Who hasn’t dreamt of leaving everything behind to drive up and down around the world in a van? Make authentic encounters, discover postcard landscapes, sleep under the stars and experience freedom at every moment. This is what drives us as travellers. All the more so as often, in addition to exploring new horizons, we also set out to conquer our inner world. All these representations are right, but they are also accompanied by much more down-to-earth considerations. Imagining a perfect trip where you marvel at everything, without the slightest upset, is optimistic, but it is better to be prepared in case everything does not go exactly as planned. By the way, where do you start to organise a road trip? Don’t panic, we have all the answers you need right underneath.
The itinerary
The most important thing for a successful road trip is to organise your itinerary correctly. There are two schools of thought, here: those who leave totally improvised, and those who plan ahead. The secret often lies in a balance between these two extremes. Select at least in advance the stages you absolutely want to go through (city or place with a must-see activity). Based on this, look at the distances and travel times, and set up drop-off points to spend the night. Nothing prevents you then from slightly modifying the plan according to your meetings or your state of tiredness. But at least you will have a base to rest on. If you are going in high season and want to spend the night in a hostel, make a selection by looking at the reviews on the booking sites. Sometimes it is better to pay a few euros more and have good quality and quietness. Book your room in advance if you can, to avoid surprises when you arrive, tired. Finally, have a GPS or guidance application on your smartphone and a paper map.
The means of transport
Road-trip is the freedom to walk along the roads without thinking about anything but the present moment. But to fully enjoy it during the trip, think about everything before you leave. The choice of your vehicle will be decisive. It’s up to you to decide whether you prefer two-wheelers (motorised or not) with the option of camping under the stars and aches and pains, a comfortable motor home, an efficient and inexpensive car, or the little favourite of adventurers: the fully equipped van. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so gather as much advice and testimonials as possible before making your choice. Your budget will also be very dependent on your vehicle.
The formalities
Before setting out to conquer your dreams, you have to go through the administrative part that everyone hates. You absolutely need to make a “paper” point as soon as you know you are going to leave, because some steps take a lot of time. First of all, check the validity of your identity card or passport. Then, get an international driver’s license if you need one, and a visa. Finally, think about health insurance (European card or private insurance) and vehicle insurance. Don’t neglect this tedious part, as it could cost you a lot of money, or on the contrary, get you out of tricky situations. Scan all your documents before you leave, and keep a copy always accessible on your computer and another one at a friend’s home.
The essential things to take with you
Your best smile (and a few other trinkets)! You will most likely meet and chat with locals, so try to learn a few words of the language, and respect the places you pass by. In addition to your human baggage, also bring a few things that will make your life easier. A cigarette lighter battery charger, a lamp, cutlery, food and water, a blanket, a first aid kit, and a toilet bag are a minimum to take along. If you intend to camp, prepare your tent, a duvet, an air mattress and a pillow. Don’t forget your camera and a travel journal to immortalise your road trip. Finally, remember to have fun by bringing a few books, music and games.
All you have to do is get a tourist guide to your destination and tick off the days on your calendar. The road trip of your life is waiting for you, and you now have all the keys to organise it efficiently.
Who hasn’t dreamt of leaving everything behind to drive up and down around the world in a van? Make authentic encounters, discover postcard landscapes, sleep under the stars and experience freedom at every moment. This is what drives us as travellers. All the more so as often, in addition to exploring new horizons, we also set out to conquer our inner world. All these representations are right, but they are also accompanied by much more down-to-earth considerations. Imagining a perfect trip where you marvel at everything, without the slightest upset, is optimistic, but it is better to be prepared in case everything does not go exactly as planned. By the way, where do you start to organise a road trip? Don’t panic, we have all the answers you need right underneath.
The itinerary
The most important thing for a successful road trip is to organise your itinerary correctly. There are two schools of thought, here: those who leave totally improvised, and those who plan ahead. The secret often lies in a balance between these two extremes. Select at least in advance the stages you absolutely want to go through (city or place with a must-see activity). Based on this, look at the distances and travel times, and set up drop-off points to spend the night. Nothing prevents you then from slightly modifying the plan according to your meetings or your state of tiredness. But at least you will have a base to rest on. If you are going in high season and want to spend the night in a hostel, make a selection by looking at the reviews on the booking sites. Sometimes it is better to pay a few euros more and have good quality and quietness. Book your room in advance if you can, to avoid surprises when you arrive, tired. Finally, have a GPS or guidance application on your smartphone and a paper map.
The means of transport
Road-trip is the freedom to walk along the roads without thinking about anything but the present moment. But to fully enjoy it during the trip, think about everything before you leave. The choice of your vehicle will be decisive. It’s up to you to decide whether you prefer two-wheelers (motorised or not) with the option of camping under the stars and aches and pains, a comfortable motor home, an efficient and inexpensive car, or the little favourite of adventurers: the fully equipped van. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so gather as much advice and testimonials as possible before making your choice. Your budget will also be very dependent on your vehicle.
The formalities
Before setting out to conquer your dreams, you have to go through the administrative part that everyone hates. You absolutely need to make a “paper” point as soon as you know you are going to leave, because some steps take a lot of time. First of all, check the validity of your identity card or passport. Then, get an international driver’s license if you need one, and a visa. Finally, think about health insurance (European card or private insurance) and vehicle insurance. Don’t neglect this tedious part, as it could cost you a lot of money, or on the contrary, get you out of tricky situations. Scan all your documents before you leave, and keep a copy always accessible on your computer and another one at a friend’s home.
The essential things to take with you
Your best smile (and a few other trinkets)! You will most likely meet and chat with locals, so try to learn a few words of the language, and respect the places you pass by. In addition to your human baggage, also bring a few things that will make your life easier. A cigarette lighter battery charger, a lamp, cutlery, food and water, a blanket, a first aid kit, and a toilet bag are a minimum to take along. If you intend to camp, prepare your tent, a duvet, an air mattress and a pillow. Don’t forget your camera and a travel journal to immortalise your road trip. Finally, remember to have fun by bringing a few books, music and games.
All you have to do is get a tourist guide to your destination and tick off the days on your calendar. The road trip of your life is waiting for you, and you now have all the keys to organise it efficiently.
