The first month of summer is coming to an end, and you still haven’t decided how to spend your vacation? Want to go to Europe, but plane ticket prices are increasingly looking like the cost of traveling on the space shuttle? Does the thought of visiting several countries terrify you at all? Don't despair! There are ways now to organize yourself a rich and interesting vacation in Europe, combining an excursion program and a beach, without spending a fortune on it.

Let's start with the most necessary - air tickets. Let's plan a vacation for the second half of July and see how much the combined cost will cost us self-guided tour for two weeks for two with departure from Moscow. And also how and what we can save on, without denying ourselves almost anything.

HOW TO BOOK AND FIND CHEAP TICKETS

Since we don’t start booking air tickets at all in advance, all the popular beach and tourist routes are already affordable. For example, just a flight on our dates on the Moscow-Tivat-Moscow route will cost at least 42,000 rubles for two, and you can fly to Croatian Pula for almost 60,000 rubles.

WE'RE READY FOR VACATION

What to do? It's simple! Free yourself from the idea that the direct route is the easiest, and transfers are just a waste of energy and time. Most transplants are not only possible, but also necessary to make interesting and pleasant stay.

1. We are looking for tickets from Moscow in search engines that allow you to leave the “to” field blank or mark “everywhere”.
2. We choose direct flights to European destinations with the most inexpensive tickets.
3. Of these, we choose a direction with a large city or a major aviation hub; as a rule, there are many very inexpensive flights from such cities.
4. Now, as the point of departure, we set the city where we found convenient tickets from Moscow, and as the destination of arrival, we again select the point “everywhere”.
5. Evaluate the results. If there are inexpensive flight destinations that are interesting to you, then the city was chosen correctly for your first stop.

AIR TICKET RESERVATION. EXAMPLE.

1. Moscow – “everywhere”. There – Saturday, July 16th. Return – Sunday, July 31st.
2. From European countries, the best tickets for these dates are to Lithuania, Latvia, Hungary and Estonia. Their cost is from 8 to 12 thousand rubles.
3. For our first stop, we chose Budapest (Hungary), the cost of one Moscow-Budapest-Moscow ticket is 11,000 rubles.

Why Budapest?

Of all the proposed destinations, Riga and Budapest are suitable for the role of transshipment hub. We chose Budapest. It really doesn't take much time to check routes and ticket prices from several European cities, and the list of inexpensive flights from the Russian capital is usually limited.

Budapest is incredibly beautiful and interesting city with a rich imperial history, luxurious cuisine and very reasonable prices for hotels and food.

NOTE: If you have no idea about the price level in the country or city you want to choose as your “European departure point,” be sure to spend a few minutes searching for a hotel before booking your plane ticket.

Thus, Munich or Vienna often turn out to be very profitable flight destinations, but you need to spend a lot of time finding an inexpensive hotel here. Public transport and food will also cost a pretty penny. This beautiful cities, but there will be no savings with them.

Budapest. What's next?

We planned three days in Budapest: July 16, 17 and 18, and on the 19th we would like to go further.

We arrive in the capital of Hungary in the morning, so we can safely assume that we have three full days to explore the city. For European capital hotels in Budapest are inexpensive. You can book apartments in the city center for our dates from 80 euros for the entire stay. But still, most quality offers start from 120 euros. The lowest cost of a separate apartment near the center that we found was 55 euros. By ordering an apartment, we can save on food in restaurants and get large area accommodation is usually from 30 to 60 sq. meters. Let's calculate that we will pay 120 euros for housing in Budapest.

If for some reason the apartments scare you, then by paying an additional 30 euros for the entire stay, you can easily find a hotel in the central part of the city. We will budget another 150 euros for food, 50 for transport and excursions, 40 for the famous Hungarian baths. This should be enough for one dinner in a restaurant with wine, and the rest of the time we eat at home and in small cafes.

The cost of visiting the Gellert bathhouse for two is 38 euros, and the Rudas bathhouse (the one where scenes from the film “Red Heat” were filmed) is about 20 euros.

Budapest. What to see.

Budapest is located on two sides of the Danube, on the east - Buda, on the west - Pest. Both banks are connected by many bridges, which offer views of the Danube and the city.

1. Royal Palace and Fortress Mountain. The first official royal residence appeared here in the middle of the 13th century. Hungarian work here National Gallery, Budapest Historical Museum and State Library. Széchenyi.
2. The building of the Hungarian Parliament. Built after the unification of the cities of Buda and Pest into late XIX century. It stands right on the banks of the Danube.
3. Fisherman's Bastion. Located on Buda Hill. From here you have fantastic views of the city. Despite the fact that the fishermen's bastion was built at the beginning of the 20th century, it has something of Cinderella's castle, but with a Hungarian flavor.
4. Walks along the Danube.
5. Mount Gellert is named after the Catholic saint Gerard of Hungary. At the foot of the mountain you can see a waterfall, and at the top is the Citadel, built in the mid-19th century.
6. Baths of Budapest: Gellert, Rudas, Csasar, Kiraly, Rac and others. There are 27 baths in Budapest, of which 13 are therapeutic. Most of the baths are quite old with marble and tiles.

Price

So, we consider:

2. Transfers, accommodation, meals ≈ 22,000 rubles
3. Excursions and entertainment ≈ 5000 rubles

TOTAL: ≈ 49,000 rubles

Minimum cost:

1. Flight. 11000x2 = 22000 rubles
2. Transfers, accommodation, meals ≈ 9,000 rubles
3. Excursions and entertainment ≈ 2000 rubles

TOTAL: ≈ 34,000 rubles

Budapest – Milan: moving on

The most profitable destination for flying from Budapest to the south of Europe turned out to be Milan. The city is not cheap, but interesting. In addition, there are many flights from there to southern, south-eastern and south-western Europe. Italy also has a well-developed railway connection. And no one has canceled shopping in Milan.

Milan. What to see.

1. The Duomo Cathedral is beautiful both during the day and at night.
2. Observation deck on the roof of the Duomo.
3. Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Last Vespers fresco by Leonardo da Vinci. It is better to buy a ticket here in advance. For the summer months in a few days or weeks via the Internet.
4. Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, where you can see masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael and Titian.

When booking the following flight legs, you should remember:

1. Departure times and dates.

1. The departure time from Budapest to Moscow is morning, and therefore it is better not to risk it and fly to Budapest the day before, that is, July 30.

