How to plan your road trip in Europe: packing list, preparation and ideas

Road trips are all about freedom, adventure and exploring the world at your own pace. For many people, the idea of getting in the car, setting off and seeing where the journey takes you is a dream come true. But without any preparation, road trips can be stressful!

To make sure your trip turns out exactly like you imagine, it’s worth keeping a few important things in mind. In this article, you’ll find out how to plan the perfect road trip, including packing must-haves and how to stay relaxed whilst on the road.

Contents

Planning 
What do I need for the car?
What equipment should I take with me?  
What clothes should I pack?
Driving in Europe: What you need to know 
Sample routes
Travelling sustainably  
Key terms for your road trip

Planning

Even though a road trip is all about spontaneity, a certain amount of planning is essential. You don’t need to schedule every minute of the journey, but having a rough outline can give you both direction and peace of mind.

Route

Think about which destinations you absolutely want to see in advance. Be realistic though - journeys that are too long can quickly become tiring and take the joy out of travelling. It’s better to plan shorter stretches and have more time for spontaneous stops instead.

Accommodation

If you’re travelling in a motorhome or campervan, your accommodation comes with you wherever you go. But if you’re taking a road trip by car, you’ll need to decide whether to book your accommodation in advance or keep your plans flexible. Both options have their benefits. Booking ahead gives you peace of mind and guarantees a place to stay, whilst leaving things open allows for more spontaneity and freedom along the way.

Documents

Don’t forget to check your important documents. These include your driving licence, vehicle registration certificate, insurance documents and ID. Make sure you find out about country-specific regulations in advance to save you stress during your holiday.

To be on the safe side, it’s also worth printing out some documents that you might otherwise have saved digitally. These include booking confirmations, accommodation addresses, ferry connections and timetables. A notebook can also be useful for jotting down important information or making spontaneous changes to your route.

Safety and emergencies

Hopefully nothing will go wrong on your road trip but unfortunately, unexpected situations can occur so it's important to be prepared.

• Save important emergency numbers on your mobile phone and find out what the relevant numbers are in the country you’re visiting. 
• A basic knowledge of first aid can also be very helpful.
• Check your insurance cover as some policies do not automatically apply in all countries.
• Always carry some cash with you, especially if you're visiting remote areas.
• Never let your vehicle run out of petrol - plan your refuelling stops in good time to avoid unnecessary stress.

What do I need for the car?

Your vehicle is at the heart of your road trip, so making sure it’s in good condition before you leave is essential. Give it a thorough check by looking at the oil level, tyre pressure, brakes, and coolant. If you’re unsure about anything, it’s a good idea to have it checked by a professional garage before setting off.

You must have the following with you:

• High-visibility vest and warning triangle
• First-aid kit
• Spare tyre or tyre repair kit
• Jumper cables
• Torch
• Depending on the season: ice scraper or sunshade

To make the journey more comfortable, consider bringing a neck pillow, a cosy blanket, and a few snacks for the road. It’s also worth organising your car carefully, so that anything you’ll need quickly or frequently is in easy reach.

What equipment should I take with me?

Modern technology can make your road trip much easier, and your smartphone will probably be one of your most useful travel companions. Whether it’s for navigation, music or communication, smartphones are true all-rounders these days. 

Before you set off, download any essential apps and save important routes offline, especially if you’ll be travelling through remote areas with limited signal.

Charging cables, a power bank and a USB car adapter are also essential – and ideally, you should have several of each. This is especially important for longer journeys or for rural areas so that your devices are ready for use at all times.

A camera is optional but it's definitely worth having to capture special moments – or you can just use your smartphone for that too.

Top tip: Charge your devices regularly and don’t rely on just one power source.

Well-equipped – even without a smartphone

Although smartphones have become essential for many travellers, it’s still entirely possible to enjoy a road trip without digital devices - and for some people, that can make the experience even more relaxing.

For navigation, for example, you can use traditional road maps. As they work independently of battery power or mobile reception, they can be a good Plan B even for tech enthusiasts. Alternatively, a separate, external sat-nav designed specifically for car journeys is an option. Many regional maps are often already pre-loaded or available to download.

