There’s nothing quite like the thrill of the open road: stunning scenery unspooling past your window, the freedom to stop wherever you like, and the ability to be completely spontaneous.
Whether you’re doing it as a couple or as a family, a road trip is just plain fun and offers a sense of adventure that taking a flight just can’t compete with.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, therefore, interest in road trips is on the up: UK Google searches for “best European road trips” have soared by 5,000% over the past three months, while global TikTok searches over the same timeframe show a 96% increase for terms like “best road trip route” and a 33% rise for “road trips” overall.
If you love the idea of a road trip but you have never done one, don’t be put off by practicalities.
How to prepare for a road trip
Here’s some crucial advice from expert Alison Ingram-Seal, Saga’s car insurance product manager: “With so many accessible destinations in Europe to choose from, a little preparation goes a long way to ensure a smooth, stress-free road trip.
“If you’re taking your own vehicle, start by checking that your car insurance covers driving in Europe, and what it covers, like loss or theft, accidental damage or medical costs following an accident.”
“Get in touch with your insurer if you’re unsure or to add cover to your policy. You’ll also need to carry some important documents, such as your driving licence, V5C logbook, and proof of insurance.
“In most cases you don’t need a green card any more, but a handful of European countries may require it, so check before you leave.”
Image credit: Getty Images
“Some countries also require specific safety items. For example, in France, it’s compulsory to carry breathalysers, reflective vests and warning triangles.”
“It’s important to familiarise yourself with local road laws, speed limits, and toll rules, but also the physical conditions and any recent travel advice.
“Some scenic roads, while beautiful, can include steep gradients, narrow passes, or long rural stretches without a fuel station.
“Doing your research beforehand and making sure both you and your vehicle are ready for the journey is one of the best ways to stay safe.”
The top road trips in the UK and Europe
So, where should you go? Well, a recent study from Saga Car Insurance revealed which destinations are trending with travellers, based on real-time Reddit buzz.
Using a unique scoring system, combining total mentions (25%), total comment likes (50%) and analysing the average sentiment of comments (25%), Saga scoured over 73,000 Reddit responses to uncover the top 10 countries and destinations for taking the car for a spin this summer.
And – drumroll, please – the top three best European countries for a road trip are Iceland, Ireland and Scotland.
Feeling ready to hit the highway? Read on for our list of the most popular places to take a road trip in Europe and the UK this summer, plus our handy tips for every driver.
1. Stokksnes Penninsula, Iceland
Image credit: Getty Images
In at number one, with a score of 95/100, is Stokksnes Peninsula in Iceland, Europe’s top-rated road trip destination for this summer.
Never heard of it before? It’s a striking headland on the southeastern Icelandic coast, near the small towns of Höfn and Hornafjördour, nearly 300 miles from Reykjavik.
Must-sees: Stokksnes’ dramatic black sand beaches, Vestrahorn mountain views, the Northern Lights (from late August to early April), and the Viking Village – a replica Viking settlement originally built for an unfinished film, later featured in Netflix’s The Witcher: Blood Origin.
Caution: The best time to drive F-roads (mountain roads) in Iceland is July through early September. These months offer the warmest weather, the longest daylight hours, and the highest chances that all F-roads will be open.
Rules of the road: F-roads are highland routes with gravel surfaces, river crossings and breathtaking scenery, but they’re only accessible with a 4×4 vehicle during the summer months. Off-road driving is illegal in Iceland.
2. North Coast 500, Scotland
Image credit: Getty Images
With a score of 90/100, the North Coast 500 was number two on the list. A 516-mile scenic route around Scotland’s north coast, it officially starts and ends in Inverness.
Celebrating ten years since its launch in 2015, it’s designed to showcase the highlights of the Scottish Highlands, including coastal drives, castles, and charming villages.
Must-sees: Stunning coastal views, Dunnet Head, Durness, Handa Island, Ardvreck Castle, and the Applecross Peninsula.
Caution: Be prepared for long stretches of road without petrol stations in rural highlands.
Rules of the road: Pavement parking is illegal in Scotland, which also bans double parking and parking on dropped kerbs. Offenders can be fined £100 by local authorities.
3. Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Image credit: Getty Images
The picturesque Ring of Kerry route in Ireland was number three on the list, having scored an impressive 85/100.
A circular drive of 111 miles around the the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, southwestern Ireland, it’s known for its rugged coastal landscapes, charming towns and villages, and historical sites, offering a quintessential Irish experience.
Must-sees: Killarney National Park, Gap of Dunloe Mountain Pass, the towns of Kenmare and Waterville, Derrynane Beach, Skellig Ring, Kerry Cliffs and Sneem Falls.
Caution: Lack of street lighting and white stripes or cat’s eyes, especially in the countryside and narrow roads that lead to cliffs, ravines and bogs.
Rules of the road: In Ireland, speed limits are in kilometres per hour (km/h), differing to the UK’s standard miles per hour (mph).
Also in the top 10 were a trip around the Dolomites in Italy (number 6), the Lake District (number 8), and beautiful Provence in France (number 9).
Whichever route you choose, make sure you drive safely; and – trust us on this – always keep some snacks in the glove box…
Road trip tips
Alison Ingram-Seal shares her top road trip tips.
Check your insurance
Make sure your policy covers driving in Europe and check how long you’re covered for. Many insurers charge extra for EU cover or limit the number of days you can drive abroad. Only one in 10 policies offer unrestricted travel, but Saga’s Plus and Select levels include up to 365 days of EU cover as standard.
Know the local laws
Speed limits, toll systems and road signs vary by country, and some have strict drink-driving rules or require extra safety equipment.
Don’t forget your documents
You’ll need your UK driving licence, vehicle logbook (V5C), and proof of insurance.
Get your car road-trip ready
Make sure your vehicle is well-maintained and suitable for the terrain.
Research your route in advance
Especially if it includes mountain roads or rural stretches, and pack essentials like a UK sticker (a legal requirement in most EU countries), reflective jackets, warning triangles, and headlight beam adjusters to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers.
Plan fuel stops and breaks
Scenic and rural routes can have long stretches without petrol stations or rest stops.