A European road trip could be the perfect adventure for those who want to experience the excitement of visiting new places while also enjoying the independence of being on their own schedule. And the United Kingdom is a great place to get started on your adventure. Britain is the ideal starting point for a road trip across Europe thanks to its varied landscapes, long history, and fascinating culture.
Make sure you’re well-organised and have everything you need before hitting the road. If you need some guidance in getting started, here it is.
Set your course
Planning a road trip begins with picking a path. How about you decide between going east towards the continent, or going north towards Scotland and then across to mainland Europe? Take your time exploring the various possibilities until you find the one that works best for you.
Verify all of your paperwork
Get your paperwork in order before you leave. Be sure that you are covered by your insurance policy if you plan to drive your own vehicle abroad. A valid passport is required, and a visa may be necessary, depending on where you intend to go.
Take your car in for maintenance.
Before you get behind the wheel, check to see that your car service is up to date . Do some maintenance on it, like getting the oil changed and water levels checked and making sure the tyres are at the right pressure. In a foreign country, you definitely don’t want to break down on the side of the road.
Plan ahead when packing
Don’t lug around unnecessary items and think before you pack. The last thing you want to be doing is struggling to carry around a bunch of unnecessary belongings, so pack light. Invest in a high-quality, lightweight rucksack or duffel bag, and fill it with clothes appropriate for the climates you’ll encounter in each country you visit.
Consider your lodging options before you travel
Make plans for overnight stays before you leave. Where do you plan to rest your head each night? During the busy season, hotels and other lodgings may fill up quickly, so planning ahead is essential.
Familiarise yourself with some simple phrases
Learning some simple phrases in the native tongue of the countries you plan to visit is always a good idea. A simple “hello,” “please,” and “thank you” can go a long way towards demonstrating appreciation for and understanding of the local culture.
Learn the local traditions
It’s important to familiarise yourself with the norms and practises of the countries you’ll be visiting. Using your hands to eat is considered impolite in some cultures while perfectly acceptable in others. Having this information at your disposal will help you avoid any potentially embarrassing scenarios.
If you take the time to follow these guidelines and do some research, you can make sure that the European road trip that you start in Britain is an exciting and interesting experience that you will never forget. Prepare yourselves for the adventure of a lifetime by loading up the car with your belongings, buckling up, and setting out on the road!
Are Eurotunnel Le Shuttle & Eurostar the same company?
No – Eurostar uses Eurotunnel’s tunnel, and is one of their biggest customers. The Channel Tunnel is the longest undersea tunnel in the world at 38km long.
Where can I board?
Eurotunnel’s UK boarding point is in Folkestone, Kent.
Eurostar runs from three UK stations on the same line: St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International.
Where can I go?
The main Eurostar routes go to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, with some seasonal routes and connections across France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle runs solely between Folkestone and Calais.
By foot or by vehicle?
Travelling on foot is great if you’re visiting a busy city for the weekend, but driving might be more suitable for a longer trip and allows for greater baggage allowances.
Eurostar trains are for foot passengers only, so are ideal if you don’t need or want a vehicle for your trip.
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle carries freight and all forms of vehicle, including cars, motorbikes, campervans, caravans, coaches and lorries. You cannot travel as a foot passenger on Eurotunnel, but you are able to take a bicycle.
Covid measures
Eurostar carriages are cleaned regularly, and some seats left free to allow for social distancing. Masks should be worn for the duration of the journey and in the stations.
Eurotunnel allows you to remain in the comfort of your vehicle at all times, so no contact with staff or other passengers. You are not required to wear a mask in your vehicle, unless travelling by motorcycle or a convertible car with the roof down.
Animals
Only assistance dogs are allowed on Eurostar trains.
Eurotunnel allows you to travel with a pet for an additional cost of £22 each way (assistance dogs are exempt), providing you have the necessary paperwork. You can also travel with your horse!
With so many new pet owners emerging from the pandemic, it’s not surprising to see that more than 25,000 pets have joined their families on Eurotunnel in August 2021 (one way).
Journey length
Eurotunnel takes just 35 minutes between Folkestone and Calais.
Eurostar takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach Paris from London.
Frequency
Eurotunnel runs up to 4 shuttle departures per hour during peak times.
Eurostar generally runs a service every 30 minutes during peak times, but is currently running a reduced service due to Covid restrictions.
- Book your getaway with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle from as little as:
- £91 per vehicle (up to 9 passengers) for a standard ticket (for any duration). One way
- £249 per vehicle (up to 9 passengers) for a Flexiplus ticket, turn up any time and get on the next available train, and access to the club lounge (for any duration). One way
- Take your furry four legged friend from just £22 each way
Editorial Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own view. I am under no obligation to post a review about a brand whether or not I choose to do so. How I choose to work with brands on any collaboration whatsoever is always down to personal choice and preference if I feel it’s a good fit for my content and audience so I can always give my honest feedback. Please note All prices quoted in this blogpost are subject to change by Eurotunnel Le Shuttle or Eurostar at any time.
