We know it can be an exciting yet daunting experience thinking about driving to your holiday destination, it isn’t always better to fly. When travelling by motor vehicle your main destination doesn’t have to be the only place you will visit, stopping off and exploring is all part of the fun. Whether you’ve got your caravan attached to your car with a towbar or whether you’re travelling the world via campervan or motorhome there are some breathtakingly beautiful destinations which are accessible via motorways and bridges. If the prospect of flying scares you or the idea of being completely in charge of your holiday appeals to you then you’ll want to read our guide to the best and most accessible caravan/campervan holidays within Europe.

Top Tips for travelling:

• Use online route planners, they are usually the most up to date
• Always have a back up map, whether it’s printed out or hand drawn
• Be equipped with books, CD’s, blankets, food, napkins, water bottles, a first aid kit and portable chargers.
• Research exactly where you’re going before setting off, just in case.
• An easily accessible bag of change for any sneaky toll roads!
• A change of clothes in the main section of the car or campervan
• If you’re going to stop off in a hotel as a treat then booking at the last minute is usually the best option!
• Don’t stress, whatever happens, it’s all part of the fun.

Best places to travel in 2017

Berlin

If you are looking for a unique experience then book a journey on the Channel Tunnel with Euro-tunnel.  You drive your car into a train, and sit in your car while it travels under 26 miles of water in 35 minutes, amazing.
If you are looking to take a break then take the car ferry. You can get a meal or just simply wander around the on board shops while you are taking the short 90 minute trip. Stop in France or Belgium for a day or two, experience a new city and there are a variety of tours you could go on.

You could even leave the campervan parked up for one day and rent bikes, Berlin is a city easily travelled by bicycle, in fact it is an encouraged mode of transport and the roads are evenly distributed for cyclists and motor vehicles. It is extremely rare to see a cyclist in Berlin in cycling gear as it is just a part of their integrated life. So join in and experience the city by bike the authentic German way!

Insider tip: If you’re driving in France, you’ll legally need to keep safety equipment (a reflective vest and hazard signal). Additionally, keep spare Euros in your wallet to pay the occasional French road toll on the way.

Portugal
Take the route via the Eurotunnel, Rouen, Le Mans, and Bordeaux; across the border to Spain. Here you can stop in San Sebastian or Burgos, then straight through to Seville and across the border to Portugal, this is a beautiful journey and the trip itself is a holiday, there are so many beautiful things to do and see if you take a second to stop worrying about traffic and petrol and appreciate what is right in front of you.

Insider tip: It is illegal to drive in flip flops or sandals that don’t cover your heel in Portugal!

Edinburgh

Living closer to the North West of England? Edinburgh is a perfect road trip to experience culture and teach the children a bit of history along the way, if you want to just test the waters with a shorter driving route. You can make your way to Manchester for a big city fix, you could watch a football match, visit a museum or even treat your partner to some shopping in the Trafford Centre. From there it’s best to head onto York which is bursting with history, countryside and beauty; walled-in by the ancient Romans nearly 2000 years ago. After seeing the picturesque town of York it is straight on to the Lake District; you could visit the national park, go for a hike up a mountain and drink in the scenery that inspired England’s finest romantics, before making your way past tiny villages to the wonders of Edinburgh.

North Wales and Snowdonia

The area that covers the northern part of Wales is known for its dramatic and breathtaking scenery and is a popular destination among climbers and hikers. It isn’t exclusive though as it has something to suit all needs, the less energetic travellers can still enjoy the scenery as the roads wind through beautiful valleys, castle ruins and slate quarries remains Those less energetic among you can enjoy the scenery as you drive through the beautiful valleys topped with castle ruins and the remains of slate quarries or take the mountain railway up to Snowdon’s peak. When you have tired of the mountains, head to the coast and enjoy some beach time

The best thing to remember when driving is that although it can be a long road, they are always leading to the next adventure and the journey there is worth the stress!

Happy Travelling!