Instead of digital streaming services, you can use CDs or USB sticks with music saved in advance. Audiobooks on CD are also a tried-and-tested alternative.

What clothes should I pack?

Whatever the weather, the ‘layering’ approach always works well. Combine several layers that you can put on or take off depending on the temperature.

These include:

• T-shirts
• Jumpers or hoodies
• A waterproof jacket
• Sturdy footwear and comfortable shoes
• Depending on your destination, activities and the time of year: swimwear or warm clothing, hiking gear, a hat, sunglasses

Top tip: Roll your clothes in your suitcase instead of folding them. This saves space and makes it easier to see what’s in your luggage!

Driving in Europe: What you need to know

Driving with UK number plates abroad

If your vehicle is registered in the UK, make sure you find out about country-specific regulations in advance. Although many rules are standardised within the EU, there are still some specific requirements:

Important to know:

• If your number plate has a GB sticker, a Euro flag or no identifier then you must display a UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle when driving abroad
• If your number plate has the UK idenitifer with the Union Jack then you do not need a separate sticker

Depending on where you are travelling to, other rules may apply. For example, in some countries, there are specific low-emission zones (e.g. in France or Italy) where you may need an emissions sticker. In France, it's compulsory to carry a high-visibility vest in the vehicle (ideally for all passengers). In some countries, there are also additional regulations, such as spare bulbs or breathalysers so make sure you check in advance.

Toll regulations and charges

Toll systems in Europe can vary considerably depending on the country and region. Being well prepared will help you avoid unexpected costs.

Speed limits

Speed limits vary from country to country and must be strictly observed, as failure to do so can result in heavy fines. Here is an overview of the main regulations (these are general guidelines; please always pay attention to local road signs, as these take precedence).

Sample routes: Here’s what your road trip could look like

Did you know that you can take your car on many ferries across Europe? Some of Europe's most scenic road trip routes combine driving with relaxing journeys by ferry. Ferries not only allow you to avoid long detours, but they also conveniently link several countries, take a welcome break from driving and enjoy plenty of amenities.

Southern Europe

For example, you could explore Southern Europe by starting in the south of France, driving along the stunning Italian Riviera to Tuscany, and then taking a ferry to Sardinia or Sicily. It’s the perfect way to combine diverse landscapes and Mediterranean charm in just one trip.

Top tip: From Naples, you can easily take a day trip to Ischia or Capri, whether you’re travelling by car or not.

Northern Europe

Northern Europe also offers plenty of impressive road trip opportunities. A journey through Denmark and Sweden, for example, can easily be combined with scenic ferry crossings, whether that's between the Danish islands or onwards to Norway. Once you're there, you’ll discover dramatic fjords, vast open landscapes, and excellent roads for road trips.

Being able to take your car on ferries gives you maximum flexibility without having to compromise on comfort. At the same time, it opens up entirely new routes that wouldn't be possible via the mainland alone.

Popular car ferries in Europe

You can also find inspiration on our blog:

Europe: Holidays with a motorhome
European Road Trip
Driving to France from the UK
New rules to travelling to Europe from the UK
Travelling the Amalfi Coast
Italy all year round: a guide to every season

Travelling sustainably

You can even make your road trip more eco-friendly with just a few small changes that can make a big difference. Make sure you respect the natural environment by avoiding unnecessary waste and choosing reusable products wherever possible.

It also helps to drive as fuel-efficiently as you can - not only is this better for the planet, but it can also save you money too.

Related article: Sustainable Ferry Travel

Key terms for your road trip

It might be helpful to know a few basic terms before you embark on your international road trip:

Top tip: A little cheat sheet in the car can be very helpful.

A road trip is flexible, personal, and full of possibilities. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a relaxed and unforgettable experience. Make sure you plan sensibly, check your vehicle thoroughly, and pack only what you really need. With the right equipment, suitable clothing, and enough food, you’ll be well prepared for the journey ahead.

And with our price finder, you can compare available ferries along your road trip route and find the best prices and availability for your road trip.