Europe’s Most Scenic Road Trips – Prepare your car

When it comes to road trips, it’s never about the destination but the journey to get to your destination. Growing up we didn’t go on many road trips until I was a young adult in the UK. I miss the journeys we took as a family before I left home and went off to university . There is nothing like family road trips, you’re guaranteed laughter, fighting but overall happy.

As a family, we’ve been on a lot of road trips across England, Scotland and Wales. One road trip we never undertook was across Europe on one of Europe’s most scenic road trips. I have however been on an incredible European road trip with a former flame, a memorable trip it was. But before one can jump onto the scenic road trips there are certain preparations to be made.

Related: Tips for Safe and Happy Road Trips

Tips on preparing for Road Trips

Whenever we had a longer than usual road trip, dad always made sure to prepare the car. This is something I only saw him do but didn’t understand until I started driving.

• Inspect the car tyres – its easy enough to check tyres but its better to have it professionally checked. I have a local Kwik Fit garage that I can use to check my tyres in advance of a long drive.
• Clean the car – during a road trip you’re bound to make a mess of sorts. It’s important to have it cleaned before hand, no one wants to be cooped up in a smelling tin can for hours.
• Fuel up – this is a no brainer but the amount of times I have seen people forget (sigh). Always fill up before leaving as opposed to when you get on the road.
• Prepare some snacks – whether traveling alone or with others you’re bound to get hungry. I always pack snacks to eat on the road especially on long journeys where stopping is a waste.
• Pack Drinks – often I try not to drink before any long road trips as I have a small bladder. But during road trips you can get dehydrated, its important to have fluids to top up on your liquids.

With tips on preparations out-of-the-way, lets look at some of Europe’s most scenic road trips.

Europe’s Most Scenic Road Trips.

Kwik Fit has put together a lovely e-book with some of the most scenic routes in Europe. Browsing through the book, I knew I had to share these scenic routes on here to the road trip enthusiasts. Whilst flying has become much cheaper and train advancements are through the roof, road trips still hold a space place. The following routes are considered to make for Europe’s most scenic road trips;

• Austria – The Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse is a high alpine mountain pass that winds through the iconic Austrian Alps.
• Germany – Route 500 road through Germany’s incredible Black Forest is ideal. It is also the older and most treasured road in Germany, this is one I would like to experience one day.
• Norway – The Trollstigen route is a one-lane road which has been carved from the lofty mountains and supported by stone walls.
• Italy – the country’s most treasured gems is the scenic stretch between Spoleto and Norcia.
• Ireland – Circling Ireland’s picturesque Iveragh peninsula, the Ring of Kerry offers quintessential Irish scenery and an unforgettable journey through some of the world’s most impressive landscapes.
• Iceland –  the spectacular Route One road trip is always high up on any bucket list, who can resist views of the blue lagoon.

Having been to the first five countries I can definitely see why these routes are considered scenic. Whilst I am not too keen on driving on the other side of the road, for these views I think I can manage. Have you ever driven in Europe on any of these scenic routes? What’s your fondest memory when it comes to family road trips?