Europe is a family-friendly road trip paradise, offering a safe, reliable, and budget-conscious way to explore its diverse cities and landscapes.
After embarking on three incredible road trips and covering over 20,000 km, we’ve gained plenty of valuable insights along the way. Now, we’re excited to share our top tips to help first-time travelers plan the perfect road trip in Europe with confidence.
10 things to know before driving in Europe:
1. Research tolls and Regulations
Europe boasts a variety of road regulations and toll systems. Some countries have no tolls, while others require daily, monthly, or yearly vignettes. In certain places, tolls are collected at booths, while others use radar-based systems. It’s crucial to check each country’s toll policies ahead of time to avoid any surprises during your road trip.
2. Family Fun on Four Wheels
Europe offers an amazing, budget-friendly way to explore multiple cities and countries with your family. Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, Europe has something for everyone. A road trip is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to experience the continent, offering the freedom to travel at your own pace and discover hidden gems along the way. (Check out here for more info).
3. Peak Season or Gamble with weather
Choosing the right time for your road trip is key. August usually promises great weather and sunny days, but it’s peak season, so expect higher prices, long waits at attractions, and more traffic. On the flip side, traveling during the low season means fewer crowds and lower costs, but there’s a higher chance of rain and cooler temperatures. Balancing your priorities—whether it’s great weather or avoiding crowds—will make your experience much smoother!
4. Pack Light, Explore More
Avoid the mistake of packing your entire wardrobe. Space in your car is limited, and light packing will make your road trip easier and more enjoyable. Take advantage of laundromats along the way, and remember: the heavier your luggage, the more time you’ll spend unpacking and repacking—and the more you expose your belongings to prying eyes. Traveling light means convenience, better security, and a stress-free experience.
5. Plan for Extra Time
Although distances in Europe might seem short, unexpected delays are inevitable. Always allow for a 30% time buffer (40% if traveling with young kids) to account for bathroom breaks, traffic jams, road closures, and longer meal stops. Having extra time in your schedule will help you avoid stress and leave room for spontaneous detours and adventures.
6. Be a Pro at Booking
Pre-book your accommodation and popular attractions—especially during peak season, when many require reservations weeks in advance. In the past, booking a hotel was enough, but now, even top attractions often require advance booking. Planning ahead ensures you don’t miss out and guarantees a smoother road trip experience.
7. Manage Expectations
Long drives, unpredictable weather, and detours are all part of the road trip journey. Sometimes, an attraction or hotel may not live up to expectations, but don’t let it ruin your trip. Stay flexible, embrace the unexpected, and adapt as you go. Often, the best moments come from spontaneous experiences and detours off the beaten path.
8. Stay Prepared for the Unexpected
Always keep an emergency supply of water and food in your car, and make sure you never run low on fuel. It’s also important to let your loved ones know your whereabouts so they can track your progress. Being prepared helps you avoid unnecessary stress and keeps the road trip safe and enjoyable.Always keep an emergency supply of water and food in your car, and make sure you never run low on fuel. It’s also important to let your loved ones know your whereabouts so they can track your progress. Being prepared helps you avoid unnecessary stress and keeps the road trip safe and enjoyable.
9. Research and Plan Your Itinerary
Plan your road trip itinerary in advance to make the most of your time. Having a solid plan helps you avoid surprises, makes your journey more efficient, and ensures you don’t miss out on hidden gems. A well-thought-out itinerary makes for a smoother, more enjoyable road trip.
10. Go with the Flow
While early starts are ideal, flexibility is key on a road trip. Don’t be afraid to adjust your schedule as needed. Embrace unexpected detours and leave room for spontaneous discoveries. Some of the best memories come from going off-plan!
We hope our 10 things helped you! If you want to learn more, be sure to check out our guide on how to plan a road trip.
