Vacationing by car is always a pleasant experience, approved by many Romanians lately, because it allows the easy exploration of different places and the possibility of creating unforgettable memories. Thus, people are no longer stressed to reach a point at a certain time, they can stop whenever they want or when they need to and they successfully manage to see many more tourist attractions on their way to their dream vacation. However, such a car trip could become a real nightmare if the owner does not take certain safety measures, so that everything goes perfectly. The well-planned details will make the difference between a successful vacation and one that no one will ever want to remember.

In the article below, you will discover how to plan your vacation by car, choosing the right destination, the period in which it will take place, accommodation, luggage and useful medical insurance. Next, you will discover what are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling by car and the steps you must take in this regard: the car checks for the long journey, the necessary documents, the validity of the insurance, the route check and the payment of road taxes. You will also be able to find out some ideas of routes and destinations suitable for a special vacation by car.

1. Planning a vacation by car in Europe or in the country

Everyone can’t wait for the leave or vacation to escape from everyday life, from the ordinary landscape. Many turn to different travel agencies and leave it to them to benefit from a well-deserved vacation, but others think of being spontaneous and leaving home by car, with their partner or dear friends. Planning your vacation by car is very important in order to have a special experience, free of dangers or unnecessary stress. After all, the vacation is only about relaxation, rest and fun, so it’s good to get all the details right.

1.1. Choosing the right destination for a car trip

Before setting off on the road, you must choose the right destination for a trip with your personal car. To do this, priorities and interests will be taken into account, looking for clear information about routes and tourist attractions. After the person in question has chosen the destination, the possible routes to get here will be established. Depending on the tourist attractions he wants to see, he will select the appropriate route.

Fortunately, modern technology offers a valuable help to car drivers, no matter if they choose to travel in the country or in Europe, providing them with different applications to reach their destination faster, not to make the wrong route or to avoid congestion or roads with pits or those under construction. If, for one reason or another, the driver does not have these applications at his disposal, he can always use classic maps, travel guides or online maps.

1.2. The duration of the vacation by car and the travel period

A car trip can become tiring if it takes too long. Drivers can get tired and think that the effort will be too great, so next time they will give up going on the road. For this reason, it is vital to determine from the start the duration of the vacation, depending on how much he is willing to drive. If it is only about a few days of vacation, then the chosen destination must be closer to home, to allow him to relax and have fun, not just drive. For a trip of a week or more, you can opt for a more distant route.

Checking the weather conditions is important, because some areas can be visited at certain times of the year to obtain the desired thermal comfort. Specialists are of the opinion that it is often the weather that greatly influences people’s opinion about the experience lived along the journey by car, so it is good to check this aspect as well.

1.3. Booking and accommodation for a special holiday by car

Depending on the route chosen for the final destination, but also on your preferences or personal budget, you will opt for a certain accommodation or another. On the Internet there are specialized sites in this sense or different applications where you can make the desired reservations in order to obtain the right accommodation.

The price comparison must be done before making the reservation. Also, read carefully including the facilities that are offered, because they must be adapted to the needs. If the facilities will not rise to the desired level, the experience could be considered less pleasant. A very good idea is to carefully read the reviews provided by other travelers beforehand, because there you can see different problems related to accommodation, which could be anticipated.

1.4. Preparing the luggage for the car journey

Enthusiasm will be overflowing, for sure, when it comes to a vacation by car with your loved ones. Everyone can’t wait to leave and starts packing. In a short time, the trunk of the car will be cramped and passengers will feel disappointed that they will not be able to take everything they want. Obviously, they can’t put their entire bedroom closet in the trunk.

The car’s capacity is limited, so this aspect must be taken into account. Everyone will put the basic things in their luggage, so that there is enough room for everyone else. If the driver goes alone on a vacation by car, then things are simplified, because there will be no problems for a single person.

The essential luggage for traveling by car must include the following things: documents and documents, road safety kit, technical and maintenance equipment, road maps, clothes and shoes, toiletries and personal hygiene items, food, drinks, travel equipment, medicines, first aid kit.

1.5. The importance of having travel medical insurance when planning a car trip

A trip by car is eagerly awaited by the majority. Sometimes, out of too much enthusiasm, people forget to take out a medical travel insurance and find themselves in the situation of needing such a policy due to various events that take place. Those who want to convince themselves of the importance of having travel medical insurance should know that:

• can cover expenses related to consultations, treatments, hospitalizations, etc.;
• includes emergency medical assistance services;
• covers the risk of road accidents;
• offers peace of mind during the car journey;
• it may be mandatory to complete in order to allow entry into a certain country.

2. The advantages and disadvantages of traveling by car on vacation

Getting on the road to travel around the country or even in Europe is a dream of most vacation-loving drivers. This option of traveling comes with many advantages, but also with some disadvantages, which it is good to know before leaving home and abandoning public transport (plane, train, bus).

