For many of us, reaching adulthood means taking a trip to Spain with our mates, or even taking a year out to go backpacking in Asia.
However, one of the best ways for us to make memories of our youth is to pack up our cars and go on a scenic road trip adventure.
Here are just some of the best trips to make from the UK:
UK to the South of France
The South of France is one of the most stunning places in Europe to visit. With dramatic landscapes, spectacular coastlines and hot weather, all you need to do is hop on a ferry (from one of the numerous ports in England) and make your way across the English Channel.
Perfect for a budget, the South of France has an abundance of camping sites where you can stay for just a few euros. The French Riviera is perfect for those who love beaches, but there are also a multitude of lakes to visit where you can avoid the crowds and pause for a cool down. If you fancy a party, make sure to add a stop off in St Tropez or Cannes to your itinerary.
UK to Ireland
A trip to Ireland is wonderful in the fact that you get to visit another country, without the need to learn a new language. Plus, Ireland has plenty of stunning coastal and countryside roads, as well as bustling cities like Dublin and Belfast if you’re looking to party with the locals.
A visit in winter means you’ll be able to cosy up by an open fire in an Irish pub with a pint of Guinness, a good stew and listen to some traditional Irish music.
UK to… Well the UK
Going on a road trip doesn’t mean you need to go far. The UK is full of beautiful drives that are right on our doorstep. Ideal for short notice or if you’ve only got a few days to spare, you can simply pack light, grab a few friends and go where the notion takes you.
Popular road trips in the UK include the Atlantic Highway in southwest England, which takes in the Devon and Cornish coast. Here you can stop off and learn to surf or indulge in a genuine Cornish pasty. Or you could even visit the Scottish Highlands for a chance to spot the Loch Ness monster on your travels!
UK to Morocco
If you fancy an ambitious road trip that takes in multiple countries and cultures, a trip to Morocco through France and Spain will be the trip of a lifetime. Best for those with the time to explore, firstly you will take a ferry over to France, drive through Spain and then a final ferry trip into Morocco.
To make the most of this trip, take your time through France and Spain with plenty of stopovers to indulge in the culture and sights each country has to offer.
UK to Scandinavia
If you’ve always fancied a trip to Scandinavia but were put off by the prices, then a road trip could be the perfect solution. Just load your car with supplies and camping equipment, take the ferry to France then start your journey through the Netherlands and Germany, before reaching Denmark. If you have time, you can also continue your journey up to Norway and Sweden too.
Due to the harsh conditions in winter, this is a trip best taken in summer as the last thing you want is to try and drive (or camp) in the freezing snow.
Before heading on any road trip though, there are a few essential things you need to do:
- Your car should be booked in for a service prior to leaving. You want to make sure your car is in its best condition as breaking down abroad where there is a language barrier can be a nightmare. Repair costs can also vary dramatically from the UK. You may be lucky and find they are cheaper, but many can also be far more expensive.
- Conduct your own car checks too. Not only will this give you peace of mind, but it will also allow you to check for problems your service might have missed or are not checked as part of that service. Follow a checklist for car maintenance checks and pay particular attention to your brakes and tyres.
- Make sure that any car insurance you have will leave you covered in a foreign country. You should check your car insurance details and make any changes you need to before you leave, as otherwise, you could be in for a costly mistake if an accident happens.
- Most of all, make sure your car is clean as you’re going to be spending a substantial amount of time in it. Hoover your seats, throw out any rubbish and add a nice air freshener. It will make a world of difference.