2. Airports of departure and arrival. Relevant for cities with several airports, such as Milan or Moscow.

A flight on the Budapest-Milan-Budapest route costs us 7,600 rubles for two. Departure there is July 19 morning. Return – July 30 in the afternoon. Although the morning flight is a little cheaper, we will try to connect our transfers so that on the way back we can do without an overnight stay in Milan.

1. Transfer: Airport-Milan-Airport – 20-40 euros (depending on the airport), that is, on average 2000 rubles for two.

Transfers from Bergamo are cheaper, so if you don't have flights from Malpensa on the same day, choose Bergamo Airport.

1. Flight ≈ 100 euros (7600 rubles)
2. Accommodation in Milan, two days ≈ 90 euros.
3. Transfer ≈ 30 euros.
4. Food and transport in the city: ≈ 70 euros.
5. Excursions ≈ 70 euros.

Total: ≈ 26,000 rubles.

Minimum cost: ≈ 22,000 rubles.

You can save about 60 euros on accommodation and food, that is, a little more than 4,000 rubles, and avoid excursions.

IMPORTANT: Taxis are very expensive in Milan, so it is best to book morning or afternoon flights to take advantage of public transport.

Routes from Milan

Milan is a large air and rail hub, so you can plan many routes from here, varying in price, duration and complexity of organization. We will look at a few of the simplest and most inexpensive ones.

Milan is the sea. The easiest route.

The cheapest and easiest to organize is the Milan-Pescara-Milan flight. For two, a flight on this route will cost 4,500 rubles. We will not need additional transfers from/to the airport, since we will fly from Pescara and fly to Budapest on the same day - Bergamo airport.

Pescara airport is only three kilometers from the city, and transfer by bus does not take much time or money. In 15 minutes and 6 euros from the airport you can get to the city.

An apartment in Pescara, not far from the coast, but not on the first line, will cost us 650 - 800 euros for 9 days. Having a kitchen will allow you to save a lot on food. But we’ll still factor into our budget the possibility of eating out and plan our food budget at 550 euros. Total – beach holiday costs us 1,300 euros – about 95,000 rubles.

Beach holiday – cost

1. Flight Milan – Pescara – Milan ≈ 4500 rubles.
2. Accommodation in apartments ≈ 50,000 rubles.
3. Food and transfers ≈ 41,000 rubles.

Total for a beach holiday ≈ 95,000 rubles.

The minimum cost of accommodation with your own kitchen on the coast for our dates, which we found, is 360 euros ≈ 26,000 rubles. If you almost completely give up eating outside the home, then 300 euros or 22,000 rubles will be enough for food and transfers.

Thus, the minimum budget for our beach vacation is ≈ 52,000 rubles.

Pescara. What to do besides the sea

Pescara has not only beaches, but also the Cathedral of San Setteo, the house of the writer Gabriel D'Annunzio, the Church of the Holy Spirit and St. Andrew the Apostle, as well as the Government Palace. There are museums. Just in mid-July, the city hosts the international music festival Pescara Jazz.

Pescara and Rome

Pescara is located just 155 kilometers from Rome. The fastest way (except for taxi) is to get there by bus. Travel time one way is 2 hours 25 minutes. The cost of a round trip for two is ≈ 50 euros (3,700 rubles).

Rome – the eternal City, so let’s calculate that one day here will cost us 150 euros. For excursions, city trips and food. One day is certainly not enough to explore Rome. You can stay overnight near the center for 50 euros, with an additional 50 for transport and food. Now you can make it to the Vatican in time. Going to the museum and admiring the hand-made paintings of the Sistine Chapel by Botticelli, Pinturicchio and Michelangelo, as well as many other works of art, is, of course, priceless, but it will cost 56 euros for two, that is, about 4,000 rubles.

It is impossible to thoughtfully tour the Vatican Museums in half a day, but getting an idea and seeing the main masterpieces is quite possible. Total: the second day in Rome will cost us 7,200 rubles (100 euros) without visiting the Vatican Museums and 11,200 rubles or 160 euros if visiting the Vatican Museums.

Trip to Rome. Price

1. Bus Pescara – Rome – Pescara ≈ 50 euros (3700 rubles)
2. Excursions, food, transport in Rome ≈ 150 euros (10,800 rubles)

Total trip to Rome for 1 day ≈ 200 euros (14,500 rubles)

Savings are possible on food and excursions if you explore most of the sights on your own, and for lunch and dinner, choose a restaurant in the center in advance, but not in a popular tourist area. Then a day in Rome will cost us about 75 euros or 5,400 rubles. An economy travel option will cost a little more than 9,000 rubles.

Two day trip to Rome

A second day in Rome will add 50 to 150 euros to existing options.

1. Rome – one night in a hotel near the center – 50 euros (3700 rubles)
2. Visit to the Vatican Museums ≈ 56 euros.
3. Transport, food, souvenirs, tickets for excursions for two days 150 euros (10,800 rubles)

In total, a trip to Rome for 2 days will cost ≈ from 250 to 310 euros for the entire trip (18,200 – 22,200 rubles).

What to see in Rome in one or two days

1. Cathedral and St. Peter's Square (Vatican)
2. Optional Vatican Museums
3. Piazza Navona
4. Pantheon and Rotunda
5. Trevi Fountain
6. Coliseum
7. Arch of Constantine in Rome
8. Baths of Caracalla

Way home

Since we bought all the tickets there and back, most of the expenses for the return journey have already been calculated. We fly from Pescara to Bergamo, from where we have a flight to Budapest in four hours. Therefore, we will budget 40 euros for a snack at the airport and 20 euros for transfers from Budapest airport to the hotel and back. In order to make the journey easier, we chose a hotel on the way back, two kilometers from Budapest airport.

We take accommodation without breakfast, since we have an early flight. Double room ≈ 35 euros. We will also estimate dinner at the restaurant at 40 euros and leave another 12 euros for breakfast at the airport. To calculate the minimum budget, you can replace dinner with a snack and spend 15 euros on it, but you shouldn’t refuse a sandwich and coffee at the airport. The airline we are flying with only offers meals on board for an additional fee, that is, approximately the same 12 euros for two.

Travel home cost

1. Light lunch at Bergamo airport (pizza and drinks) ≈ 20 euros.
2. Dinner in Budapest ≈ 40 euros.
3. Hotel accommodation ≈ 35 euros.
4. Breakfast at the airport or on board the plane ≈ 12 euros.
5. Transfer airport-hotel-airport ≈ 20 euros.

Total for the trip back is about 130 euros (9000 rubles).

As we wrote above, you can only save on food here. By tightening your belts, or by switching to hot dogs, the trip home will cost us 7,000 rubles.

