Driving holidays in Europe - the complete guide
Travelling by car across Europe is an extraordinary adventure that offers complete freedom and flexibility. The chance to stop off at picturesque spots, change your plans at the last minute and discover hidden gems off the beaten track – all this makes a driving holiday truly special.
The most popular destinations for car holidays
Croatia - Pearl of the Adriatic
The Croatian coast is a classic of car holidays. Crystal clear waters, historic cities like Dubrovnik and Split and beautiful islands offer the perfect combination of beach and sightseeing. The route from Wadowice takes around 8-9 hours, leading through the picturesque landscapes of Slovenia.
Italy - Tuscany and Amalfi
Italy is a paradise for lovers of culture, cuisine and beautiful landscapes. Tuscany impresses with its vineyard-covered hills and the Amalfi coast offers breathtaking sea views. From Poland, it is best to drive through Austria, enjoying the Alpine panoramas.
France - From Provence to the Côte d'Azur
The South of France is all about elegance, lavender and the Mediterranean climate. Nice, Cannes, Marseille – each city has its own unique character. The Provençal villages invite you to explore at a leisurely pace, and the local cuisine is a treat for the taste buds.
Portugal - Atlantic treasures
Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve offer a mild climate, delicious cuisine and hospitable people. Portugal is the destination for those looking for authenticity and tranquillity away from the tourist crowds.
Germany and Austria - Alpine landscapes
The Romantic Road in Germany, the castles of Bavaria or the Alpine peaks of Austria are ideal places for an active holiday combined with sightseeing.
Route and budget planning
Optimum route length per day
When planning a car holiday, it is advisable to assume a maximum of 400-500 km per day. This allows you to drive comfortably with breaks and gives you time to enjoy the scenery and make spontaneous stops.
Travel costs
The budget should include: fuel (approximately PLN 0.40-0.60/km), road tolls (vignettes, motorways), accommodation (€50-150 per night), food (€30-50/person per day) and insurance and any unforeseen expenses.
Accommodation reservations
During peak season (July-August), it is advisable to book accommodation at least 2-3 weeks in advance. In the low season, you can be more flexible and book on the fly.
Documents and formalities
Necessary documents
An identity card or passport is sufficient to travel within the European Union, driving licence and your vehicle registration card. It is also a good idea to have an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card).
Vehicle insurance
Check that your third party insurance covers the countries you are planning to travel to. Most policies are valid throughout the European Union, but it is worth confirming this before you go.
Green Card
For countries outside the EU, a Green Card may be required to confirm third party liability insurance abroad. Check the requirements for specific countries.
Additional equipment
In some countries, reflective waistcoats for all passengers, a warning triangle, a first aid kit, replacement bulbs or snow chains (in the mountains in winter) are mandatory.
Road tolls in Europe
Vignette system
Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Slovakia use a vignette system. A vignette is purchased for a specific period (10 days, a month, a year) and stuck behind the windscreen or registered electronically.
Toll motorways
Italy, France, Croatia, Spain and Portugal have a gate system where you pay for the distance travelled. You can pay by cash, card or use electronic payment systems.
Charges for entering cities
Some cities (London, Milan, Stockholm) charge entry fees. It is worth checking the regulations before you arrive.
Preparing the car for long journeys
Technical inspection before departure
A minimum of two weeks before your trip, carry out a comprehensive inspection: check engine oil, brake fluid, cooling fluid, condition of tyres, brakes, lights and wipers.
Emergency equipment
In addition to the mandatory equipment, take along: starter cables, basic tools, tyre pump, duct tape, extra oil and operating fluids.
Air conditioning and comfort
Make sure the air conditioning is working properly – it’s essential for summer journeys to the south. Also check that the radio and sat-nav systems are working.
Slawa Rent - partner for European adventures
Cars prepared for long journeys
At Slawa Rent in Wadowice we offer cars ideal for international travel. All vehicles undergo a thorough technical inspection before long-term rentals, ensuring safety and reliability on the road.
Comprehensive European insurance
Our vehicles have full third party and AC insurance valid throughout Europe. In addition, we offer assistance packages with roadside assistance available 24/7 in EU countries.
Support in route planning
Our experienced team will be happy to advise you on the best route, inform you of tolls and give you tips on what to note in individual countries.
Flexible rental conditions
We offer attractive packages for long-term rental – the longer the hire period, the lower the daily rate. For hires of more than 14 days, we provide bespoke quotes.
Unlimited mileage limit
For European holiday rentals, we offer the option of an unlimited mileage limit, allowing you to plan your route freely without worrying about exceeding the limits.
Assistance in the event of a problem
We provide a 24-hour helpline in Polish and cooperate with European assistance networks. In the event of a breakdown, we organise assistance or a replacement car.
Practical tips for the road
Applications and navigation
Download offline maps for navigation in case of internet problems. Useful apps: Google Maps, Maps.me, Park4Night (places to stay), GasBuddy (fuel prices).
Safety on the move
Don't leave valuables in plain sight in your car. Use car parks guarded areas at hotels. Keep documents in a safe place (photocopies separate from originals).
Language communication
Basic phrases in the languages of destination countries make travelling much easier. Translation apps are an invaluable aid when dealing with local people.
Flexibility of plans
The best travel memories often come from spontaneous decisions. Leave yourself a margin of time to explore unplanned destinations.
Best time to go
May and June
Sunny weather, lower accommodation prices, smaller crowds of tourists. Ideal months to visit Italy, France or Spain.
September
The end of summer is a brilliant time to travel – warm sea water, pleasant temperatures, cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.
July and August
Despite higher prices and more traffic, this is the best time for families with children because of the school holidays and guaranteed weather.
A car holiday in Europe is an unforgettable adventure that gives you the freedom to explore the continent at your own pace. Proper preparation, an efficient car and flexibility in your plans are the keys to a successful trip.
Slawa Rent – Car Hire Cars
Wadowice
Your European adventure starts here!
