going to monaco

my first time going to an f1 race im using select motor racing and going by coach. just wondering about how much spending money is needed and any tips that i may need. im thinking of using select motor racing r there any good aswell thank u

 

I've never toured with a group so cannot shed too much light on your questions other than to say I believe Select Motor Racing have a very good reputation.

Being one of the most glamorous places on the planet and a haven to famous, rich and Royals alike, nothing is cheap in the Principality and prices can be further steepened in F1 week. Over and above what is being provided within your package, costs will very much depend upon taste and how generous you are! How much of your food is being provided? Also, you've not mentioned how many days you will be away; but I presume you'll be arriving sometime during Wednesday?

Personally, I think it's always worth budgeting for twice what you expect; I also always take plastic back-up on my travels for those unexpected bits of extra fun!


One thing is virtually guaranteed – especially if it's your first Grand Prix: you'll have a simply fantastic experience!

 

Well welcome to the F1 world and I hope you enjoy your trip.

You probably couldnt have picked a worse track to visit in relation to cost and should you visit other tracks in the future (Spa, Monza, Silverstone etc..) you will probably find it a very different experience.

Monaco is a street track (which you obviously know) and hence is set smack in the city - unlike alot of tracks which were built in openspace - although Monza is in the city park it doesnt feel like you are in a city. Cost will depend on how high you choose to socalise whilst there, but the bars, resturants and casinos are all expensive because of the glamour seekers this type of event attracts - unfortunatley as the travelling fan on a budget you will suffer with the week pound and the casino driven lifestyle.

The good thing about an event like this is that the partying will continue well into the night and after the event and whilst camping with a six pack and gas stove is very rewarding at other events - unfortunatley you would probably get deported if you did this at the principality! Track side beer and food will probably be about £10 for every drink and food combo you buy so that will probably set you back £50 per day - minimum. Eating out at night with a few beers will be double so a 3 day event will probably set you back £400-£500 quid. As Cosi says the cost can spiral (speaking from experience mate - 2 kids and Wife that cant work out an exchange rate) - but its well worth it.

If you enjoy it try some of the tracks (especially Spa) for a totally different but (IMO) a better overall race experience with a more social and interactive crowd. It will be better value for money aswell!

Anyway, good luck and I hope you dont have deep pockets and short arms otherwise you will be struggling!

 

There's one thing Monaco offers which other venues find difficult to match: anyone can get very close to the cars on track and there are many vantage points for an aerial view, almost directly over the track. Remember to take ear-plugs too. Oddly enough, Monaco can be one of the most ear-splitting of all, since it is relatively enclosed and spectating is so close to the track.

As Smithers says, the experience can be very different at venues such as Spa; but do not be put off about Monaco: if you can ignore the hole in your pocket until you get home again and simply absorb the whole event, this place can be one of the best of all. (I am also expecting to be there this year but will have quite different arrangements).

 

thank u for the reply COSICAVE and SMITHERS this is a replay to COSICAVE
its a 8 day coach tour in total in clueding 3 and a half days travel i was thinking about 500 pounds so 1000 pounds would make sure i dont run out of money. do u know of any bars of places to eat that r good and did u say u will be there this year

 

Hello again, JJ.
As I suggested, expense is very much a personal thing. For instance, how much do you drink? (and/or eat?)! And how just much (and where) do you like to 'party'? Depending upon what is being provided for you, I'm sure £1000 should see you coming home with a penny in your pocket. Eight days is longer than I'd expected, but I admit to not factoring in travelling time. I have never been to a bad bar or restaurant in Monaco; or, to put it another way, you can't go wrong because as far as I know, there is no such thing! (Please: if you discover that I'm wrong, correct me!!). I am very familiar with the place and in umpteen visits have never had a bad experience.

I'm sure you'll have a fantastic experience regardless of budget, so long as you can put aside at least some of your concern over expense. Just do what feels right for you; but bear in mind that Monaco is more expensive than virtually anywhere else and that its biggest claim to fame is a rather special Grand Prix – which can be reflected in (ahem) a subtle change in pricing… If you're really concerned about finance, I suggest taking some of your own supplies and taking any opportunity to replenish stocks at Carrefour (I think this is on Prince Albert), which is pretty much what most would expect of any leading European supermarket chain. Blvd Albert Premier is close-by and another source of supplies: for instance; I prefer what is on offer in Caves & Gourmandises; or even the 'Casino' supermarket – which I always think of as being Monegasque but I think is actually French; and in my opinion, is more than a match for the ubiquitous Carrefour. That said – and as with any reputable supermarket chain – Carrefour does not alter its prices for special occasions, (so far as I know).

Another option might be to shop in other (cheaper) places nearby, such as Nice (if you get the chance) or places within a short bus-ride such as Roquebrune, Cap-Martin, Eze or La Turbie*, which sits in the hills and gives wonderful views of the whole Mediterranean setting. Also, even places such as St. Tropez are not as expensive (relatively) as they used to be, and are now considerably cheaper than Monaco! Then again, your tour might not give much opportunity for this, so take advantage of anywhere you stop before reaching the Principality.

- - -o0o- - -
​

*It is well worth spending a day up at La Turbie if you get chance. It's a beautiful place, full of just the right kind of 'ambience' to absorb the whole atmosphere of the place where, in the modern world, humanity seems to me to have reached its zenith. If you get the chance to break away from the partying, go up into the hills. Take the time to recognise that despite the purpose of your visit, this whole region – all the way back into Provençe where you'll have come through, really is the best example of how far the human being has evolved. Seriously, this place should be experienced by everyone at least once in their life-time. Make some time to take in the feeling that accompanies that view – and make a point of remembering it, for in this moment, you will be in the most perfectly chilled-out place on Earth.

Shh… take a bit extra but try not to count the cost…

Most of all: have fun ! (Actually, on this you have no option; you most definitely will !).

 

thanks for all the advice, looks like all i have to do now is enjoy myself.

 

Yea, its an amazing experience, try and walk the circuit if you get there early enough, first went in 76 with my my mate, enjoy my friend, like young Cosi says, take a plastic backup, you have a lifetime to pay it off, but the memories will be worth it, priceless, believe me.

 

Young cosi? Ha! Well, thanks Ernie; I'll do my best to regress enough to fit your label! Then again, it's possible you may have a few years on me…