SUMMARY BY ROUTE

1. Two or three countries: Hungary, Italy (Vatican). Three cities: Budapest - three days, Milan - two days, Pescara - 9 days. Six flights. Optional is a trip to Rome for one or two days.
2. The minimum budget for all flights, accommodation, meals and transfers is ≈ 115,000 rubles for two or 57,500 rubles for one traveler.
3. An economical, but still not ascetic budget is approximately 179,000 rubles for two or 89,500 rubles for one traveler. With a trip to Rome - from 188,000 rubles.

Prices in comparison

We called one of the large Russian travel agencies and asked them to calculate for us minimum cost package tour for two on the Italian coast from July 16 to July 31.

Accommodation in a 3* hotel with breakfast relatively close to the sea will cost from 97,000 rubles for two with flights and transfers. Even if we only eat pizza and drink only water, we will eat at least 500 euros in 14 days. Thus, a package tour, without excursions and a diet hazardous to health, will cost us at least 130,000 rubles.

A package tour, without excursions and a diet hazardous to health, will cost us at least 130,000 rubles.

ROUTE TWO – SPANISH

We will not describe the second route in detail. Let's describe it schematically, minimalistically and by dates.

1. From July 21 to July 30 we travel from Milan to Barcelona.
2. The flight Milan-Barcelona - Milan will cost us 200 euros 14,400 rubles.
3. Accommodation on the coast of Barcelona for the entire period (9 nights) from 600 euros or 43,200 rubles.
4. Meals (we cook ourselves) – 300 euros or 22,000 rubles.
5. Transfers, excursions, souvenirs - 150 euros or 10,800 rubles.

Total beach holiday in Spain from 90,000 rubles.

POSSIBLE DIRECTIONS FROM MILAN

We will briefly describe a few more possible trips from Milan to the beaches of Europe. On this moment their cost is comparable to the options that we have already described. If traveling towards south-eastern Europe, Croatia and Montenegro, minor savings on food and hotels are possible.

1. Atlantic coast Spain Santander and Bilbao.
a. Flight from Milan and back 220 euros.
2. Croatia and Montenegro: flight to Dubrovnik and back – 180 euros. 7-9 days in Dubrovnik and surroundings from 700 euros. In neighboring (distance about 50 km) Herceg Novi (Montenegro) from 450 euros.
3. Northern Italy and Croatia: we get to Trieste by train - the round trip will cost us about 100 euros.

Buses in Croatia are comfortable, equipped with air conditioning and often toilets.

1. Hotels or apartments on the Croatian coast are not cheap. For 9 days, the best offer is an apartment for 450 euros, but the next most expensive accommodation option asks for 950 euros.
2. You can stay one night in Rijeka (about 100 euros) and go to Plitvice Lakes by bus. It's quite easy to rent there nice apartments possible for 400 euros for the entire stay.

Attention! Prices are current at the time of writing, and therefore may differ from current ones. To determine prices, we used one air ticket aggregator, two of the most popular hotel and apartment booking services, bus and railway transport Italy and bus transportation Croatia.

In this text we consider inexpensive options accommodation in private rooms or apartments with a private bathroom. Accordingly, the cost of living in a hostel or in a hotel room with a shared bathroom can be 10-50% lower. The overall cost can also be reduced by avoiding restaurants altogether. We also provide an example of the minimum route budget based on current market offerings. All prices in the text are for two adults

A couple of months ago I published a post “in which I briefly shared my experience. The topic turned out to be lively, and I decided to write in more detail about organizing a trip in my car to Europe. All advice is based on the experience of our trip in 2017 and the experience of 4 trips to Europe in my husband’s car.

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So, here we go: 20 tips to help you organize a trip to Europe in your own car.

If you've been reading me for a long time, you know that I don't like rigid planning and... But when it comes to traveling by car, I am in favor of a clear, understandable and well-thought-out plan. When we were preparing, we even wrote down everything by day: what time we get up, when we leave and where we are going. On such a journey, planning on the fly will only lead to unnecessary waste of time and money, fatigue and dissatisfaction.

And don’t be upset that a liter of gasoline costs 150 rubles. This is a thankless and useless task. You are already in Europe, there is no other way, so pay and enjoy the trip!

It seems that traveling by car is much more economical than flying + renting a car on the spot. But in reality, additional money may be needed at any time, and it would be good to understand where to get it from. A car breakdown, a schedule disruption and the need to find a new home, an accident, unforeseen situations on the road - all this requires funds to solve.

See which banks offer good cashback on gas stations and/or hotels. Applying for such a card before your trip is a great way to recoup some of the costs. When we went to Italy, Rocketbank had increased cashback on booking-e and at BP gas stations, which are located throughout Europe, so we managed to save 3% on each gas station.

There is nothing worse than, after a day on the road, ending up in an uncomfortable room that is also noisy. Our main requirements for hotels include: 1) convenient transport location; 2) availability of parking (preferably free); 3) free wi-fi (otherwise how can I post photos😁); 4) comfortable bed, clean room; 5) soundproofing, 6) a good breakfast, so you don’t waste time looking for food before leaving. As for sleeping in a car, in Europe this is equivalent to being homeless and breaking the law.

To save yourself from unnecessary nerves on the road, it is better to conduct Maintenance and vehicle diagnostics. If necessary, change the oil, brake pads and fluid, and check the functioning of the main components.

It is mandatory to have a Green Card to enter the EU. This is car insurance that covers the liability of the insured, that is, it is compulsory motor liability insurance for Europe. Damage that may be caused to your car is not covered by this insurance. It also does not cover the consequences after a robbery in the form of broken glass, falling rocks, or collisions with wild animals. And don’t think that all this is rare. On quiet secondary European roads you can easily meet deer, roe deer or wild boar. Outside the coverage area of ​​the “Green Card” and in the case where you are not the culprit of the accident, you will then have to deal with payments directly from the insurance company of the culprit, otherwise you will lose valuable time.

This will save you time, nerves and strength, and you can start the next day in the European Union. Yes, you will be tired from a whole day on the road and from the queue at the border, but the next day will be completely at your disposal.

Tip 16. Take into account the peculiarities of life in border areas.

When you travel by plane, the borders seem arbitrary, and only when crossing them by car do you really understand how physically the two neighboring countries come into contact. When planning to cross the border of Belarus and Poland, you need to take into account the rhythm of life of the population of these countries. Belarusians rush to Poland on Saturday morning for shopping, and return back in the evening and on Sunday. For the holidays, they also want to go on holiday to neighboring Europe. On weekdays, many people go to work in the morning. This life and behavior of locals greatly influences the queues at the border.

