Road-tripping Tips and Tricks

Planning a road trip for your next trip? There is no better way to travel Europe, the USA or the UK in my opinion!

The first question you must ask , is what do you want out of the experience? The benefits of having your own vehicle is that you are in control of where you go and what you see. If you see a stunning small village from the freeway, you can take a turn and go and visit that village… why not stay all day?

You can even be the master of your own motorhome!… pull up and sleep where you like!

There are many options in Europe for car hire. A good option if you are staying over a month, is Leasing a car. French car manufacturers such as Peugeot, Citroen and Renault and given generous tax benefits to lease cars to foreign travellers. The benefits are that you will get a brand new car, and the lease includes unlimited mileage, Insurance and Roadside Assistance. Pick up and drop off are on other European cities as well, however the options are less than car hire companies. I leased a car for three months in France a few years ago and highly recommend the process.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE The next step is to research the region you are visiting. research the towns, the sights, the events that you want to see. Mark them on a map.

Next, you can map out the journey, linking these destinations you want to see. I like to use the website Rome2Rio for this. (There is also a great app!) I have found that four hours a day is the most I like to drive. Preferably less than that. That allows 2 hours in the morning, a healthy stop for lunch, and two hours in the afternoon. even allow time for unexpected stops along the way…. you would be amazed how ‘B’ roads can unearth a Antique Market (brocante) or a local fete.

If you are staying in a European city, it is a great idea to make sure that it has carparking, or they can direct you to a nearby carpark. Sometimes it may be a idea to stay just out of town, and catch the train into the centre of the city. A train ticket can be cheaper than a parking fine!

TIPS AND TRICKS.

1. Carry your international driving licence. You may never be asked for it, but they are easily obtained and cheap.

2. When driving, carry change and keep your credit card handy for toll booths (European Freeways have a LOT!)

3. Ensure your rental car a GPS, and if you arent sure….. bring a GPS from home loaded with maps from the region you are visiting. They are cheap on ebay, and far cheaper than a divorce! And some days, when you have time on your side…ask the GPS to take you to your destination using only backroads! You will thank me!

4. Check what your travel insurance covers, some cover rental car insurance excesses. Know where you stand before the pretty girl at the rental car desk shames you into reducing the excess by paying a small fee (which is more than the car hire in some cases).

5. When you collect your car, walk around the car videoing the cars condition. Do the same when you return. Just to protect yourself from unwanted ‘damage’ charges.

6. If you drive from Italy into Switzerland….. take a back road.. The Furka Pass (as seen in Goldfinger) or the Stelvio Pass…… just to mention two!