2.1. The advantages of traveling by car

Among the advantages of a trip by car, regardless of the length of the route, are:

• The freedom to choose the road and to deviate from it if the driver so wishes;
• The possibility to admire the landscapes at your leisure, making frequent stops or whenever necessary (especially when there is also a small child in the car);
• Avoiding busy roads, so as not to waste vacation time in traffic;
• Obtaining important savings in terms of travel costs, especially if there are other passengers in the car;
• The level of comfort is very high compared to that of a train, plane or bus, especially for families with small children;
• Control over the temperature or over the choice of music;
• The opportunity to get in touch with the local people.

2.2. Disadvantages of traveling by car

Those who want to go on vacation to the sea by car or to the mountains, in the country or abroad, must know that there are also some disadvantages of this way of traveling:

• The driver can accumulate stress and fatigue, especially if he drives for many hours. This can increase the risk of having a road accident;
• In some situations, new costs related to the payment of road, parking or maintenance fees may be needed. If the car is very old, then it might break down on the road, which would be very expensive;
• The space in the car is quite small, so the traveling position can cause back pain, leg pain, etc.;
• On the road, different situations may arise related to roads under construction, dangerous weather conditions or road accidents;
• In some cases, the time required to travel by car can be longer than that obtained for traveling by plane, for example.

3. Steps to a worry-free driving holiday

Planning the trip must also take into account the flawless operation of the car, the existence of the necessary documents and documents, the route check, whether or not tolls need to be paid. Few things can surprise a driver if he has successfully ticked these things.

3.1. Checking the functionality of the car for a safe journey

Especially if you opt for a car holiday in Europe, the vehicle must be in perfect working order. Thus, it is necessary to examine its functionality, taking into account the most important long-distance car checks:

• Engine oil, brake fluid, antifreeze must be at the recommended level. If leaks are observed, a service check will be required;
• The condition and thickness of brake pads, drums and discs must be within normal parameters;
• The tires must be in good condition, and the spare wheel as well;
• If the car battery is a few years old, it would be better to replace it from the start. If it is within the validity period, its condition will be tested;
• The air conditioning system must work regardless of whether it will be cold or hot outside. Comfort is necessary in summer, and in winter the lack of heat can endanger the lives of passengers or traffic safety;
• The lighting system will also be checked, with the driver making sure that all the lights work perfectly;
• The car must be equipped with warning triangles, fire extinguisher, reflective vests, etc.

3.2. The necessary documents for a successful holiday by car

A successful vacation remains a special experience that many will remember with pleasure. For this reason, it is good that the driver does not forget at home any of the documents that he must have on him. Obviously, these documents include the driver’s license, which must be valid and accepted by the country you will be traveling to, the identity card or passport also valid, the registration certificate, RCA insurance, travel insurance, road tax (if required) or vignette, periodic technical inspection certificate. It also proved to be very useful on a long journey CASCO insurance, because it offers much more coverage.

3.3. Checking the route and tolls for a trip by car

After all these things have been established, you can actually proceed to the last stage, that of checking the route and paying the tolls. With the help of a travel application, closed roads, works in progress, periods of restrictions can be identified. Road, highway and toll fees may be mandatory in certain European countries, so it is good to check this aspect as well (as a rule, they can also be paid online).

3.4. Route ideas and suitable destinations for a car holiday

For those who want to hit the road, some suitable routes and destinations for a wonderful vacation by car in Romania are those presented below:

• Transalpina (one of the highest roads in the country);
• Transfagarasan (a spectacular mountain route);
• The Bicaz Gorges and the Red Lake;
• monasteries from Moldova;
• Sambetei Valley (Fagaras Mountains);
• the wine-growing region of Muntenia;
• Maramures.

These are just some of the examples of roads that can be crossed by car. The diversity of the offer is obvious, so it’s up to everyone to make their own route and start the experience of life.

People who want to travel abroad can enjoy the shorter routes that they can take in the vicinity of Romania, such as those through Bulgaria, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, Serbia, Moldova, but also some longer and much more interesting ones, such as the famous North Coast 500 route in Scotland, where you can discover medieval castles, glacial lakes, traditional villages, the Atlantic road in Norway or the Amalfi coast in Italy, which offers great views of the Mediterranean Sea. For those who want to be truly adventurous and want to live a fabulous experience, they can consider a visit to the USA to travel Route 66, from Chicago to Los Angeles.

In conclusion, a safe and carefree journey with a personal car can become a reality if all the important details are taken into account. The advice of the specialists, the proper preparation of the car, the conclusion of the necessary insurances and the choice of the right route with the driver’s driving experience will guarantee a wonderful vacation.