Traveling to Europe by car in August is a risky endeavor, because the summer holiday season is approaching in the EU and lines of cars line up in miles-long traffic jams. For us, a trip to Europe is still associated with an airplane, but for Europeans, a ride from Munich to Naples is a piece of cake. So, for example, we were traveling in heavy traffic on Sunday from Trento to Salzburg, because the residents of Bavaria were returning home after a weekend in Italian. But in Vienna we were lucky: we left the city on Monday morning, when the main traffic was in the opposite direction. Sunday is good to reserve for long hauls in Poland, because... This is the day when the movement of trucks in the country is prohibited.

My ideal travel companion is my man😊❤️ But if you are traveling with a group, it is better to agree on priorities, stops and controversial situations in advance, so that on the road there is no such thing that some want to go further, while others want to stay in this country for a couple more days. If you drive several cars, then this is easier. And if you take fellow travelers in your car, then don’t overdo it: driving for 12 hours (that’s how long we drove) in a loaded car, when someone’s knees are resting on your back, is not pleasant.

Make a playlist, download it to your phone or flash drive and take it with you. I do not recommend relying on the radio for several reasons. Firstly, it doesn’t catch everywhere, even in Russia. Secondly, all countries have their own radio preferences. In Poland and the Czech Republic they constantly talk about some gentlemen Krzysztov, in Belarus they sing songs, and in Italy there are even 5 minutes of songs (in Italian, of course) and 20 minutes of conversations with lamentations of “Mama Mia!” All this is cool for the first 10 minutes, and then you want normal music. I post all my favorite travel music on my Telegram channel Slow Soul.

If you like to snuggle up in bed for a long time, then traveling by car is probably not for you. On the day of departure from Moscow, we already left home at 6 am; in Poland and Vienna we were also the first to breakfast in hotels. Getting up early allows you to avoid traffic jams, make the most of daylight hours and arrive to new cities faster.

These are the tips and recommendations I have for everyone who plans to travel to Europe in their own car. I’m sure the list will expand and grow, because I’m already suffering from car travel. To stay in touch and not miss useful posts, follow me on social networks:

Tell us in the comments, where would you like to go in your car?

Traveling by personal transport, both to neighboring cities and countries, motorists choose according to different indicators. Some are afraid of flying, some are simply afraid of driving their “iron friend”, and for others, traveling by personal transport seems much more profitable than using other vehicles.

Almost any embassy has its own website, where you can find all the necessary information about the documents needed when entering a particular country.

To apply for and obtain a Schengen visa you must have the following documents:

• Questionnaire of the country where most of the planned vacation will take place. If the country is not selected for these purposes or it is unknown how many days you plan to spend on vacation, then a visa from the country of entry to Schengen is required. For most Russian cities, this country is Poland.
• A foreign passport that has not yet expired (must be valid for at least three months at the time of departure from Schengen). Copies of old passports.
• Russian Federation passport. Copies of all pages.
• Copy of registration certificate vehicle.
• . Many people think that since the name of this document is dubious, then they don’t need to take it with them on a long journey, but this is not so. A green card is a kind of insurance policy that was adopted in Europe and Belarus. You can purchase such a policy from almost any insurance company. Green cards are valid for 15 days. If such a document is missing, you can receive a fine of $200.
• Copies of driver's licenses of all drivers who are able to drive a car.
• When entering and leaving Schengen, you need confirmation of your hotel reservation.
• Certificates confirming your own solvency: 2NDFL/bank statement from a personal account. The average income should be about 70 euros per person for 1 day.
• Certificate from the place of work. The certificate must indicate the salary, specialty, and the fact that paid leave is provided. If the place of work is your own enterprise, then you must have your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and a document confirming the registration of the organization with you.
• A copy of the policy. The policy can be purchased from any insurance company.
• If the trip is planned at the invitation of friends/relatives/acquaintances who live in Europe, then you must provide the original invitation and a copy of the friend’s passport.
• 2 photographs measuring 3.5x4.5. It is imperative that the photographs are in color with a light background. The face must be shown in close-up.

The list seems quite impressive, but in reality everything is very simple. It is quite possible to assemble this package of documents in one day. Once all the documents are available, you can get in line at the visa center by making an appointment on the website. When your turn comes, you need to pay the consular fee and services visa center, approximate cost is 3000 rubles per person.

You can monitor the progress of documents on the visa center website. When paying for a separate service, you can receive SMS notifications or emails.

The map is your navigator throughout the journey

Perhaps there is no need to explain why you need a map when traveling to other countries. Of course, this does not literally mean a map, but it will be quite enough. By loading new versions of maps into it, you can go on a journey and conquer European spaces.

How to travel around Europe in your own car:

In order to avoid problems while traveling, you need to download new versions of maps of all European countries. Most often, the maps are accurate, only sometimes there are discrepancies if the road was recently built or it is practically not used.

When driving on European roads, it is recommended to set the speed limit display function on your navigator. This is a very useful feature, both in terms of saving money and in terms of saving time, because if you are stopped by a policeman, you can waste a lot of time.

It will be very useful to enter in the navigator the coordinates of hotels where you plan to stay overnight. Again, this allows you to significantly save time that could have been spent searching for these places.

Booking hotels and inns

You need to plan your route correctly and competently, for example, so that the day ends on average or big city, because in Not big cities It is not always possible to find a hotel or hotel. Having chosen a city for an overnight stay, you can start looking for a hotel.

There are no specific rules for choosing an overnight stay, because everyone sets their own rules and principles for choosing a hotel. But still, no one would refuse a room that includes breakfast and free parking. Having breakfast is a very important component, because in the morning you don’t always have the time and opportunity to prepare breakfast yourself.

It is best to book hotels in the city where there are attractions. This will be a great time saver, because you won’t have to go somewhere again. You can book hotels on the Internet. Sometimes you can come across some promotion on the Internet and get a good discount on an overnight stay.

Life and auto insurance

To obtain a Schengen visa, as well as to protect yourself from all sorts of problems related to medicine, you must acquire insurance. For Schengen visa medical insurance purchased for each person who leaves the country. Insurance coverage must be at least 30,000 euros for the period while the person is in the Schengen area. More reliable information regarding the requirements for life insurance can be found on the website of the embassy of the country where you plan to submit documents. In this case, the cost of insurance is considered insignificant.

