It takes a lot of effort to organize a road trip across Europe, whether you are exploring French castle valleys, Italian wines, or a full-on eastern experience. I like to think of a car as the key to freedom and exploration, while for others, it’s just a liability. As a result, I’ve taken a few road trips myself and, over time, I’ve formed several crucial routines that I believe others should know about.
1. Purchase or rent a GPS
I can’t emphasize this enough.
Despite the fanciful and antiquated nature of maps, you will spend more time figuring out where you are and how to fold the map back than you will genuinely enjoying the moment and moving in the proper way. GPS devices are significantly more efficient than just about everything else, and they are not as costly as they were a few years ago. Otherwise, there’s simply no use in arguing! Invest in a GPS to save time.
2. Prepare some toll money.
Since most European countries charge for the use of their motorways, they are not in such good condition for no reason.
Try making this into a game by guessing the toll, which can range from 2 to 20 euros depending on the route you are on and how long you have been on it. Because not all toll machines accept international debit or credit cards, I advise you to keep enough cash on hand to cover the tolls if you do not have a European bank account and debit card.
3. Reserve lodging at hotels in the suburbs.
The fact that you don’t have to pay for pricey lodging in the heart of the city is one of the many benefits of taking a road trip in Europe. At night, you can drive out to one of the several reasonably priced suburban establishments after parking in the city for the day. It’s a really economical choice, particularly if you’re only going to be in town briefly.
4. Bring a ton of music.
Don’t undervalue how fast you can browse your iPod’s music! If you feel that you have enough songs, reconsider and add more. Radio won’t work well if you intend to travel for a few hours each day, therefore your priceless iPod will be your only choice. I have more than a thousand songs on, yet sometimes I feel like I’m listening to the same one all the time. Extend and diversify your choices!
Additionally, make sure the music you play will be enjoyable to every passenger. not only you. There is a rule that whoever drives gets to choose the playlist.
5. Stow the cooler.
No matter where you are, eating only at restaurants and rest areas will undoubtedly break the bank and make you feel bloated, as I have previously discussed.
For occasional snacks and refueling stops, instead, attempt to fit as much food as you can in the cooler. Nutritious, affordable, and portable are granola bars, fruits, juice boxes, and even sweets and chips. To save even more money, I even bring croissants for the first few breakfasts!
6. Don’t cut corners on insurance
Indeed, purchasing insurance is one of the worst things you can do because it’s costly and you probably won’t need it. However, you never know. It’s better to be safe than sorry, particularly when renting a car abroad.
Read your credit card contract before purchasing travel insurance because you are probably already protected for rental and basic civic damages. For instance, you may need to purchase additional insurance for ash damage if you are traveling to a high-risk country like Iceland. Before you depart, read the fine print!
