Long road trips are the best way to experience a lot of different cultures and taste a lot of local food. When we had the opportunity to travel from the North of Europe (Netherlands) to the South of Europe (Spain) we immediately said: hey ho, let's go. These are the lessons we learned on that road trip. Some simple road trip tips and local customs to help you prepare for your European road trip.
The best way to get to know Europe is by travelling through it by car. No daily schedule, just a car, great road trip music, and good company… And a travel money card and satnav or navigation on your phone might help.
Pro-tip: when you are using your smartphone as navigation system, make sure to get a good amount of mobile data via an eSIM so you'll always stay connected, no matter where you are. eSIMs are so easy to get mobile data, especially because most smartphones nowadays support it.
Toll booths are annoying in France
Prepare for extra costs when driving through France as almost all motorways are toll roads. When driving from northern to southern France you can easily add €50 to €75 of toll road fees to your travel expenses.
On the other hand it's also easy to save money in France by not fuelling up at petrol stations on the motorway. Simply leave the motorway and enter a city or village to save 10 to 20 cents a liter. The price difference between off motorway and on motorway refuelling was the highest in France. That's easy money.
Don't rely solely on your satnav
The motorway around Paris (Boulevard Périphérique ) is probably one of the most feared motorways in Europe. It's almost always super busy and the Parisians drive like crazy. As long as you know where to go, you're sweet. So keep your eyes on the signs as some sat navs freeze around Paris. Keep your eyes on the road and the signs, and not on your satnav or phone display. Keep calm and motor on.
Roadside meals in Spain are cheap and super tasty
Stopping at a modern, commercial petrol station is one way of refuelling yourself on your European road trip. But in Spain, there are also (smaller) petrol stations with a simple diner next to it. These diners are run by locals who cook simple local meals at low prices.
For example, you can have a three course meal (incl. Drinks) for just €25 for two people. The meals consisted of paella (real homemade paella), beef and rice, and flan. When stopping at such a diner always go for the menu of the day. Don't bother looking at the list, the menu of the day is the best and cheapest way to go.
Vegetarians have a hard time on the roads in France
There's so much to choose from at these big petrol stations, road side restaurants or local bakeries, but there are almost no options without meat. Maybe one bake-off banquette with double cheese or cheese & veggies. But even then, it still is a baguette that tastes great. Bread is always next level in Europe.
But meat lovers have the time of their life in France
A chain of American themed restaurants a meat lover should visit is Buffalo Grill. These restaurants (red roof with logo on it) can be found everywhere, especially in towns that are close to the motorway so perfect for a meaty meal if that is what you fancy on your road trip through Europe.
Great coffee is never far away
Roadside coffee in France and Spain is good to excellent, especially in Spain. Any petrol station with a bar or diner inside or close by serves amazing coffee. Ask for a “cafe solo” to get the strongest stuff. And the price is decent: usually between €1.50 and €2.50
Tips for planning your European road trip
Plan less, do more, is the best road trip tip you can get. Book your car, have a general idea what you want to do & see and go for it. The best road trips are flexible road trips. And for road trip inspiration or suggested routes, see our article about the best road trip routes.
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