Planning a European road trip? Travelling across Europe by road is one of the most enriching experiences, whether you’re envisioning winding through the French Riviera, exploring remote Nordic fjords, or perusing the Spanish Andalusia coastline.
The choice between driving a car or RV can dramatically shape your experience of the continent’s diverse landscapes, so as Road Safety Week 2024 approaches (17-23 November 2024), it’s the ideal time to explore the important factors to consider before embarking on European roads.
Many travel enthusiasts ponder on the best mode of transport. This guide aims to inspire and inform on both options – standard car or a larger RV / motorhome – helping you to make an informed decision.
The Freedom to Choose: Car vs RV Travel
Your choice of vehicle will play a big part in shaping your European road trip experience. Both offer benefits and drawbacks, and your choice will greatly depend on factors such as what you want to experience from the trip, intended destinations, duration and group size.
Car travel may be a better form of travel for the urban explorer, needing to navigate narrow city streets and busy town centre parking. Similarly, If you want to experience different destinations in one trip, staying in different hotels or B&Bs each night, then car travel is an easier workaround.
The ‘home-on-wheels’ experience of RVs may be more suited to those wanting to immerse themselves in nature and explore rural areas at a leisurely pace. These larger vehicles do require more forethought for parking and access, but they can offer significant savings on accommodation and meals out, with many offering in-house food preparation facilities. For family travel or extended trips, these may therefore be more comfortable in the long run.
Documentation and Safety
Regardless of your chosen mode of transport, it’s always important to prepare well ahead of time. Ensure your passport has at least six months’ validity and prepare any relevant, necessary documentation of your vehicle.
- Valid UK driving licence
- Vehicle registration (V5X logbook)
- Vehicle insurance certificate and policy (with valid European coverage for the duration of your trip)
- Travel insurance
- UK identifier sticker (if your number plate does not indicate such)
- International Driving Permit (if necessary)
It’s always wise, before embarking on your journey, to schedule a comprehensive vehicle inspection. For cars, especially luxury vehicles like Mercedes-Benz, professional servicing is essential to ensure optimal performance across different European terrains. Motorhome and RV owners should additionally check water systems, gas connections, and living space security alongside vehicle durability and performance.
Navigation and Route Planning
It’s highly likely that you’ll need best-in-class navigation technology to guide your route, especially if venturing through unfamiliar roads across Europe. Smart planning will help you get the most out of your travels.
Consider the following:
- Download offline maps for areas with limited connectivity
- Research low-emission zones in major cities
- Plan fuel stops (particularly important for RVs)
- Check height restrictions for RVs
- Research parking options in advance
Doing so will help you experience the most that European countries have to offer while minimising your stops.
Accommodation Strategies
Unless you plan on sleeping in your car every night, car travellers – and RV drivers if they want a break from sleeping in the vehicle – should book appropriate accommodation in advance of their trip, especially during peak seasons. Popular European cities can quickly see hotels and B&Bs booked up, so be prepared to make adjustments if your ideal trip accommodation can’t be met.
RV travellers have a bit more flexibility here, as some destinations can offer RV campsites with on-site facilities like showers, toilets, and laundry rooms. Aires de service facilities – mostly in France – offer a great spot for RV drivers who want a secure stopover during a long-haul trip, with many offering overnight parking spots. Some RV drivers with a penchant for camping may also be in luck as some towns can accommodate rural camping locations alongside motorhomes.
Cost Considerations
Both modes of travel offer different economic and cost-saving benefits for drivers looking to preserve more of their hard-earned money.
Car travel offers:
- Better fuel efficiency
- Lower initial rental costs
- Cheaper ferry or tunnel crossings
- Flexibility with accommodation budgets
Whereas the financial benefits of RV travel include:
- Combined transport and accommodation costs
- Self-catering options
- Reduced need for hotels
- Long-term travel savings
Consider these before deciding on your chosen transport vehicle, as this can have a profound effect on the rest of your trip.
Other Tips to Make the Most of Your European Road Journey
Whichever option you choose, consider these tips for an enriching and environmentally friendly experience:
- Think about seasonal timing for optimal weather and crowds
- Learn basic phrases in local languages to help you get by
- Stay flexible with your itinerary
- Minimise waste and dispose of any rubbish properly
- Choose optimal, emission-reducing routes where possible
- Use park-and-ride facilities where you can
- Be respectful of your local environment and community In the interests of Road Safety Week, make sure safety does not take a backseat:
- Take regular breaks (every 2-3 hours)
- Avoid travelling in severe weather conditions
- Maintain appropriate speed for conditions
- Keep emergency contacts handy
- Carry basic repair tools and spare parts
Car or RV: Which Option Is Right for You?
Neither option is better than the other, as that is entirely subjective. It all depends on what you plan to do during your road trip, its length, and how many of you will be travelling together.
Consider car travel if you:
- Plan to explore multiple cities
- Prefer accommodation flexibility
- Travel with minimal gear
- Want an easier navigation in urban areas
Choose RV travel if you:
- Value self-sufficiency
- Are taking a longer-haul trip
- Prefer nature-focused travel
- Travel with family or groups
- Want to minimise accommodation costs
Both cars and RVs offer a unique way to experience Europe’s diverse and culturally rich environments, ensuring that you will create unforgettable memories in spades along the way. The key is choosing an option that suits your style and itinerary best, while being mindful of your neighbours and the environment. Happy travels!