A road trip means something different for everyone. Someone just loves to get around by car, others see this as a way to save money. Still others like to be independent of tours and tickets, while others are used to spending time on a trip with a familiar company of people.
Traveling by car: pros and cons
Pros:
Mobility. Auto is an opportunity to go at any time and to any place, as long as a road is laid there. And the route can be changed the way you want.
Impressions. On the way, you will visit more cities, regions and countries, see how nature, landscapes and climate change.
Saving. You do not need to buy tickets, and if you bring several people with you, the cost of gasoline will be even lower. In addition, the weight of the luggage is limited only by the capacity of the trunk, and you will take with you more necessary (and not so much) things.
Minuses:
Accidents and road accidents. Going on vacation, everyone tries to think about good things. But no one is immune from breakdowns on the road. And if suddenly they happen, it will not work to abandon the car in the middle of the track - the car will have to be urgently repaired, which will take additional money and time.
Dangers on the way. When moving on your own, it is advisable not to stop for the night in unguarded parking lots or right in the middle of the road on the side of the road. This is a necessary safety measure: you will definitely preserve both property and health.
Fatigue. Long journeys in any case tire passengers and, in particular, the driver. Therefore, it is recommended to stop periodically for rest and take several drivers.
What to take on the road?
Everyone who sets out on an independent road trip, especially for the first time, is interested in what things will be needed first and what needs to be done before the trip.
You need to take with you a full package of documents for the car, a Russian driver's license and international license (if required by the country you are visiting).
In addition to money for regular expenses (such as food, fuel, accommodation, entertainment and souvenirs), an additional amount will be required, which will be useful for repairs in case of accidental breakdown. Just to prevent such a situation, before a trip, you need to check the brake system, suspension, chassis, serviceability of mirrors and brake lights. It is also necessary to change all consumables (brake fluid, engine oil, etc.).
The range of household items and personal items depends on many factors, including the budget and purpose of the trip. In any case, towels, soap, a blanket, pillows, plastic bags, drinking water, a paper road map (even with a GPS-navigator), tools will not be superfluous.
Car rent
Obviously, you cannot go by car to anywhere in the world. But there are rental companies almost everywhere. As a rule, their first offices meet at the airport.
The rental price at the airport is usually higher than in points within the city or resort. If possible, it is better to book a car in advance through the company's website. Upon receipt of the car, carefully inspect it for damage and scratches and mark those found in the acceptance certificate. Be sure to read all rental conditions, insurance, additional fees and restrictions. The smaller the car, the cheaper it is. It is more profitable to arrange a lease for a long term.
Traveling by car in Europe is more profitable than using public transport. But each country in the EU has its own nuances. So, in Germany, cars are rented from the age of 18, in Norway from 19, in Belgium from 21, and in Luxembourg - from 23. Keep in mind that in the countries of the European Union there are many toll roads and parking lots.
Travel routes by car
If you look at the travel stories on our website, you will find many destinations. Car enthusiasts go on trips of various scales: to their native land, to a neighboring city, to the south of Russia to the sea, to neighboring countries, on a tour of Europe and even on a road trip around the world. By car, they most often go to nature with tents, to sea resorts and to iconic natural attractions such as Baikal or Plitvice Lakes. And for some, traveling on their own in a car becomes a matter of their whole life. Just such tourists go on a trip to China, Southeast Asia, South America, the USA and other non-standard destinations.
"Routes" and travel by car
On the Routes website, people say in their blogs:
- about car rental in different cities and states;
- about routes, quality of roads, roadside hotels and cafes;
- about the peculiarities of traveling by car;
- stories that happened to them on the road.
Read "Routes", plan your trip with our website, talk about your car trips and other adventures.
