Road trip research checklist: what to check first
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A useful road trip plan keeps its evidence close to its decisions. For each open question, record the answer, the official source or written booking term behind it, and the date you checked.
Tourism pages help you choose places. Road authorities, immigration authorities, park operators and booking providers answer different practical questions. Use the source responsible for each subject, rather than expecting one attractive itinerary to answer everything.
Start with the people travelling
Record the nationality and entry needs of each traveller. Check the entry conditions for each destination and transit country with the relevant authorities. Do not assume everyone in the car has the same requirements.
UK travellers can use GOV.UK foreign travel advice as a starting point for entry, safety, health and legal information in each country. Other readers should use their own government's equivalent, as well as the destination's authorities.
Check the driver and the licence
GOV.UK says to take your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence with you whenever you drive abroad. You might need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in some countries, and the requirement can vary by destination. Check each country before you go (GOV.UK: driving licence and IDP abroad). For UK guidance, see driving licence and IDP abroad.
Check the rental company's own terms for each driver. Its eligibility and route conditions are separate from the licence rules.
Check the vehicle and its papers
If you take your own vehicle, GOV.UK says to take your log book (V5C) and your insurance certificate (GOV.UK: driving abroad). If you take a vehicle hired or leased in the UK, you need a VE103 certificate (GOV.UK: driving abroad).
Extra equipment may be required in many countries, such as a reflective jacket and warning triangle. If you hire a car, checking that you have the required equipment is your responsibility (GOV.UK: driving abroad).
UK drivers also need to check whether a UK sticker is required. In Spain, Cyprus and Malta you must display one whatever your number plate shows. You do not need one to drive in Ireland (GOV.UK: flags, identifiers and stickers). See UK sticker for driving abroad for the full rules.
Research the actual roads and crossings
List the roads you intend to use, not only the overnight towns. Check each road authority's current notices, and the operator's information for any ferry. Check the accommodation's final approach and parking, not only the main road.
Some European cities require an emission sticker (permit). GOV.UK says you may need to buy these weeks before you go abroad (GOV.UK: driving abroad). See low emission zones in Europe.
Identify an alternative for any critical section before you book the nights on either side of it. Leave enough flexibility to use it. If the alternative changes the holiday fundamentally, decide whether the original plan is still the right one.
Check activities separately
A road that reaches a park does not show that a walk, boat trip or visitor facility is open. Find the activity's own access and booking information. Ask about parking, arrival times, accessibility and cancellation terms.
Check the relevant section of a park rather than assuming one arrangement covers all of it.
Keep a dated research record
| Question | Check with | Save with the plan |
|---|---|---|
| Can each person enter? | Immigration authority and government advice | Conditions and the date checked |
| Can each driver use this vehicle? | Licensing authority and rental provider | Licence requirements and written terms |
| Can we use this road or crossing? | Road authority or ferry operator | Current notice or booking |
| Can we stay and park here? | Accommodation or site operator | Address, access and arrival instructions |
| Can we do the activity? | Attraction or land manager | Access details and booking terms |
Recheck before you leave
Mark open questions clearly and recheck time-sensitive sources before you travel. Keep essential information available offline. For a fuller list of what to keep with you, see the road trip offline pack.
FAQs
Do I need an international driving permit?
GOV.UK says you might need one to drive in some countries, not all of them. The requirement varies by destination, so check each country you will visit (GOV.UK: driving licence and IDP abroad).
Do I need a UK sticker?
It depends on the country and on your number plate. In Spain, Cyprus and Malta you must display one whatever your plate shows. You do not need one to drive in Ireland (GOV.UK: flags, identifiers and stickers).
More in Worldwide road trips
Sources
- entry, safety, health and legal information for each country (checked )
- documents to carry, VE103 for a vehicle hired or leased in the UK, extra equipment, emission stickers bought weeks before you go (checked )
- carry your GB or Northern Ireland licence; you might need an international driving permit in some countries, which varies by destination (checked )
- UK sticker rules; required in Spain, Cyprus and Malta whatever the plate; not required in Ireland (checked )