On the road in Europe
Taking a road trip across Europe can be one of the best methods of taking in all that a country has to offer. With long, scenic drives through vast areas of countryside, mountain trails and national parks en route to major cities, such trips can add another dimension to family holidays and city breaks alike.
With ferry services operating out of UK ports such as Hull and Harwich, both as day crossings and overnight crossings that include a stay in a comfortable cabin, allowing you to catch some rest before the long drive ahead.
Before you set off on your road trip abroad, there are a number of things you need to check you have organised before you travel – both for yourself and for your vehicle. So what should you be checking before you hit the road?
- Documentation – Before you take your vehicle across to another country, there are several pieces of documentation that you should ensure you have for the duration of your trip, in order to ensure that you and your passengers are covered in the event of an accident or breakdown.
- Driving licence (both card and paper parts) – essential for the purposes of immigration checks at ferry ports and some borders.
- Passport – another essential document for international travel, ensure that yours is up to date and valid for travel before you set off on your journey.
- Entry visas (if required) – be sure to check whether you’ll need a visa in order to enter the countries you intend to visit.
Most countries in Western Europe will not require a visa for UK passport holders, it’s always best to double check the requirements for any country you intend on including on your route, and to ensure you have the correct documentation required for when you visit.
- Motor insurance documentation – ensure you have valid car insurance before you travel.
If you’re splitting the drive between you and your travel companions, make sure that you’ve added them as additional drivers on your policy for the duration of your trip. There is usually a small cost involved.
- European car insurance – this can normally be purchased as an add-on to your existing policy, speak to your current provider about adding it to your policy.
These can usually be bought for periods of up to 90 days during a full policy year, as well as providing you with a Green Card, which covers you abroad – this can vary from policy to policy though, so it can be a good idea to shop around.
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – this handy little card is free for UK residents, and entitles you to any treatment you may need while on your holidays and access to the same state-provided healthcare as a resident of the country you are visiting.
An EHIC card is not an alternative to a travel insurance policy, but by taking one as well as a travel insurance policy for the duration of your trip you can help to give yourself piece of mind and ensure that you are covered in case something goes wrong.
As well as making sure of the wellbeing of yourself and your passengers, it’s vital that you check the roadworthiness of your vehicle before you embark on your journey. Here are a few things you should be checking before you hit the road.
- Oil levels
- Screen wash levels
- Tyre treads and pressure – ensure your tyres are fully inflated and are above the minimum required tread level, this’ll help with fuel economy during the journey
- Windscreen – check for chips in the glass and repair if needed
The following items must also be present in your car during the trip; in some countries having these items is a legal requirement. All of the items can be purchased in car superstores such as Halfords.
- Emergency warning triangle
- First Aid Kit
- Headlight beam converter – for when you’re driving in Europe, in order to prevent dazzling drivers on the opposite side of the road from you.
- Headlight bulb replacement kit
- Fluorescent yellow vest – required in case of a breakdown
By taking time out to ensure that your vehicle is in the best possible condition before you travel, and by ensuring you have all the relevant documentation to hand, you can help you and your passengers to get the most from your road trip