The second insurance is, which in Europe is called a Green Card. Insurance is provided for the entire period of stay in the Schengen zone. The cost of insurance is calculated based on certain parameters: vehicle parameters and length of stay in the Schengen zone. The number of people who can drive a car does not in any way affect the insurance, much less its cost.

How to live abroad, and what currency to take?

Not all countries included in the Schengen area use a currency such as the euro. That is why you need to determine in advance what and how much money you need to take with you on your trip.

It is recommended to take with you not only money, but also bank cards. Half of the money can be taken in cash, and the rest can be divided into two cards - Visa or Mastercard. In order not to waste time, you should not go to banks to exchange rubles for euros; you can pay in rubles, the rate will be recalculated by the bank automatically.

Cash should vary from small to large. In small towns, it is better to have some change in your pocket, otherwise you may run the risk of not getting change from a large bill. It also happens that in small towns they refuse to accept large bills, even if they have no problems with exchange.

Secrets of foreign gas stations

Foreign gas stations are very different from our Russian ones. The main difference is the sequence of actions of the car owner. If in Russia you first need to pay to refuel, then in European countries everything is different - first you fill up the tank, and only then you need to pay. Europeans are very trusting people, which is why the same law applies at gas stations: first the goods, and then the money. You can pay for gasoline either in cash or by credit card.

When leaving the Czech Republic, you need to take into account one important nuance: only their national currency is the crown. And if there are crowns left in stock, you can spend them on gasoline before leaving so that they don’t go to waste.

Crew communications

Very often they travel around Europe not in one car, but in at least two. And for such a case, it is imperative to keep in touch with each other so as not to break away and get lost in an unknown country. cellular, Certainly, a good option, but if you think about it, this is a rather expensive pleasure, which in this case is better to refuse. Surely no one would want to send their phone to a negative balance.

To move around various countries Walkie-talkies that can be recharged in hotels or using an inverter are perfect. As for the police and conductors, you can be absolutely calm here; the fact of transporting radio stations is not prohibited.

European traffic regulations

When going on a trip to Europe, either in a personal car or in a rented one, you need to know some nuances that can make your trip much easier. As for such a service as car rental in Europe, this can be done in almost any country; it is enough to have an international driving license with you.

Most countries have regulations that prohibit the use of radar detectors, which is why it is better to get rid of unnecessary troubles by leaving this device at home. For disobedience in European countries quite serious penalties, including confiscation of the car or even prison. That is why tourists are not recommended to break the rules traffic.

In some European cities it is very difficult to find free parking. But you can almost always find places on. If there is such a place, then you need to pay a certain amount to the parking meter, and the receipt issued by the machine must be placed under the windshield on the panel. There is no need to leave your car in the wrong place, otherwise it can be found at the other end of the city. Do not also forget that you cannot park your car in places where there is a yellow marking line along the sidewalk.

As for seat belts, in Europe everything is strict with this. If in Russia belts are worn only to avoid getting a fine, then in Europe belts serve as protection, and the police watch very carefully those who drive without belts. In most countries it is mandatory to drive with low beams on. If there are faults in the lighting fixtures, you can receive a huge fine. In addition, you can get a fine for driving with fog lights at a time when there is no reason to turn them on.

Packing the car for the trip

Anyone who would like to visit Europe in a personal car needs to carefully study some points about collecting and preparing a car for a long journey.

The condition of the car is the first thing you need to pay attention to so that the trip does not end with the car stopping somewhere in an unknown city and refusing to carry tourists any further. We should also not forget that European countries are much more attentive to the environment and their health than in Russia, which is why it is necessary to control the level of exhaust emissions.

After the technical parameters of the machine have been checked, you can proceed to the next stage. It is important to purchase an international driving license, which allows you to drive your car in almost 200 countries around the world. An international driver's license can be obtained from the traffic police department. To do this, you do not need to pass exams; licenses are issued for a period of three years. But if the validity period of a Russian driver’s license is less than three years, then an international driver’s license is issued for a period of less than three years.

The driver's license has been received, the car is in excellent technical condition - now you can pack the car necessary things. A first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a spare wheel and, of course, a warning triangle are the main components of any trip in your own car. Just in case, you need to have 2 warning triangles in your car, because in some countries, in the event of an accident, you need to display both signs: one is placed in front of the car, the other is in the back.

Car owners of right-handed cars need to do this in advance. In Russia, blinding drivers driving in the oncoming lane is a common occurrence. In Europe, such behavior can be severely punished.

Russian rules related to driving and equipping a vehicle are very different from European regulations. That is why you need to study the rules of behavior on the road. For example, if in Russia, when a police officer stops a car, the driver is advised to get out of his car, then in Europe this should not be done. The fact is that foreign police may perceive such a gesture as the aggressive behavior of a motorist who may try to escape from a policeman. There is even a law that a police officer can use a firearm in such a case.

Countries worth visiting in Europe

Of almost all cities, to visit Europe, you need to first go through Belarus. The only exception is St. Petersburg, because only from there you can immediately get to Poland.

Belarus

For tourists who travel in their own cars, this country does not stand out as anything remarkable or unusual. Driving around Belarus does not cause any problems. There are no stops, no inspections, no fares. Those who like to make photo reports, of course, can find something for themselves beautiful background, in order to watch and remember this journey in the future, but besides beautiful view, nothing interesting here. You can travel through Belarus in just 5 hours. And only occasionally the road signs in the Belarusian language begin to intrigue a little, because very soon a real adventure in Europe will begin.

Poland

To enter Poland, you can use two ways: the Brest-Terespol “Warsaw Bridge” crossing, which is located in Brest, or the Domachevo-Slavatyche crossing, which is located in small village Domachevo, located slightly south of Brest itself at a distance of 50 km.

Before entering Poland, you must not miss the fact that there are restrictions on the import of alcoholic beverages and tobacco into the territory of this country. To be more precise, only 2 packs of cigarettes can be carried per person.

Very important feature this unique country lies in its roads. It is almost impossible to travel through Poland quickly, because throughout the country average speed is 50-60km/h. You need to take this into account when you are drawing up your travel route, because due to the speed limit, a lot can change.

The second, but no less interesting thing that catches your eye is the incredible cleanliness settlements, of which there are plenty in Poland.

As for the attractions, the main thing is still the churches, of which there are a huge number in this country. Architectural buildings fit perfectly in small towns, pleasantly harmonizing with nature.

Slovakia

Traveling around Europe should bring a lot of pleasure, which is why you need to spend as much time as possible relaxing, and not behind the wheel of a vehicle. The first country where tourists most often spend the night is Slovakia. Thermal springs and water parks allow travelers to relax and gain strength before the journey.

