Planning a Two-month European Adventure
The Ins and Outs of Planning Our Two-Month European Road Trip
Planning a two-month European road trip has been both exhilarating and overwhelming for us. With so many incredible destinations on our list—Lyon, Annecy, Geneva, Chamonix/Zermatt, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, Lucerne, Zurich, Liechtenstein, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna, Prague, Dresden/Berlin, Lübeck, Malmö, Copenhagen, Bremen, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, Giverny, and Mont Saint Michel—getting the logistics right has been a major part of our journey before the actual journey begins. Here's what we've learned so far about mapping out the route, navigating challenges, and preparing for this epic road trip.
Mapping the Route and Picking Destinations
The first hurdle was deciding where to go and how to get there without driving ourselves into exhaustion. We wanted to see as much as possible, but we also didn’t want to spend every waking moment behind the wheel. Using Google Maps, travel forums, and tips from friends who’ve done similar trips, we crafted a route that zigzags through some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes. We’ll start in France and then weave through Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, The Netherlands, and back to France, with each stop offering its own unique flavor.
Balancing big cities like Vienna and Amsterdam with quieter, nature-focused spots like Grindelwald and Zermatt was important to us. We’re drawn to vibrant city life, but we also need those quiet moments in nature, where we can relax and take in the scenery. We’re particularly excited about traveling in autumn; the fall foliage, the cooler weather, and the off-peak tourist season should make each stop feel just a bit more special and serene.
Logistics: Car Buying, Accommodation, and Border Crossings
One of our biggest logistical challenges was figuring out transportation. We needed a car that could handle long drives, mountain roads, and city traffic without making us feel cramped. Buying the right car in France turned into an adventure on its own, balancing comfort, fuel efficiency, and storage space. Since we'll have everything with us for two months—no backup storage anywhere—finding the right vehicle was crucial.
Accommodation planning has also been a bit of a puzzle. We’re mixing it up with hotels, Airbnbs, and vacation rentals, choosing places based on parking availability, flexibility with check-ins, and proximity to our planned activities. Booking ahead has been key, especially for popular spots like Lucerne and Copenhagen, where accommodations can fill up quickly.
Traveling with Frankie adds another layer to the logistics. Not every place is dog-friendly, so we’ve had to research each accommodation’s pet policies and make sure that cities like Vienna and Amsterdam have green spaces for her to enjoy. There are also pet fees to consider and making sure her paperwork is up-to-date for crossing borders.
Planning for Borders and Road Regulations
Border crossings can be surprisingly complicated, with different countries requiring various documents, toll passes, and highway vignettes. Switzerland, for example, requires a vignette that you stick on your windshield, while Austria has its own set of road tolls. We’ve been researching these passes in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises. And, of course, there’s Frankie’s paperwork. Ensuring she has the right vaccinations and a valid pet passport has been just as important as our own travel prep.
Timing, Sightseeing, and Reservations
Timing our travels to avoid the peak tourist crowds has been one of our biggest strategies. We’ve chosen to hit most places just as the summer crowds taper off but before winter fully sets in, hoping to capture the best of Europe’s autumn beauty without battling the masses. For places like Zermatt, visiting in the fall means no ski crowds, while spots like Bruges will be less packed with tourists, giving us room to explore at our own pace.
We’ve also had to be smart about sightseeing, especially for major attractions that need advance reservations. From Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace to Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum, we’ve learned that some tickets are booked weeks, if not months, in advance. Not having a plan can mean missing out, so we’ve tried to be proactive without locking ourselves into a rigid schedule.
Packing for a Two-Month Adventure
Packing has been all about versatility—clothes that can handle the Alps' chill and the warmer, more temperate days in cities. Layers are our best friend, along with lightweight rain jackets and shoes that can manage both city streets and hiking trails.
Traveling in autumn means packing for a range of temperatures, and we’ve prepared for everything from crisp mountain mornings to warmer afternoons in the city. We’ve also packed essentials like a portable cooler for snacks, adapters for different outlets, and tech gadgets to keep us connected and our devices charged. Our goal is to be self-sufficient but adaptable, ready for whatever the road throws at us.
Navigating Language Barriers and Local Customs
Language barriers are part of the adventure. While English is widely spoken, there will be times when we have to rely on our (very) basic French and German. We’ve been brushing up on simple phrases for ordering food, asking for directions, and navigating public transport. It’s a little intimidating but also adds to the charm and authenticity of the experience.
Local customs, especially driving rules, can vary widely. Some cities have specific parking regulations, low-emission zones, or quirky road signs that you won’t find anywhere else. We’ve been doing our homework to avoid fines and to make sure we’re respecting local laws.
The Reward: Flexibility and the Freedom to Explore
After months of planning, the best part will be the freedom to explore Europe at our own pace. We can linger in places we love, skip the spots that don’t capture us, and truly make this journey our own. Traveling by car gives us the freedom to take spontaneous detours, find hidden gems off the beaten path, and slow down when we need to.
As we get closer to our departure, we’re ready to embrace the unexpected, lean into the adventure, and enjoy every twist and turn that comes our way. It’s going to be an incredible ride.
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