Planning a 3-week European road trip: Where to start?

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Zoya_99

Joined:
29.01.2021
Posts: 630

Topic Starter

13.02.2025 23:55

My partner and I are finally planning our dream road trip across Europe for next summer, but we are feeling a bit overwhelmed by the logistics. We have about three weeks and want to see a mix of mountain scenery and coastal towns, but we aren't sure which countries are the most car-friendly. Does anyone have advice on whether it is better to rent a car in one city and drop it off in another, or should we stick to a circular loop to avoid high fees? Also, any tips on avoiding the worst of the tourist crowds while still hitting the 'must-see' spots would be greatly appreciated.

13 replies in this topic

Igor_Tech

Joined:
21.09.2021
Posts: 665

27.02.2025 06:31

Honestly, avoid one-way rentals if you can. The international drop-off fees are absolutely brutal and can double your rental cost. Do a loop starting and ending in a major hub like Munich or Milan.

monika_p

Joined:
04.02.2021
Posts: 306

05.03.2025 12:59

In reply to a previous post

I second the loop idea. We did a circular route through the Alps last year and it saved us a fortune. Plus, you don't have to worry about cross-border insurance headaches.

redoven

Joined:
28.12.2021
Posts: 783

07.04.2025 19:17

If you want mountains and coast, look into Slovenia. It is incredibly car-friendly, the roads are well-maintained, and you can get from the Julian Alps to the Adriatic coast in just a few hours.

Roman_88

Joined:
28.03.2021
Posts: 418

09.04.2025 16:52

In reply to a previous post

Slovenia is a hidden gem! Definitely less crowded than the Swiss Alps or the Amalfi Coast.

Yani_Z

Joined:
25.03.2025
Posts: 1033

01.06.2025 16:03

For the 'must-see' spots without the crowds, the golden rule is to be there at sunrise. It sounds painful, but seeing places like Lake Bled or Hallstatt before the tour buses arrive is life-changing.

Denis_P

Joined:
17.04.2025
Posts: 37

08.06.2025 14:37

In reply to a previous post

Totally agree with the sunrise tip. Also, try to stay in smaller villages 20 minutes outside the main tourist hubs. It is cheaper and way more authentic.

krisi_r

Joined:
09.08.2024
Posts: 1192

12.06.2025 18:13

Just be careful with ZTL zones in Italy. If you drive into a historic city center, you will get a ticket in the mail months later. Stick to public parking garages on the outskirts.

krisi_r

Joined:
27.12.2021
Posts: 276

25.08.2025 02:47

In reply to a previous post

Good point about the ZTLs. That caught us off guard in Florence last summer. It's a nightmare to deal with.

Viktoria_S

Joined:
13.07.2024
Posts: 159

19.09.2025 14:56

Don't underestimate the time it takes to drive through mountain passes. Google Maps is often optimistic about speeds on those winding roads.

vulk_samotnik

Joined:
26.06.2025
Posts: 1345

06.10.2025 17:34

Three weeks is a long time, but don't try to see too much. Pick two regions, like Northern Italy and Southern France, and really soak them in instead of just driving every single day.

Stefan_W

Joined:
13.04.2024
Posts: 608

11.01.2026 14:25

In reply to a previous post

I think that's the best advice here. We tried to do five countries in three weeks once and we spent the whole trip behind the wheel. Never again.

star_vulk

Joined:
06.07.2023
Posts: 1630

22.01.2026 13:38

Check out the rental car policies carefully. Some companies charge extra if you take the car across borders, especially into Eastern Europe.

kamilo

Joined:
10.12.2020
Posts: 1228

04.03.2026 19:52

Have you considered renting a campervan? It solves your accommodation issues and gives you total freedom to stay in those coastal spots you mentioned.

Planning a 3-week European road trip: Where to start?

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