Slovakia is very famous for its ancient castles, some of which already look like ruins and ruins. But there are still preserved castles that are located in cities.

Czech

This amazing country requires special attention; it simply cannot be studied in one day. The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, deserves more attention.

In the Czech Republic, any corner can be considered a landmark. There is a place for everyone here who can truly appreciate all the delights of this country. In addition to Prague, there are many more towns that will leave a lasting impression after visiting them. You can talk about this country without stopping, but it’s not without reason that they say that it’s better to see once than to hear a hundred times. One cannot but agree with this statement.

Austria

The most interesting place Austria is, perhaps, Vienna. It is here that there are many museums, zoos, entertainment and much more that can only attract tourists. Fans of Arnold Schwarzenegger can visit the village where the famous actor was born and raised.

Germany

They always say about Germany that it is a very clean country with intelligent residents. It is here that everything has smooth geometric shapes, with a modern twist. Like the buildings, the life of the Germans is smooth, modern and stable.

If you plan to spend the night in Germany, you can rent a bicycle and ride along the famous bike paths equipped with traffic lights. In this country, all traffic rules must be strictly followed to avoid misunderstandings on the part of the police. Although, looking at life in this country, I want to live the same way - quietly, calmly and measuredly. Another important distinguishing feature of this country is the highways, which have no speed limits.

France

Perhaps the French are the only people who can be compared with the Russians. Although the country is considered quite advanced, Russian freedom is still present in it. France – relaxation for drivers. After all, it is in this country that you can truly relax, because there are no strict rules and restrictions on traffic.

As for attractions, France unforgettable place for lovers. The illuminated streets at night create a romantic atmosphere. There are also places that are visited by all tourists without exception, such as the Eiffel Tower and Disneyland.

Spain

Spain and France differ from other countries in that all motorways and ferries have tolls. In Spain you have to pay for almost every action.

This country is distinguished by houses of extraordinary beauty and wide boulevards. The sidewalks of Spain are paved with paving slabs, which gives the cities a well-groomed and neat appearance.

How to save money on vacation in Europe

Vacation is a period when you don’t want to think about problems and worries. I want to forget about the everyday hustle and bustle and work and I want, as they say, to live in grand style, without knowing the value of money. Of course, you can afford this once a year, but it is better to prepare for the trip in advance by planning your available budget. You can save on everything, even on vacation in Europe, without greatly compromising your desires and needs.

Eurotour through 13 countries:

• You need to think through your trip in advance, think about the exact route. If this is a vacation in your own car, then plan the exact route from one city to another. If you are on holiday in Europe without a car, then you need to take into account what you will have to get there – buses, planes, trains. But among other things, you can also use a service such as car rental in Europe. Although this is not so economical, in some cases you can afford it.
• If you plan to travel with your own transport, then you need to get gas burner and food supplies. In Europe, it is not uncommon to find parking lots where you can find benches and tables, which means there is a place to cook your own food.
• In the warm season, you can also save on overnight accommodations. You can take a tent with you and spend the night in campsites for a small fee. Or you can camp in the parking lots absolutely free of charge.
• In winter, you can use hostels as an overnight stay, the prices in which are much lower than in hotels. The rooms are different, both for 1 person and for 5-10 people. Such accommodations have their own advantage - the presence of a kitchen where you can prepare your own food. It is better to book places in hostels in advance, because very often the rooms are crowded with visitors.
• Those tourists planning a morning flight can spend the night at the airport itself. Don’t worry, the police are indifferent to travelers in such cases.
• Travelers who move on their own can use hitchhiking to get from one city to another. European residents are very friendly and friendly, so hitchhiking should not be a problem.
• Products need to be purchased at markets or family supermarkets, where prices are relatively low.
• When you need a toilet, you can visit roadside cafes where you can satisfy your needs for free.

Almost no trip is complete without air travel. The most convenient and quick way is a search for plane tickets on the Internet. Thanks to this service, you can compare ticket prices and choose a more acceptable option.

Traveling to Europe is not as scary as many people think. It is enough to collect and study all the information about the countries you would like to visit and you can safely go on a trip. And if many people are afraid that something terrible and unexpected, like an accident, could happen in another country, then we can say that the probability of an accident can be equated to zero, because with such rules, roads and other traffic persons.

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Do you dream of going on a car trip around Europe? This article provides the most basic conditions for making a trip, and gives an example of countries and route. You will also learn what basic laws and regulations apply in European countries. Plan Process independent trip– this is an exciting and responsible activity, so pay special attention to preparation.

Important Terms

Latvia

Having visited the glorious city of Vitebsk and rested there for a day or two, hit the road further. Now you have to go to Latvia - a country of medieval castles, cities and beautiful nature. From Vitebsk, take the P20 highway towards Shumilino and Novopolotsk.

When you cross the border, move straight at all times. Stay in the following cities:

• Daugavpils,
• Jekabpils,
• Riga.

In Latvia in populated areas 50 km/h is maximum speed. In other cases, everything is the same as in Belarus. But the low beam should always be on while driving, even if the sun is shining brightly. Don't forget to purchase spare lamps when packing for your trip.

Lithuania

We continue our journey to Europe by car. After relaxing in Riga and Jurmala, you can go to Lithuania. Your reference point will be the E77 highway. It is along this route that you will cross the border without any problems and after 50 kilometers you will reach the city of Siauliai. It is recommended to visit it, in particular the cat museum. Then we continue our journey to the intersection with the E85 highway. Drive towards the cities of Kaunas and Vilnius. In the capital, book a hotel room in advance. Traffic rules on the territory of the state and parking in Vilnius are similar to Latvia.

From Vilnius, take the E28 highway to reach the border with Poland. Only in Marijampole you need to take the E67 highway. There is only one road from Lithuania to Poland.

Poland (northern part of the state)

After the border, continue along the E67 to Bialystok. It is recommended to visit this city to relax and explore the sights. The city center is of greater interest. There is no point in staying for a day. It is better to book a hotel in Warsaw, since there is more interesting in the capital and, moreover, then you will have a very long journey to Germany. Of course, along the way it is worth visiting the cities of Lodz and Poznan, because these two cities are extraordinary in beauty and architecture. If you have time and funds, then book a hotel in Lodz.

Driving from Warsaw towards Germany should start along the E30 highway. The traffic rules in Poland are as follows:

• maximum speeds: in populated areas - 50 km/h, outside - 90 km/h, on the road - 120 km/h, and on the highway (highway) - 140 km/h;
• while driving, the low beam should always be on;
• There are toll roads.

