Whether you plan to off-road and see the Northern Lights, camp and kayak, or simply glide through cobbled streets of historic cities, you can see more and do more when you take your 4x4 on your European holiday. But while it might be tempting to hop behind the wheel and take off on your next adventure, there are multiple things you need to consider to ensure you get the most out of it.
This month, to help you navigate your next trip overseas smoothly and safely, we’ve put together a guide to travelling around Europe in your 4x4. Take a look at our recommendations and put the prep in for a trip to remember for all the right reasons.
Insurance and breakdown cover
Getting the right travel insurance and additional car insurance coverage is vital for your journey. You can often find good deals on comparison websites or speak to your current provider to find out whether existing policies are enough or can be amended. Additionally, a breakdown policy that covers European countries should be high on your list of priorities — you’ll want to keep your policy number and documents with you at all times when driving overseas.
Other important documents you’ll need on your European excursion include:
- V5C log book
- Full, valid driving licence
- National Insurance number
- Passport
- Crit’air sticker (France)
Check local rules and routes
Did you know that it’s illegal to drive in flip flops in Spain, Germany and France? Or that it’s illegal to drive using headphones in France? It’s these kinds of small differences in rules that, locally, could put you in hot water with the authorities. Toll roads are also something to keep an eye out for as many European countries have them, including France, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Poland and Croatia.
We recommend you plan your 4x4 or off-road journey and check any local driving rules before you set off. Think, too, about any routes in cities that may not be suitable for 4x4s — plenty of the more rustic destinations will have side streets and roads only suitable for mopeds and small European cars.
Stick to speed limits
This one should go without saying, but the tricky part is factoring in different speed limits as you travel through different countries. The Autobahn, for example, has sections where there are no real speed limits, whereas some countries change their speed limit depending on the season to match road conditions. It’s worth researching this so that you don’t fall foul of the rules and land yourself with an on-the-spot fine — something quite common in many European countries.
Update your sat nav system
If you rely on, or were intending to rely on, your satellite navigation system - be it built into your 4x4 or just on your smartphone - it’s worth updating the device before you go on your trip. This is because important updates could be required to keep information up-to-date regarding routes and closures. It’s also handy to have a physical atlas of the European countries you plan to drive in as well, just in case your sat nav stops or doesn’t update correctly.
Get your UK sticker
Unless you’re driving a vehicle with Euro number plates (noted by a circle with 12 stars on a blue background) then you will need to get yourself a UK sticker. This used to be a GB sticker until the rules changed in 2021 due to Brexit. Now, a UK sticker is required, regardless of whether you already have a GB sticker or not, and should be placed on the back of your vehicle.
Some recommended equipment
Ensuring you have everything you might need can help you avoid any headaches over sourcing and paying for items while you’re trying to relax on holiday. The following should also give you peace of mind when it comes to your safety as you travel across Europe:
- Blankets
- Fire extinguisher
- Torches
- Engine oil
- Spare water
- Replacement bulbs
- Towing equipment
- The important documents we mentioned earlier!
If you’re planning to make your next trip a European off-roading adventure, don’t forget to kit your 4x4 out with the parts you need for a safe and comfortable trip. Whether you need to add a tow bar, fresh performance brake disc kits or a snorkel for off-roading in water, you can find it all here at Milner Off Road. And if you’re already in the EU, there’s great news — we’re once again shipping orders internationally and to Europe for our customers overseas.
For high-quality 4x4 parts you can rely on, browse our range today or call us if you need any assistance finding what you’re after. We’re experts in off-road vehicles and provide same-day dispatch for your items to help you get what you need, when you need it.