Among the travellers, there are those who prefer to organize everything in advance, train or plane tickets, hotel reservations or even a pre-defined tour program. Then there are those for whom holidays means improvisation, following your instincts and for these travellers, a road trip in a van is an exciting way to discover the country! Ready to conquer Europe in your home car? Here are some tips to prepare your adventure
Prepare your van to drive comfortably and safely
There are now companies that have understood that going on a van holiday is a concept that appeals to many people and therefore offers car rental. This may be a good option if you plan a short stay, if you don't want to embarrass yourself with formalities or if you want to be sure to drive with an almost new machine
But there are also those who buy a van in order to be able to arrange it at their convenience, who wish to travel for a longer period and especially why not, several times a year. Once purchased, registered and controlled, you must think about its layout to be sure of a minimum of comfort. Indeed, you will spend several hours on the road and several elements will be useful to you in order to optimize comfort and the rest phases essential to regain energy. We start by thinking carefully about the layout of the van. The bed mattress must be comfortable, check to see if you are buying a van that has already been fitted out; and if it is empty, very practical solutions exist such as ready-made beds. You also have to think about the kitchen area, because in addition to sleeping well, you will have to eat well to regain your strength. There are so-called indoor kitchens but also outdoor kitchens, which are hidden in a drawer. This saves a lot of space. And to wash, there are several options. Those who are uncompromising on this point can always turn to municipal showers or campsites, provided they have been clearly identified. But if you don't want it to become a constraint and hinder your feeling of total freedom, it is also possible to take a large basin with you with you with a washcloth and heat the water, opt for a portable pressure shower or even use a solar shower. The latter is very practical to wash in places of nature farthest from any civilization.
Finally, in the 10 days before departure, remember to make the main safety checks on your van: tyre pressure, oil, brake fluid, air filter, lights and very important, the windscreen washer in case you pass through wet areas with dirt roads.
Budget, rules to know and advice
The budget is also important. Even if the van is exempt from accommodation costs, which are often important during the holidays, there are a whole range of other expenses to consider. Take a look at fuel consumption, possible tolls, paid activities and visits, food and finally plan a small nest egg in advance in case of a problem
In Europe, you do not need an international driving licence. On the other hand, if you are going away for a long time, remember to apply to the CPAM for the European Health Insurance Card. It allows you to cover medical expenses according to the scales of the country where you are located. You can never be too careful. As far as the highway code is concerned, it is relatively uniform throughout the European Union. However, speed limits may vary from one country to another, as may the switching on of dipped-beam headlamps during the day or not. It should also be noted that a vignette is required to use Austrian motorways and national roads. They can be found at the main Austrian border crossings and at petrol stations. It is essential to learn about the details that may differ from one country to another, so as not to be surprised. You should also remember to carry your identity card and vehicle documents with you
Finally, because we live in a connected world, and for those who have trouble doing without their smartphone, several applications can be useful. WifiFinder for WiFi, Aroundme for activities, Roadtrippers or Waze are allies to make life easier and enjoy as much as possible an adventure that promises to be unique and exciting in many ways.
