Let’s find out how to plan the best road trip in Europe! Thanks to the Schengen treaty and the vast variety of cultures and traditions, Europe is possibly the very best continent for an epic road trip.
In the spirit of slow travel, you could also opt for European train travel, but you have more freedom when driving yourself. And since the most recent pandemic, more travelers are looking for less polluting options for their summer vacations.
And even if slow travel isn’t your main motivator, driving certainly allows you to focus on your current surroundings in a way that flying never could. While driving you can stop wherever you like for a photo shoot or a toilet break, pack along as much picnic food as you like, and be in charge of the playlist!
And even better if you have sunglasses with camera built in, they don’t just capture the moments when you stop for a shoot, they can stay on the whole drive, quietly recording those magnificent roadside sights without you ever having to pull over.
Let’s find out what are the best road trip apps, how to book a road trip and what road trip food you should go for. And first things first:
How To Organize an Epic Road Trip in Europe – 5 Easy Steps
To plan a road trip can be as fun a process as the trip itself! That’s something that I have certainly observed. But then again, I am someone who likes organising events and travels…
Even if you’re not that sort of a person, this road trip guide makes sure that booking an epic drive through Europe is quick and easy. With minimal effort you can find yourself making epic memories! Just do this:
Step 1: Book a car in advance
Booking a car when there are gazillion rental firms to choose from can be a confusing. But technology has once again provided us with an easy solution to ensure us that booking that epic road trip in Europe is easy and quick!
I can personally recommend Discover Cars (affiliate). I’ve used it myself couple times, and it’s so easy and quick to use. And you can book a rental car through this road trip app even in the most remote locations. I would recommend booking a car well in advance so you can get exactly the sort of car you want.
It basically works the same way as Skyscanner:
- The app collects information from thousands and thousands of rental car providers.
- Choose the specifications: where from – to, what car you want (sports car, SUV, etc.), for how long, etc.
- Discover Cars will then show you a list of suitable options.
- Book the car you want and pick it up where the app shows you!
For example, on one road trip we wanted a spacious car: it had to be big enough to fit 4 people with suitcases. Comfortably, of course. The only difficulty we encountered with the app was the amount of great options that we could choose from.
You can book a car even weeks in advance, and you only pay a small prepayment. This is basically the insurance and only costs a couple dozen €£$. The rest you can pay either when you collect or return the car. Simple, right?
Find inspiration for your road trip: Best Travel Creators to Help You Plan a Trip to Europe
Step 2: Plan a route (roughly)
To figure out which parts of the Old Continent you’d like to explore, I recommend answering these questions:
- Which countries interest you most?
- What extraordinary sights would you like to witness on this trip?
- Which countries are conveniently located next to each other?
- What road tolls, if any, should be taken into account and where?
All of these questions can easily be answered by utilising Google Maps. As a frequent traveler myself, this is one of my absolute favourite travel apps. With it you can easily see the roads that cover the European continent, and much more:
The app also shows you real-time updates on road works that are currently ongoing including possible wait times. And of course, you can find hotels, sights and restaurants and book them in advance to ensure an epic road trip in Europe.
Even if crossing borders is seamless, some countries in Europe have road tolls between different areas within the country. This mainly applies to Western Europe, but it’s good to be aware of. This map shows you where these tolls are and how much each of them costs.
If you’re not big on planning, you can also drive around aimlessly and that way find places you didn’t expect to bump into! For example, we unexpectedly found ourselves in Poland instead of Slovakia on one trip. And why not!?
While I’m not into schedules and strict travel plans, I know from experience that doing a little bit of planning ahead will save a shit-ton of time and energy on the way. And driving instead of opting for public transport allows you the perfect opportunity to really, properly experience the area you’re driving through.
That’s the only way to discover places that most people probably never see in their lifetime. And to help you find such places:
Check these out: Extraordinary Darecations – Best Adventure Tourism Destinations
Step 3: Prepare an epic playlist and snacks
Now, this is a step I take very seriously: It wouldn’t be an epic road trip in Europe without an appropriate playlist! If you’re a fan of carpool karaoke, make a playlist of all the songs that you and your friends like to sing together. Takes the whole trip onto a whole new level, let me tell you!
Or if you prefer a chill atmosphere when navigating unfamiliar roads, make a collection of some chill jazz & hip hop playlists. I’m sure you have subscription for Youtube or Spotify or such. These are my absolute go-to road trip apps for setting the mood for any occasion, including driving!
And since it’s (most likely) a long road, some snacks wouldn’t go amiss. Perhaps avoid heavy stuff, like a meal from McDonald’s, and instead pack some lighter snacks that keep the hunger away. Things like:
- fruits (dried or fresh),
- nuts,
- water(!)
- and maybe some wine for passenger princesses. If you’re traveling with kids, please skip this step!
Even if you have accommodation waiting somewhere with food included, you will not regret stopping on the way for a wee picnic. Another reason to check your route before your go: find the best spot for a little stop & snack.
Step 4: Check the car and tires before leaving the vendor
This was a point that I hadn’t even thought about before, but which is extremely important when renting a car!
After you’ve got all the paper work done with the vendor (as in, prove that you have a driver’s licence) and they show you the car, walk around it with the vendor. Do this to:
- Check the car for any existing damages that the car might have sustained before it came to you.
- Take a photo of every scratch and dent that you can find on the car.
The photos will be your insurance cover in case the rental company later accuses you of the damages. Of course, this is extremely rare! But we live in a world that is run by cunts, so better to prepare for anything.
Remember to also check that everything inside the car functions as it should; navigation systems, radio, gears, etc. After that, pack up all your things in the car, settle in and put that peddle to the metal!
Step 5: Enjoy the ride!
Forget about your work troubles, family issues, anything that might bother you even in the slightest in your everyday life. Now you are only allowed to focus on the moment, the people around you, the music, the jolly atmosphere and the amazing experience ahead.
While you’re on the epic road trip in Europe, it’s easy to literally leave it all behind and enjoy life to the fullest in that moment. Slow travel equals mindful travel, and that is what I represent and advocate for here on the Outlandish Blog.
So, when I say this will be a brilliant way to travel on a budget and without any hassle of waiting for hours at the airport, you better take it as gospel ;)
Are you a seasoned road tripper or new to the game? Let me know in the comments below ♥
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