weekend packages, head off to one of your favourite circuits, and watch the race live. The thrill, the excitement, the fun – all of it takes on a whole new level when you watch those fascinating F1 cars sweeping by. Sounds fun? It’s a lot more fun that it seems. But before you get going, there are a host of things which you should know, especially if you are a first time traveller.
How much will the trip cost?
One of your biggest concerns is the total cost of the trip. Apparently, an F1 holiday may seem pricey, but if you take a smart approach, you can reduce the costs significantly. Expenditure does vary with your chosen destination, duration and hotel, but roughly, you would spend around £370 to £750, including tickets and accommodation. If this is on the higher side, you can just avail a Sunday package, instead of weekend passes.
Should you plan the trip yourself or partner with a tour operator?
So many people believe that they can decrease overall costs if they make all the arrangements themselves. But, this isn’t a preferable approach. Why? For starters, there are too many hassles involved; you have to find a hotel, buy your tickets and make travel arrangements. Since this is your first time, you probably don’t know the most affordable hotels or grandstands that offer the best view, and are still in your budget. Maybe you could find some information, if you conducted a thorough research, but that demands time, and all your questions will not be answered.
So, forget the DIY approach, and look around for tour operators. Gran Prix coach tours are quite common; the rates cover travelling costs, accommodation and tickets. Many a times, three meals a day are also included in the package. These tour operators visit Grand Prix races year round, and know the best hotels in the vicinity, as well as rows which offer the best view of the circuit.
Plus, there is a chance that you would meet some great people on the trip, which would double the fun and excitement. After all, things are always more fun when you have companions.
Where can you buy the tickets from?
If you have chosen Grand Prix weekend coach tours, you don’t have to worry about this. These companies buy tickets on your behalf through official channels.
How do you get to the venue?
Most of the F1 circuits are located in major cities or nearby. Coach tours are available to these venues from various departure points across the country. D2T offers Grand Prix weekend packages from London, Manchester, Heath and several other areas.
Where do you stay for the night?
Accommodation also depends on your chosen coach tour operator. You can choose from a number of options as your budget allows. Low price Grand Prix weekend packages provide accommodation at the camping site or hostels, whereas higher rate packages include stay at world class hotels.
In general, camping is the most popular option at a lot of Grand Prix sites – and also, the most affordable and fun. Because you are always close to the track, and don’t miss out any of the action. Your tour operator should arrange tents for the entire group, but if not, you can take one with you.
Staying at a hostel is another affordable potion. Most of the F1 cities offer comfortable hostel accommodation, which entice many young fans and solo travellers, but there are no luxuries. You’ll obviously have to share a room with a partner.
Hotels are a third choice, but make sure that they are close to the circuit so that you commute easily. In some cases, you may even book with Airbnb, especially if you are planning to watch Canadian, American or Australian races.
What should you pack?
One tip: keep your bags light so that it is convenient for you to carry them round. Don’t keep anything that you won’t need. And if you forget to pack something, don’t worry; you’ll likely be able to buy it at your destination as well.
And oh, leave some empty space in your luggage because you will be loaded with F1 merchandise and gifts when you come back. Pack up comfortable clothes; jeans and tees work well most of the time. Do layer up because nights may be colder. Wear good comfy shoes; you’ll be walking a lot around the circuit.
Cameras are highly recommended so that you can capture your precious F1 memories. Just make sure you have enough space in your memory card to last the trip, or keep a laptop or notebook with you so that you can move photos from the card daily.
What should you do before leaving off?
You should know where you are staying; either get the maps printed or save the locations on your smartphones. You should also know how you can find your way to the track. They would usually be some distance away from where you would be staying.
What should do when you arrive?
When you arrive at your destination, try to get your hands on the official race program, which is widely available at newsagents. This would provide you a lot of information for the weekend.
Keep your belongings, and rest for a while before you head out to the tack.
And now is the moment
Pack a bag with some warm clothing, umbrella, hat and camera. Also keep some eatables and drinks if you can. Now head out to the rack, and search for your entry gate. Your ticket will already have a printed map of the circuit, so you can refer to it. Once you enter, find your seat, sit back and wait for the race to begin!
Have fun while it lasts!