Road trips are exciting and provide an awesome way to experience the world at your own pace. For road trips, having a car lets you stop where and when you want, letting you find those out-of-the-way spots that make a trip especially memorable.
However, if you do not have a personal car and you would like to embark on a European road trip, there are a few practical things to know, of which the most important are the major car rental companies. For car-owners, it is important to take along an International Driver’s Permit, your state-issued driver’s license, and a passport,
Here are some incredible trips in Europe:
1. Transfagarasan Highway: This is a stunning mountain road that traverses Romania’s Carpathian Mountains. Every spectacular second offers stunning views, and the speed limit is 40km/h because of the relatively fragile ground, but going slow makes it easier to enjoy the surrounding views.
2. Romantic Road, Germany: This route spans through the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg and stretches some 350 km from Wurzburg’s striking baroque architecture and prominent wine industry to the town of Fussen. The Romantic Road was once a medieval trade route, but it came to prominence again as a tourist-geared scenic route in the mid-20th century.
3. Ring of Kerry, Ireland: The Ring of Kerry offers history galore, with sights that range from the untamed Atlantic to verdant forests.
4. Amalfi Coast, Italy: The view of this coast has several amazing features, ranging from art, architecture, and world-class pizza in Naples; the countless opportunities for spontaneous stop-offs; and gazing longingly out over the dreamy blue sea, making the trip alone worthwhile.
5. Route 1, Iceland: It is also known as the Ring Road, and provides viewers with an ideal way to catch a glimpse of all that is on offer, such as the unexpectedly green highlands stretching into the distance, together with the breathtaking glaciers, fjords, and rivers.
6. Furka Pass, Switzerland: Furka Pass is one of the highest mountain roads in the Alps. It is roughly located halfway between Lucerne and the Italian border, and is around 2,500m above sea level. However, with steep cliffs lining the route, the Furka Pass can be treacherous, particularly in adverse weather conditions, which can occur at any time due to the road’s altitude.
7. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland: This route will take you past wind-battered headlands, secluded coves, and craggy cliffs. Away from the epic coastline, you will be able to explore some of Ireland’s prettiest towns, including the atmospheric Galway and picture-perfect Killarney.
8. The Troll Path, Norway: The road is dotted with viewing platforms, offering countless photo opportunities and the chance to gaze out across the magnificent Stigfossen waterfall. However, the easiest option is to catch a ferry from Dover to Calais and drive up through Germany and Denmark.
9. Cantabrian Coast, Spain: This route runs largely parallel to the motorway, passing through the delightful small towns of Hoznayo and Beranga, where you can stop off for a bite to eat in a roadside inn.
10. The Lakes, Italy: These lakes are known for their tranquil blue waters, sleepy fishing villages, and mountainous backdrops surrounded by alpine peaks and wooded hills.
There is no better travel experience than a road trip; it may be slower, but it allows you to do more.