Europe is one of the best continents for embarking on a road trip. It has so many unique experiences for you, as you traverse the landscapes of the beautiful countries that make up the continent. Whether you’re driving down Col de la Bonette in the French Alps or the Stelvio Pass in Italy, you're sure to have an unforgettable road trip that satisfies your backpacking wanderlust. However, there’s much more to it than choosing your favourite roads and driving down them.

Road trips need a lot of meticulous planning to ensure that everything goes right and there’s nothing that can hinder your experience. When the preparation is done properly, you can ensure it's a truly unforgettable trip for you and anyone else who’s joining you. This guide will help with planning advice, so that when the time comes you can enjoy your road trip to the maximum. Continue reading to find out more.

 

European Road Trip Planning Advice

Define Your Route and Pace on a European Road Trip

To get the most out of your experience, you need to decide on the perfect length and focus on your trip. There’s so many wonderful destinations in Europe that are considered to be must-see, but you’ll have a hard time including them all in your road trip due to the large number of countries and sights.

You can choose to go with a classic route, such as driving from Paris to Rome with there being so many culturally relevant landmarks you can see along the way. This will give you a relatively short road trip and is easily doable within a week. You’ll also get a good mix of historical and modern sites during your journey.

If you're a nature lover, prioritise Europe's scenic roads. The Amalfi Coast in Italy, the Trollstigen route in Norway, the German Alpine Road or the Ring of Kerry in Ireland all offer breathtaking views and unique driving experiences that can’t be easily experienced anywhere else.

The key is to not be too ambitious. A two-week trip is a good amount of time to explore a couple of countries in depth. You can expand this to a three-week trip allowing for a more relaxed pace and the chance to linger in your favourite spots.

 

Consider the Logistics on a European Road Trip

Once your route is planned out, you can start to focus on all the logistics to ensure that you have everything in place by the time you set off. Ensure your car or chosen transport is in excellent condition before you embark. If you're renting a vehicle, make sure it's suitable for the terrain you'll be covering.

An underrated vehicle to use is a HGV, as you can completely redesign the interior to give yourself the perfect setting for you to sleep, make meals and relax during the day. HGV training courses can be completed within a couple of days, giving you a quick fix solution.

You’ll also need to make sure that your travel documents are all updated, including your passport, drivers license and car insurance. Without these, you won’t be able to drive through each European country which will half your trip in its tracks. Depending on your nationality, you might also need an International Driving Permit and make sure to avoid any car rental scams too.

 

Accommodation and Budgeting on a European Road Trip

Having all your accommodation booked before you leave will help streamline the trip and allow you to keep everything on schedule. However, some people like the spontaneity of booking accommodation as they go so they can scope out the best places. You could have a camper van or HGV, as mentioned earlier, to give you a place that feels like a home away from home.

Create a realistic budget that accounts for not just accommodation and fuel, but also tolls, food, parking and unexpected expenses. Packing your own snacks and drinks can significantly cut down on costs and allow you to chomp down on things you know you’ll enjoy.

 

Extra Tips for a Road Trip Across Europe

The truly unforgettable moments of a road trip often come from the unplanned detours and local experiences.

●    Download Offline Maps: Detailed and good offline mapping apps like Google Maps can be a lifesaver in areas with no signal.

●    Learn Key Phrases: Learn a few basic phrases in each language you'll encounter. Locals appreciate the effort and it can make interactions more enjoyable.

●    Pack Smart: As European weather can be unpredictable, pack a few types of clothing. Comfortable shoes should always be packed for walking.

●    Embrace the Unexpected: The best part of a road trip is the freedom to change your plans. If you discover a charming village or a beautiful hiking trail, don't be afraid to take a detour and explore.

The real magic lies in embracing the journey itself, allowing for spontaneous stops and discoveries that will make your European road trip a memory you'll cherish forever.

 

Final Thoughts on a Road Trip Across Europe

With good planning, your European road trip will be an adventure you’ll remember for the rest of your life. By taking care of the small details, you can make sure your trip is both easy and exciting. Get ready to start your car and create a travel story that is all your own.

After completing a University degree in Journalism, Darcy Fowler has dedicated a lot of time to travelling around the world and experiencing a variety of cultures. Darcy is determined to provide interesting and insightful content with the hope of inspiring others.