Tips to Plan the Perfect Road Trip in Europe

There is no other experience quite like a road trip. It is able to gift you with a deep sense of freedom that is hard to acquire in any other circumstance. You can go where you like with no real destination or timeline to stick to. If you see a beautiful road, why not take it and see where it lands you. A road trip is all about saying bye-bye to the crazy hectic world of your normal existence and saying hello to a new outlook and way of being. It is essentially a journey of discovery, not just of the landscape but of yourself. You are only limited by yourself, your own expectations, and hang-ups. Everything else is there for the taking. So, if you have a road trip in Europe booked, you will want to know how best to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

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Do you need a Visa?
Europe is a continent of 44 different countries. Although 27 of these are in the EU, where border crossing should be no issue, you may still need a visa to get there in the first place. And the rules may change if you intend to travel to some of the non-EU countries. It would help if you did some research and worked out which countries you want to visit before you leave. That way you will be able to organize all the visa paperwork is completed with plenty of time. Yeh last thing you want is to be caught short over there. Take a look here https://europe-visa.com/ for more information about visas going to EU countries. 

Vignettes or Toll Roads
Some European countries have what is known as a Vignette in order to travel on their highways. A vignette is essentially a prepaid toll, which you purchase and stick on your dashboard to indicate that you are on the road legally. To check you are legal, roadside cameras are on the constant lookout for number plates and vignettes, so do not assume that you can get away without one. Other roads have toll booths which you pay for as and when. Some countries use only tolls. Some use vignettes and tolls, others only tolls. 

Car Insurance
If you plan to take your own car on the road trip, you will need to have the right insurance cover for every county you plan to visit. Without the right insurance, you could end up in some very sticky situations. In addition, you will need a great roadside cover company. Do not under any circumstance forget this aspect.

The Emergency Services
The longer you are away, the more likely it is that something will happen to you. So you need to know how to contact the emergency services. 112 is the number you need to know. It should cover you for most European countries, so ensure you write this down or add it as a contact in your phone sp that if and when you come to use it, it is easy to find. Remember, your own safety should be your primary concern, so whatever you do, keep this number safe and secure.

Road Laws 
Each country in Europe has its own road laws that you are expected to adhere to. The drink-drive law is an obvious one you need to adhere to. You may be best dinking nothing before driving even if the country permits a few units more. However, there are several other differing laws. For example, you are expected to have a breathalyzer when driving in France. Some countries need you to have a high-vis jacket in your car in case of a breakdown. So you need to do your homework and ensure that you have everything prepared before you embark on your road trip.

Data Roaming
Does your phone have the correct data roaming package to enable you to use your phone across the continent without incurring a massive bill at the end of it? Perhaps you may be inclined to actually purchase a new Sim out there, depending on the length of time you intend to travel for. If it is a year, then this could be a great option for you. Whatever option is best for you, this is something that you need to consider and research way before you get on that plane or ship.

Maps
It is probably a wise idea to download Google Maps to use offline across Europe. You never know when you will be in a dead zone. It is also a very wise idea to take a road atlas book of Europe in case you have no battery. Do not rely completely on technology as this could be a very big mistake. If you don’t know how to read a map. Why not learn how to read a map by using youtube or something. Every bot of [preparatiomn you can do will serve you well if and when the time comes to use it. 
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