Buy a detailed road map of Europe that covers each country you intend to visit in depth, including highways and small roads. Even if you intend to use a GPS or smart phone, a road map is still imperative. European roads range from high-speed highways, to cobblestone streets and dirt roads that can be easily flooded or washed out. Having a road map allows you to be prepared for any road construction or unexpected detours, as well as moments when your GPS loses a signal.
Opt for a short-term lease instead of renting for a long period. Short-term leasing is not a scam, but a legitimate offer from European car companies. Essentially, you buy the car for the duration of your trip and sell it back at the end. If you intend to rent a car for a week or more, short-term leasing can literally save you anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Factor higher gas prices into your budget. In the United States, gas is sold by the gallon. Throughout Europe, it is sold by the litre. You may notice that prices per liter resemble prices per gallon, but considering a gallon is approximately 3.7 liters, your total will be much higher.
Research city name translations, particularly if you intend to drive in a country with a different alphabet. Large Greek cities, such as Athens, will have signs in English to point you in the right direction. However, if you are driving through Eastern Europe, you may find that city names are not the same as they are in English. For example, Paris is “Paris” in both English and French, even if the pronunciation is different, but Belgrade is Beograd in Serbian, and you may not have English road signs throughout the Serbian countryside.
Learn European road laws. Driving in Europe is very different from driving in the United States, so you may want to read up on changing lanes, passing, navigating traffic circles, and right of way. Make a list of countries you intend to visit and look up the most important road laws online.
