Whether you’re road tripping for business or pleasure, there’s no doubt that hitting the open road is one of the best ways to see everything that a destination has to offer. But, if you’re not prepared, a road trip can quickly become a disaster. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate Europe travel guides, complete with all the tips and tricks you need to make your next journey a success.
Planning Your Route
The first step to planning any road trip is mapping out your route. You’ll want to take into account things like gas stations, rest stops, and attractions that you might want to visit along the way. If you’re looking for inspiration, there are plenty of websites and apps (like Roadtrippers) that can help you plan the perfect road trip. Just enter in your starting point and destination, and they’ll do the rest.
- Do your research: Before you even start packing your bags, it’s important to do your research and plan out your route. map out the attractions you want to see, the hotels you want to stay in, and the restaurants you want to eat at. By planning ahead, you can avoid getting lost and wasting time—both of which can ruin a road trip.
- Make sure your car is in good condition: This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s important to make sure that your car is in good condition before embarking on a long journey. Get an oil change, check the tire pressure, and fill up the gas tank. You don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire or an empty tank.
- Pack snacks and drinks: It’s always a good idea to have some snacks and drinks on hand for when hunger or thirst strike. But, instead of packing unhealthy junk food, opt for healthier options like fruits and vegetables, granola bars, and bottled water.
- Take breaks: When you’re driving for hours on end, it’s important to take breaks every so often to rest your eyes and stretch your legs. We recommend stopping every two hours or so for a short break.
- Stay entertained: If you’re traveling with kids, it’s important to keep them entertained while on the road. Bring along some games and books so they won’t get bored during the drive. For adults, listening to music or audiobooks can help make the time fly by.
- Drive during off-peak hours: If traffic is a concern of yours, then we recommend driving during off-peak hours—like early morning or late at night. You’ll be able to avoid most of the traffic and get to your destination much faster.
- Check for construction: Nothing will ruin a road trip quite like running into construction delays. Before hitting the open road, be sure to check for any construction that may be happening along your route. This way, you can plan ahead and avoid any potential delays.
- Keep an eye on weather conditions: Bad weather can put a damper on even the best-laid plans . So , before setting out on your journey , be sure t o check the forecast . If bad weather is in the forecast , you may want t o consider postponing your trip or altering your route.