While winter is a great time to embark on a European road trip, planning a winter journey does require a little extra thought and preparation due to the often hazardous weather conditions. So, here’s how to plan a safe and exciting winter road trip across Europe.
Map Out Your Route
The first step in organising a European road trip in winter is planning your route. Whether you want to begin in the UK and work your way to Finland, or start in the centre with the Czech Republic and work your way out, you need to create a route to follow so you can plan what to do, where to stay, and what climates to prepare for.
It’s important to research road conditions and create backups for any weather-related closures that may disrupt your journey. You might also want to book any accommodation far in advance as ski resorts and Christmas markets can attract millions of tourists.
Car Considerations
A lengthy road trip requires the right car. It needs to be comfortable, spacious enough to fit all your luggage comfortably, reliable, good on fuel, and suitable for a variety of different terrains.
If your car isn’t well suited to a road trip, renting one is the perfect alternative. Just be sure that your rental car includes winter tyres and, if required, snow chains, as these are mandatory in many European countries during the colder months. You may also want to consider one way car hire options if you don’t plan on looping back to your starting point, so you can collect in one location and drop off in another.
Driving in Winter: Top Tips
It’s important to drive with caution, particularly in heavy snowfall or icy conditions. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Take your time – icy roads, dense fog, or heavy rainfall can reduce visibility and traction. It’s important to drive slowly and allow plenty of time to get to your destination.
- Avoid sudden movements – if you’re driving in icy conditions, it’s important not to brake abruptly or accelerate too fast. If you do skid, you should gently steer into it and avoid breaking too hard.
- Top up all fluids – you should have plenty of oil, windscreen wash, coolant, and fuel. You may also want to use antifreeze to help protect the engine from damage.
- Use the right tyres – all four of your tyres should be the same and be either all season or winter tyres.
Plan your Winter Road Trip Today!
Although a European road trip in winter does require more thought, it’s more than worth the effort. By mapping your route, considering your car choice carefully, and driving cautiously in difficult conditions, you can enjoy a smooth sailing road trip experience.