Let's face facts... there is no need to try and convince anyone to go to the Monaco Grand Prix. EVERYONE wants to go, right? Wanting to go isn't the issue - it's knowing how to get there and knowing how to make the most of it. Well read on to find out.

There are two ways to get to Monaco for the Grand Prix - oh, there is a third way, but you need to be an F1 driver! One way is to book hotels, flights, race tickets, insurance, transfers, and transport as early as possible. The easier way is to book onto an all inclusive tour - it won't only save you time and money at home, it will save you time and money once you're there.

For example, an experienced guide can help you avoid ‘Grand Prix Prices'. This is where prices go up and quality goes down. If a restaurant gives you a menu printed in half a dozen languages, get up and leave. Eat where the locals eat - and in Monaco, that means you climb The Rock and wander the less inhabited alleyways.

And when you've got a thousand sights all worthy of your attention, how do you know which one to go to? Will the ones you drop from your agenda be better than the ones you visit? Travelling independently is to be encouraged, but when it comes to the Monaco Grand Prix, experience matters.

Getting there from Australia:
Thai Airways International flies to Nice from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth six days a week with convenient connections in Bangkok and either Zurich, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Stockholm or London. Total travel time is between 24 and 30 hours depending on your home port and connecting airline.

Getting there from the rest of the world:
The Star Alliance have flights originating from all coners of the globe that can get you to Monaco (Nice Airport). http://www.staralliance.com

Accommodation:
If you're planning on staying in Monaco, then book early! However, if you're planning on staying in Nice, then you can wait about a week or two longer. No kidding. And if you're thinking of turning up without pre-booking, then whatever you do, inspect the room before paying for it!

Instead, to ensure quality and convenience, book into any one of the many Ibis, Mercure, Novotel, or Sofitel hotels found between Grasse and Monaco. The Ibis Nice Centre Gare is very conveniently located next to the train station, and Mercure Nice Marché aux Fleurs on the Promenade des Anglais, although a fair walk from the station, is nicely located near the beach, old town, and harbour.

Transportation: By Train:
The train is the most convenient way of getting to Monaco during race weekend as most of the streets are closed off - Monaco is a street circuit after all. The local trains will leave many Sydneysiders and Melbournians envious - not only are they clean and efficient, the scenery as you glide along the coast is breathtaking. It is a 20 minute journey from Nice to Monaco with souvenir tickets issued for the weekend. The ticket queues can be tedious, so take a walk to the station before breakfast to avoid the rush.

By Bus: Buses run every 15 minutes from Nice to Monaco, take half an hour and costs just under 7 Euro return.

Tickets:
General Admission costs 126 Euro (AUD$200 approx.) for Saturday and Sunday, with grandstands prices ranging from 448 Euro (AUD$730 approx.) to 783 Euro (AUD$1275 approx.). VIP tickets to balconies and rooftop terraces range from AUD$2250 to AUD$3715 - it is Monaco after all!

For tickets and all-inclusive fully escorted Tour recommendations contact Temple Grand Prix on 0433 300 527 from Australia, or email mailto:info@monacof1gp.com

Thai Airways International: 1300 651 960

Accor Hotels: Australia - 1300 656 565; NZ 0800 44 44 22; http://www.accorhotels.com