Why Road Trips In Europe Are So Much More Enjoyable To American Tourists

The U.S. could be nicknamed "The Land of Cars." According to a 2022 AAA survey, nearly 95% of Americans of driving age use a car at least occasionally, and most spend about an hour behind the wheel daily. Driving is also a common part of U.S. vacations, which makes sense, given how spread out the country is. But despite car culture being so prevalent, some American tourists might find that Europe does road trips better than the States.

First, U.S. tourists might be shocked to discover how easy it is to hop between countries in Europe by car, often without even needing to present a passport. In just one day of driving, you could pass through four or even more countries, depending on your route. In many cases, each country will have its own language, currency, and scenery that you can experience just by crossing a border in your car. This isn't typically the case in the U.S. Sure, the scenic views of the Rocky Mountains are much different than what you'll see road tripping along the East Coast. Still, the regional differences, especially in terms of culture, aren't as stark compared to those found across Europe.

Road tripping is also a great way to see the authentic side of European destinations, away from the tourist traps and crowded attractions. If you thought Europe was just the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben, think again. The rolling hills of Switzerland and the stunning coastline of Portugal, for instance, can be hard to reach with just a flight and public transportation.

One especially enjoyable aspect of road trips in Europe is just how relaxed and easy-going they can be. Once you leave the cities, traffic is a rare nuisance, making it a breeze to drive between destinations. Additionally, Americans may be delighted to come across roundabouts (once they learn how to navigate them, that is) in many European countries, which reduce the need for lengthy stops at traffic lights.

Surprisingly, rest stops also make for a more enjoyable experience compared to those found in the U.S. Many rest stops in Europe offer a variety of fresh and healthy food, some are equipped with playgrounds and greenery, and you may even find travelers hosting parties at them. There are some particularly famous rest stops found across the continent, such as the iconic Autogrill fast food restaurant in Italy.

Finally, you may notice that the roads feel safer in Europe compared to many parts of the U.S. In some European countries, road rage is unusual, the quality of the streets is superior, and traffic deaths are less common. However, this isn't true everywhere. Some countries in Europe are considered highly dangerous for drivers, so do your research before hitting the road.