A popular choice for travel in a foreign country is to drive yourself around, saving on money and not having to follow someone else’s timetable when you want to do something. However, whether you’re planning a road trip through Europe, or simply planning to avoid public transport, there are several important factors to consider when doing so. The idea of taking your car abroad or renting one there can be daunting and confusing, so hopefully, I’ll be able to help explain a few essential points that will make your trip more enjoyable and less stressful.

Make sure you have all the documentation ready 

The first thing to do is research the essential documentation you require and make sure that it is available to you before you set off. A passport, for example, is an essential part of your journey as without it you wouldn’t be able to leave the country. Depending on if you are taking your car or renting one upon your arrival, there are then different requirements of what paperwork is necessary on the journey; your vehicle registration certificate; motor insurance certificate, and potentially a license check code. The most obvious documentation you require for traveling around Europe in a car is a driving license.

Why an international driving license is a must 

A valid driving license can be the one you use when in your own country or an international driver’s license. For instance, if you decide to visit London, then, an international driver’s license UK can be used alongside your current one, translating it into several different languages. It is only valid for a set amount of time and is necessary for certain countries if you wish to drive, so you need to research whether it is needed for your destination before you travel.

Better safe than sorry 

As mentioned above, insurance is a necessary document for you to bring with you as you travel. You need to check what is covered in your current car insurance and find out whether it is valid in whichever country you will be traveling through. No one wants to think of a scenario where you’re on holiday and you need to pull out your motor insurance, but can you imagine how much worse the situation would be if you broke down or were in an accident and didn’t have the necessary paperwork? It is always advisable to sort this out as a precaution because you never know what could happen.

Pack all you need 

While some European countries have a legal requirement for drivers to carry certain items in their cars, others don’t. It is important to bear this in mind when planning what to bring with you on your trip because if you are caught without these items in one of these countries, you will be breaking the law and could be facing a fine that would cost more than you’d want to pay, especially after spending money on a holiday already. Most of the required equipment, such as a high-visibility jacket, are easy to find and inexpensive, so it is definitely a better idea to pack them before you leave.

Have a well-thought-out plan 

It is highly advisable to plan out your journey ahead of time as well, don’t set strict time frames on things, but at least have a basis to go off. This is so that if you aren’t planning on sleeping in your car, you can book your accommodation, which could potentially save you money, and will provide you with a motive to not stay in one place for too long. 

This way, you will also be able to plot which roads will work best for you instead of struggling to work out which way to go while you are driving, which could cause you to be stressed during what is supposed to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Using your phone for navigation will work, but sometimes a lack of internet access can cause huge problems.

Final word 

So, hopefully, the information I have given here will help you to plan your car trip through Europe and make it an overall more enjoyable experience; where you know where you’re going, that you’re abiding by the legal requirements, and have all the necessary documentation. All that is left is for you to enjoy your time away.

Post written by Lisa Mottins