Traveling across Europe by road trip is a fantastic way to see the continent. Road trips, especially extended ones, can offer you a new lease on life while experiencing and seeing some of the most beautiful things nature has to offer, not to mention all the famous cities and quaint villages. You will see things on a road trip that you cannot see any other way. It really gives you a sense of the vastness of the land and how small you are in comparison. Everywhere you go, you will see different cultures and people which enhance your life and broaden your horizons.
Your Car
Having the right car is essential. After all, you are going to be spending a lot of time just sitting in the car and driving. So it needs to be comfortable, and it needs to be reliable. Is the car you have really the best option? Perhaps now is the time you invested in a new car, ideally something grand like a Bentley. You may even want to consider hiring a car on the continent as then it will come with left-hand drive. However, provided you are careful and make adequate adjustments, then a British car should be fine.
Visas
There are 44 countries in Europe, and not all of them are in the Schengen zone. You may need to organize a Visa if you want to visit some of the countries not yet in this area. It is probably wise to decide which countries you want to visit and do a bit of research.
Insurance
It is essential that you double-check with your insurance company which of these countries are fine to visit, which are valid on your current insurance policy. If your heart is set on visiting all 44 countries, you may need insurance from a different provider or a separate package. Again you will need to investigate which is the best option for you.
Road Laws
Different countries have different road laws, so you need to remain vigilant. In France, you are required to carry reflective jackets for the driver and every passenger. In Austria and Croatia, you need a first aid kit, and in most countries, you are required to carry a warning triangle and vests for everyone on board. Additionally, in some countries, you need to pay road tolls at booths, in others, you need a vignette, which is like a prepaid toll or road tax.
Emergency Services Number
The emergency service number across pretty much all of Europe is 112, so save this in your phone or write it down whatever works best for you.
Maps
Having google maps is a great start. Downloading it onto your phone will mean that it is available even when you are offline, which may happen a lot. Also, consider buying a road map atlas of Europe. The absolute last thing you want is to be lost somewhere, and your phone has decided that it’s not going to work. Physical maps are essentials.
With the holiday season fast approaching, and the world opening up, when are you taking your road trip?
