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Writer: Co-operation partner

Taking to the roads of Europe offers the lure of beautiful coastlines and winding roads through the mountains. But before you set off, you'll need to plan properly to make sure everything runs smoothly. Making this dream a reality requires more than just booking the ferry and throwing a few things in your bag.

You need to be ready for long hours in the car, evenings in new cities and breaks between stops. If you know what you're doing before you start travelling, you'll have a much better experience. With a little preparation, your journey will be something you remember fondly - instead of something you'd rather forget.

Table of contents

Your mobile phone - your best helper on the road

Your mobile phone is more than just a phone when travelling - it can guide you, give you tips and help you find your way. Before you leave, download maps in advance via apps like Google Maps or Maps.me, so you can find your way even where there is no internet.

It's smart to have a translation app too. Google Translate, for example, allows you to speak directly through the app, which is perfect if you need help in a market in Italy or at a petrol station in Poland.

When you have already downloaded what you need before you start travelling, you are better prepared. You can avoid stress and find your way around more easily. With the right apps, your mobile phone becomes a travelling companion you can always rely on.

Keep busy while travelling

Car journeys can be long, and evenings in hotels can be quite quiet. That's where your mobile phone or tablet comes in handy. Services like Netflix and HBO Max allow you to download films and series in advance, so you'll have something to watch even if the Wi-Fi is poor.

If you like reading, apps like Kindle and Apple Books allow you to take several books with you on your mobile phone. If you prefer games, there are also other things to try. When it comes to casino games, you may find that some Swedish sites do not work abroad.

For this there are also options, with foreign sites you can simply click here and find platforms that can be accessed on the go. This provides another option for personalised pastimes during your travels.

Learn how to pack smart and easy

Packing for a road trip in Europe requires some thought. You need to be ready for different weather and situations without overloading your car. The trick is to choose clothes you can wear in several layers.

A good example is a thin raincoat. You can wear it if it's drizzling in the Alps, or put a warm fleece over it when it gets cold in Normandy. Merino wool is also a good choice for base layers as it keeps you warm, breathes well and doesn't start to smell as quickly - so you don't need to carry as much.

To save space in your bag, choose solid hygiene products. Solid shampoos, conditioners and toothpaste tablets take up less space, are easy to carry and reduce the risk of mess. This will give you more space and help you find what you need faster.

Manage your money smartly in different countries

Travelling around Europe means you need to be aware of how you pay. Many countries use the euro, but some have their own currencies. For example, you'll need zlotys in Poland, korunas in the Czech Republic and forints in Hungary. Having only one card can be a problem.

In countries like Germany, for example, cash is still preferred in many small businesses, from the local bakery to the local pub. If you don't have it, you may have to withdraw money from an ATM with high fees. The best thing is to mix it up. Carry some euros for the first day and change into local currency for small purchases.

Also check out multi-currency travel cards before you travel. They allow you to load different money onto the same card and often get better exchange rates than regular banks. When paying by card, you often get to choose the currency.

Always choose the local one to avoid bad exchange rates from the card reader.It can also give you better control over your spending, less need for cash and extra peace of mind in case your regular bank card breaks or gets lost while travelling.

How to get around a continent full of cultures

Travelling by car through Europe means passing through several countries, each with its own rules and way of life. If you do a little research beforehand, you can avoid unnecessary problems. In France, for example, you must always wear a reflective vest and a warning triangle in your car - it's the law.

In Germany, there are environmental zones, called 'Umweltzonen', in many cities. In these zones, your car needs to have a special sticker on the windscreen. In addition to the traffic rules understanding local customs is a sign of respect. Learning some basic phrases such as "please" and "thank you" in the local language is very important.

In many countries in Eastern Europe, it is customary to look the person you are greeting in the eye and give a firm handshake. Paying attention to such small things shows that you care and take others seriously. It also makes for more pleasant meetings and a more enjoyable journey.