In the described route for traveling by car in Europe, when we talk about Poland again), we will not return to the topic of traffic rules.

We remind you that in this travel option Poland is considered the main country. That is, we have been in this country the longest.

Germany

We travel along the E30 highway from Poland to Germany. It's relatively close to Berlin (about 100 km). Book a hotel in the capital. You can stay for 2 days to get to know the city and its attractions. It's best to book in advance sightseeing tour(pedestrian) with a Russian-speaking guide (if you don’t know German).

In large cities in Germany (including Berlin) there are ecological zones (special sign “Umwelt zone”). If you have not purchased a sticker in advance allowing entry into the ecological zone, then leave your car in the hotel parking lot.

• in populated areas – 50 km/h;
• outside populated areas – 100 km/h;
• on the highway - 130 km/h.

Czech

After the border, continue driving to the city of Prague, beloved by many tourists. Of course, here it is better for you to book a hotel room long before the start of your trip. Stay for a couple of days to quietly see the sights and visit museums.

Solo travel Traveling around Europe by car means not only satisfying personal desires, but also costs. We are not talking about fuel, but about toll roads, of which there are plenty in Europe. To get to Prague from any neighboring country, you need to pay. You will have to purchase a vignette that will allow you to move around paid areas for 10 days. Road speeds:

• in populated areas -60 km/h no more;
• outside – 90 km/h;
• on city roads – 80 km/h;
• on roads outside populated areas – 130 km/h.

When driving, the low beam must be present at all times.

Poland (southern part of the state)

From Prague you need to take the E67 highway (Hradec-Králové) and follow the border to Polish city Wroclaw. If you are interested in architecture and unusual statues, you should book a hotel in this city.

Here’s another good thing about traveling around Europe by car on your own: you can stop by any city you want, visit nature reserves and museums, swim in rivers and lakes, and enjoy beautiful nature.

After relaxing in Wroclaw, continue along the E40 highway to the city of Katowice. It should be noted that the south of Poland is extraordinary nature, nature reserves, mountains, forests and rivers, many castles. To see all the interesting things, book a hotel for a few days.

From Katowice, continue to the youth town of Karkow along the E75 highway. There is also beautiful nature and extraordinary nature reserves here. The city of Krakow itself is interesting in its own way. Next we go to Lublin. Take the E77 highway to Radom, then take the E372 highway to Lublin. Stop in this city to stroll along the streets and take a break from long journeys. visit the Polessky Nature Reserve if possible.

Your stay in Poland is coming to an end. You need to leave Lublin not by federal highway, but a regular road leading north to the intersection with the E30 highway. This is exactly what you need to take to get to the border with Belarus.

And again Belarus

Almost immediately after the checkpoint you will arrive in the city of Brest. Be sure to visit the Brest Fortress. After a short walk and getting to know the city, continue along the M1 highway to Minsk. Stay 1-2 days to explore the city's attractions. Return to Russia along the same M1 highway and along it you will arrive in Moscow. That's it, at home with memories of your trip to Europe!

When going on a road trip, you should clearly understand that the condition of the car is your safety. It is clear that you will be deployed at the border in a 1997 Volkswagen Passat that is dead and smoking with oil smoke. But today the fleet has been renewed, and I almost never see very old cars on the roads. Of course, you need to undergo maintenance and take into account the weak points of your car - every driver knows them. After all, any trip to Europe is no less than five thousand kilometers. You need to consult with specialists, change the oil, bleed the brake system, especially if you have to travel to the mountains. For road trips, many people rent a car in their country, since in any case this involves a lot of mileage. But our compatriots mostly drive their own cars.

What else should you take with you on the road? First aid kit, reflective vest, rope. There must be a fire extinguisher and a child seat if there is a child in the car. Already in Poland, the traffic police may inquire about the availability of all this. Do not install radar detectors or studded tires (if it’s winter). And, of course, the first aid kit should not be for technical inspection, like most of our drivers, but really in anticipation of the fact that anything can happen on the road. Here, as they say, “it’s better to be safe than sorry,” especially if you’re traveling with children. Of course, you must have medical insurance and a green card for your car.

It is important to roughly determine your path based on your own strengths and capabilities, and how many drivers are in the car. If there are two of you, you can travel about a thousand kilometers in a day without any strain. 500-700 kilometers is the maximum that even an experienced driver can travel in a day. Moreover, it is unlikely that on this day there will be any strength left for any more walks. There are dashing people who travel for a thousand or even more kilometers without rest. But I think this is wrong. Road travel should be a pleasure, not a pain.

About traveling in a motorcade, or When navigators are evil

Some novice road travelers believe that it is better to go on a trip in a motorcade of several cars. Like, the more people, the safer. This is mistake. I understand that a motorcade is fun and great, but everyone walks along the highway at different speeds, everyone has a different driving style. I accompanied motorcades of tourists, and I myself traveled long distances with friends in a “caravan” of several cars. It never works out to go in a motorcade the way you would like.

Surely someone will get lost, someone’s child will need to go to the toilet, and some other unforeseen circumstances will happen. And after a while it starts to get annoying. Plus, navigators sometimes build different routes to the same point.

If you decide to go on a trip with several cars, take care of the means of communication between the drivers. Experience shows that it is best to use a radio with a range of several kilometers, like truck drivers. Communicating abroad by phone is too expensive. And the best option is to go in several cars to some pre-agreed point, where everyone arrives at the appointed time. But people go there themselves, in accordance with their individual rhythm and driving style.

Honestly, navigators are evil. You get used to the navigator, and if something happens to it on the road, you simply don’t know where to go. I am a driver of the old formation. I started driving when there were no navigators yet, and I can get anywhere using maps and road signs. Certainly, navigation system will offer detour options and competently build a route, but sometimes the traffic situation requires you to make a decision, and when you rely entirely on the navigator, your thinking turns off.

About “hope for a Russian maybe” and lovers of romance

Sometimes I dissuade people from traveling: I just know how it can turn out. When setting off on a journey with a child a few months old, you need to take into account that you will need many more stops than you originally expected. Of course, you cannot plan a road trip if you have less than two years of driving experience. I refuse to work with those who want to go far away, having barely passed their license. Only with experience comes the ability to read the road, and not just turn the steering wheel. Having received my license, I went on a trip the very next day. But there were smart people with me, and when the serpentine started, an experienced driver got behind the wheel.

