Traveling by car in Europe

Want to try out something different holidaying in Europe? Try renting a car while you are there for a holiday trip. When you feel like experiencing something adventurous, do not sign up for those tour packages just yet. Go for free and easy tour around Europe, so that you could experience getting to places by trains and rent a car for a little more fun and adventure. Take heed, though it might be a joy to travel by car in Europe, sometimes it could also be a nightmare depending on where and when you drive. During summer time especially, countless millions of European pack up their family cars and drive to the mountains or beaches. This causes traffic jams who could robe off the charm of the most scenic European touring routes.

So, here are tips that could help you enjoy your car traveling trip in Europe:

When to come
If you plan to go to Northern and Central Europe, spring and fall season are the best times for a motoring vacation. In Southern Europe, winter time can be pleasant if you avoid the Christmas break. Try visiting in June, before the summer season reaches its peak if your calendar is tied to the school calendar.

Where to go
Try not to plain your car itineraries built around Europe’s largest cities. Because you will end up having to cope with nerve-wracking traffic, scarce parking, and unfamiliar regulations during all the while you were trying to catch a glimpse of the sights through the mass of cars, motorbikes and busses.

But don’t give up on the idea of car traveling just yet. Here are some of the driving strategies which are more practical to follow (resource taken from Europe for Visitors website):

• Take the train between major cities. Rent cars for local or regional excursions, or for legs of your trip (e.g., Paris to the Riviera) where you want to stop and enjoy sights along the way.


• Plan a motoring tour around smaller cities and towns. Enjoy your week in London or Paris without a vehicle, then pick up your rental car and start driving. Save other big cities for a future trip. (And don't be tempted to stay in a suburban hotel and commute into the city center--you'll miss out on the essence of the cities you're visiting.)


• Visit a country like Denmark, Norway, or Sweden where even the largest cities are relatively car-friendly and you can leave town for driving excursions with a minimum of hassle.

On the other note on planning where to stay, you can pre-book your hotels online before you go, so to avoid the hassle of not being able to rent any rooms when you are there. I have some links here that could help you find the cheapest hotel rate for your stay in Europe. Bookings can be done online.

Hotels in London
Hotels in Paris
Hotels in Berlin
Hotels in Barcelona