There’s no better way to experience Europe than by car. With so many countries within driving distance, the whole continent is perfectly primed for an unforgettable road trip that you’ll be talking about for years to come. Whether it’s from north to south or east to west, Europe has some of the most mesmerising landscapes, intriguing history and unique cultures on the planet.
However, planning such a journey requires some careful consideration and thorough planning. From basic admin to thinking ahead to accommodation to get a good deal and budgeting, here’s all you need to know before setting off on the trip of a lifetime.
Choose your Route
By far the most exciting part of the planning phase is mapping out your route. Depending on what kind of holiday you’re after, be it spending as much time at the beach as possible or visiting the many landmarks, this will predetermine the kind of places you want to go.
If you’re after some beach time, get yourself down to the Mediterranean coast to enjoy uninterrupted sunshine, fresh seafood and some pretty mind-blowing scenery. Think Croatia, Italy, southern France and Spain, each of which offers something unique in terms of culture, food and lifestyle.
For all the culture vultures out there, you might want to stay close to the capitals and major cities in order to see the hottest exhibitions and world-famous landmarks. Make sure to see the Berlin Wall, the Eiffel Tower, Charles Bridge in Prague and the various castles and opera houses in Vienna.
Finally, if it’s hardcore adventure you’re seeking, look no further than the alps. A stunning range of mountains that stretches from Austria to southern Germany, through Switzerland and along the southeast French border, there’s no shortage of bike paths, peaks and hiking trails to discover.
Driving Requirements
Now that the route is sorted, it’s onto the more mundane entries on the to-do list. First thing, check that you meet all the driving requirements. This includes having a valid driver’s licence, checking that you have the right kind of tyres and making sure that you have temporary car insurance that’ll cover you should anything happen.
Plan Accommodation
If you don’t have a camping car and you know where you’re going to be at what time, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and book some accommodation. Not only will you be avoiding peak season prices, but you will avoid disappointment and stress should everything be booked up when you arrive.
If you do plan on sleeping in your campervan, investigate campsites in advance. These also fill up very quickly during peak season and last-minute bookings are difficult to manage, especially with a camper.
Make a budget
It’s no secret that Europe is expensive. This is why it’s important to plan a budget, taking into account accommodation, spending money, eating out, fuel and anything else that crops up along the way.
You should also think about any administrative costs, as these often take people by surprise. Think about visas, car insurance and health insurance when calculating your budget too. Of course, you’ll spend more on some days than others, but that’s fine. So long as you have a safety buffer to keep you going. And if you can work remotely whilst you’re on the road, even better! Just make sure your phone has hotpot!
