With freezing temperatures and inches of snow, the UK has recently experienced the so called “beast from the east”, leaving most areas of the country with blizzard like conditions. When we experience weather like this, we just want the summer months to roll around but somehow it feels like a glimpse of the sun isn’t going to appear anytime soon.
Although the start of summer feels like forever away, we all know it will creep up on us within the blink of an eye and for the lucky ones; it will nearly be time to jet off to warmer climates, spend days lounging by the pool and forgetting our normal day to day routine. While most of us like to spend our holiday in an all-inclusive resort, there are other ways to explore Europe.
The idea of a road trip doesn’t appeal to everyone, but it’s this type of holiday that can show you some of the continents hidden secrets. Although a road trip can seem quite daunting to some people, as long as you plan it correctly the rewards are unforgettable. The main part of the trip which needs planning is where you want to go, what you want to see and where you’re going to stay, but you mustn’t forget about your vehicle. After all, your car needs to be in working order for you to be able to travel.
Remembering checks like tyre pressure, first aid kit and screen wash are all important but the main two tests are service and MOT. Before you set off on your travels you need to make sure your car has had its annual MOT and service, doing this means any potential issues will be picked up and the car be sorted before you leave. If you’re unsure of where you can book your vehicle in for an MOT and service, places like Kwik Fit will assign an expert to making sure your vehicle is in full working order.
With your car ready for the trip ahead, it’s time to start looking at where you want to go. Europe is home to some amazing road trips and you just need to carry out some of your own research to uncover them.
Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Dublin and Belfast are Ireland’s best known destinations but exploring the Ring of Kerry allows you to appreciate a different side of the beautiful country. The route starts and ends in Killarney, offering 110 miles of picturesque Irish landscapes and scenery.
The route offers two contrasts, the natural beauty of Killarney National Park and the sandy beach of Glenbeigh. With lush greenery, peaceful lakes and blissful walks, the Killarney National Park is a must if you decide on this road trip. As the route takes you to Glenbeigh or “The Jewel in The Ring of Kerry” as it’s also known, it’s here that you can walk on the beautiful sandy beach and paddle in The Atlantic Ocean.
Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse, Austria
A mouthful, I know but this breathtaking route takes you high into the Alps, offering multiple changes of scenery and numerous hairpin bends.
A firm favourite with motor enthusiasts, this thrill seeking road is home to 36 challenging hairpin bends, which sit at an impressive 2,504 above ground. What makes this road so unique is how the scenery changes throughout the journey. From pretty landscapes full of colourful flowers, to rocky, sharp cliff edges. This route really is for the adrenaline junkies.
The Golden Circle, Iceland
If you’re looking for those dramatic landscapes and incredible natural wonders then Iceland is the place for you. With so much to see it’s hard to fit it all in one trip.
Start in Reykjavík and head along the southern coast to waterfall country. You can then head up to the national parks and into the Golden Circle to see the ancient craters, active geysers, tiered waterfalls, and also Þingvellir National Park. You can see this page to find campervan rental for the trip.
Here are just three examples of the many amazing road trips that Europe has to offer. Just by researching and planning, you’ll be able to discover road trips that are suitable for everyone, whether it’s family friendly or one for the thrill-seekers.