Our people love romance. We’ll just go anywhere in the summer and spend the night somewhere “along the way.” Unfortunately, this does not always work out. For example, Austrians have been on vacation since Thursday, and if you want to spend the night somewhere on a lake in Austria, you will have to spend three to four hours looking for a hotel, and it is very likely that you will have to sleep in the car. In summer, all of Europe travels by car. So why waste gasoline and nerve cells when you can book your accommodation for the night in advance by calculating your route. I can say based on personal experience: If at the beginning of the week you manage to spend the night in the hotel you like without any problems, by the end of the week you will still inevitably encounter difficulties.

In 2007, driving through Austria, we didn't know where to pay for the roads. We thought that there would be an Italian option - turnstiles, where payment would take place. It turned out that we had to buy a vignette. The police caught us and asked where the toll was. The fine was huge, but we were forgiven and we just bought a vignette. In those days, it was not yet possible to receive any information as freely as it is now. But even today our people often try to “slip through at random.”

I am not a supporter of our national recklessness. A vignette costs eight and a half euros, you pay for the roads and you are a law-abiding citizen. They simply don’t understand any other approach. And if you are a guest, follow the laws of the country where you are. There are different toll systems. In the Czech Republic and Austria there are vignettes, in Poland there are turnstiles and so on. For us, this is such a special daring: to pass through Austria, because supposedly there are almost no police on the roads there. But there is video recording, and if you miraculously didn’t get caught once, it doesn’t mean you won’t get caught a second time. Plus, the traffic police have the opportunity to send information to the embassy that you have committed an offense on the territory of the European Union. Do you need it? If you go, obey the law.

About freedom and responsibility

When setting out on the road, some people just want to get to a point (for example, to Mediterranean Sea), others - to go around non-tourist corners. For example, visit Sardinia and Sicily, get acquainted with the life of the country. On such a trip, you can even learn a language in two weeks! Road travel is freedom.

Yes, you plan your route, book hotel rooms or apartments along the route in advance. But when you arrive at a certain point, you have a whole region that you can explore. You can turn right or left, stop at a place you like, look and make sure that it is beautiful and amazing, or, on the contrary, you can be disappointed.

When my friend and I go to the mountains in Germany, we check the weather over breakfast. Let's say it's raining today where we were going to go. So we'll go to France, it's sunny there now. And if this had been a planned excursion with a tour operator, we would have been walking around under an umbrella all day in a crowd of strangers... A road trip allows you to see places where it is not profitable for tour operators to take people, and less traveled destinations turn out to be the most interesting. For example, best view The view of Florence opens from the hills of the town of Fiesole, where tourists usually do not reach.

Traveling by car is much cheaper than traveling by plane. All travel expenses, as a rule, are divided between three or four people, plus the opportunity to rent accommodation not in a hotel, but in apartments. Of course, you need to have some amount with you for unexpected expenses. But if the car is in order, then there will be no serious damage.

Unfortunately, our people usually do not know languages ​​other than their native one, and not everyone even remembers English at school level. But this is not a problem either. Well, you punctured your tire. Any man can install a spare tire without any problems. If there are only women in the car, you can ask the locals for help. There is mutual assistance between drivers, and in Europe, just like here, any driver will stop and help. Ask him how to get to the tire shop. They will explain it to you, and often they will even take you there and show you.

A classic tourist trip assumes that everything happens according to a predetermined plan. It is believed that most people like it “on schedule.” But, as it turned out, this is not so. Yes, the guide will not lead you by the hand. You take responsibility. But - to yourself, you are of sound mind and will not accelerate and crash into a pole. And you don’t know who is at the controls of the plane. Enough to remember last plane crash when a psycho pilot decided to crash into a mountain...

Domestic traffic accident statistics cannot be compared with European ones. I often travel by car and in Europe I have practically never seen an accident, but here on the roundabout not a day goes by without something happening. There is a different driving culture there, there is respect for road users. In Germany, for example, if you keep a distance of less than 20 meters on the autobahn, you can pay a large fine. By the way, if previously there were no speed limits on German autobahns, today there is a limit of 130 km/h. Once I was speeding and the police were even chasing me. I didn’t run away from them, I just didn’t notice them right away. Well, then I slowed down, they overtook me, we got off the highway and I paid a fine.

A classic psychological obstacle that prevents you from deciding on a road trip for the first time is fear for your health. I will say right away: medical care everywhere in Europe is excellent. When my little daughter got sick on a trip, we went to some rural outpatient clinic, and there I learned for the first time what real medicine was. Now I'm scared that something will happen to my health here, and not on the trip.

There was a case: in Sardinia, friends from St. Petersburg overturned in their car. They called me, I was nearby and immediately came to help, acting as a translator. The Italian was wrong: he reversed out of the garage onto a one-way street right in front of their car. The victims were immediately taken to the hospital, underwent a full medical examination and received the necessary assistance. In the event of an accident in Italy, medical care is provided free of charge, and to the extent that you cannot get here. France has its own nuances: there, if you are involved in an accident, but there are no casualties, the police do not respond to such cases, they simply exchange insurance. It is advisable to find out all this in advance when going to a particular country.

The navigator cannot “break”: there are usually several smartphones per company, and even if the navigation program somehow magically crashes, you can change the gadget, plus there is always a free one Google Maps and such a useful thing as charging from the cigarette lighter. Doesn't happen everywhere mobile connection- this is true, although in Europe coverage confidently approaches 100%.

You can have a map with you in case of emergency, but I once traveled all over Poland with only an atlas - it was a real hell, because plans of the small towns through which the route ran were not and could not be in the atlas. And so we enter such a Polish semi-village, we see a fork, a roundabout or an intersection. Where to go? No signs, nothing... The Poles don’t understand English, they don’t speak Russian either (the similarity of the languages ​​is not perceived by ear at all, not a word of what they say is understood). Each mini-city was an orienteering event. Now, without a navigator, you can’t go anywhere at all.

Secondly, Germany still has unlimited autobahns, although most actually have limits of 100, 120 or 130 km/h. Thirdly, in France the police still go to an accident without injuries, just to record the accident. True, there are no investigators there; if the situation is controversial, it is resolved by insurers, and naturally “out of the blue” or simply in favor of a local resident. But you can’t not call the police if the car is a rental one. Without recording an accident, you will have no alternative but to withdraw the entire deposit from your credit card - you will be tortured to prove that you are not at fault. Everything is easier in your own car, you can part ways “amicably”, although I would still call the police so that they don’t “snitch” on you. Europeans, especially southern and eastern ones, are far from the image of crystal-honest “good elves,” and they love scammers of various kinds no less than our compatriots.