Whether you’re road tripping across the country or taking a short drive to the next town over, there’s no denying that traveling by car has its perks. You can go at your own pace, make spontaneous detours, and listen to your favorite music as loud as you want. But let’s be real—road trips can also be pretty stressful. 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 

One of the most important things to do before embarking on a road trip is to plan your route. You’ll want to map out your stops in advance so you can avoid getting lost (or worse, running out of gas). If you’re unsure of where to start, there are plenty of websites and apps that can help—we recommend Google Maps or Waze. Just enter in your starting point and destination, and they’ll do the rest. 

Packing Your Car 

Once you have your route planned out, it’s time to start packing your car. This may seem like a no-brainer, but there’s more to it than just throwing your suitcase in the trunk. First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure everything is securely packed so it doesn’t shift around while you’re driving. It’s also a good idea to pack an emergency kit with essentials like jumper cables and a first-aid kit, just in case. And last but not least, don’t forget the snacks! Road trips are notorious for making even the healthiest eaters snack constantly. Pack some non-perishable snacks like granola bars or trail mix so you’re not tempted to hit up the nearest fast food joint every time hunger strikes. 

Making the Drive 

Once you have your route planned and your car packed, it’s finally time to hit the open road! But even if you’re just driving a few hours, there are still some things you should keep in mind. For one, make sure you take breaks every few hours so you can stretch your legs and give yourself a break from driving. It’s also important to keep an eye on the weather—if there’s a chance of bad weather, consider rescheduling your trip or taking an alternate route. And lastly, try to relax and enjoy yourself! Road trips are all about taking in new sights and making memories, so don’t focus too much on getting from point A to point B as quickly as possible. 

Tips for a Successful Journey

Now that you’re on the road, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride…right? Not quite. Even if you’ve done all the planning in the world, there are still a few things you need to keep in mind while you’re on your journey. First and foremost, always stay aware of your surroundings. This means keeping an eye on the cars around you and being cautious of potential hazards on the road. Also, be sure to take breaks often so that everyone in the car has a chance to stretch their legs and take a break from driving. And last but not least, don’t forget to have fun!