For many in the UK, Mediterranean countries represent the platonic ideal for a summer holiday. The rich culture and history of the seven Mediterranean countries, coupled with the pitch-perfect sunny weather experienced by the region, make for the most incredible holiday experiences.
But why not take a holiday to the Mediterranean one step further? Flying out to a favoured Mediterranean country is all well and good, but with a whole geographical basin out there to explore, there must be a better way. Enter the humble road trip.
Road trips are a quintessentially fun way to travel, giving you incomparable freedom to pick and choose your destinations and enjoy the journey all the while. With international flights both costly and stressful, a road trip could be the best way for you to make the most of your next European holiday.
But there are, of course, many steps to planning your road trip the right way. Here are some of the key considerations you’d need to make in order to get your Mediterranean road trip dreams off the ground.
The Car
The car is everything when it comes to a road trip. You’re not just relying on it to get you from A to B, but also to do so safely, legally and comfortably. As such, you’ll need to devote some time to getting your car sorted and in ship shape for your international journey to come.
For starters, it may benefit from a good once-over by a garage, in order to highlight and fix any issues before they present themselves on the trip. You would also benefit from getting an air con service, to ensure you can drive comfortably through the warmer days.
You’ll need to gather all of your legal documents relating to insurance and ownership for any border crossings. You will also need to purchase a UK sticker to place prominently on your car, as a result of the UK’s exit from the EU changing travel requirements for UK citizens.
Essentials
With your car sorted and your documents safely packed, you can turn your attention to packing. There are some essentials you will benefit from packing first, for your own safety and peace of mind. On top of holiday-related essentials like a pre-paid debit card or cash currency, you should pack some journey-related essentials in the form of:
- Spare battery packs for your phone
- A flashlight
- Tools for emergency repairs, such as a tyre replacement
- A spare set of keys for your car
Food and Drink
You can’t plan a road trip without giving a little time and attention to road snacks and beverages. Water is a must, especially in the punishing heat of a Mediterranean summer. Staple foods can be good for keeping costs down, and ensuring you are well-fed on long stretches between stops. Snacks are a great pick-me-up for energy and mood alike, too!
