Why I’ll Always Love a Self-Drive Vacation (And a Clever Travel Hack to Know)

Before GPS and Google Maps, I grew up in the back seat of a station wagon with a paper map, snacks, and fighting my older brother over the middle armrest. My family road-tripped every summer, which is how I’ve visited 46 states. And somewhere along those endless highways and roadside stops, I fell in love with the freedom of no set schedule and the open road with the John Denver cassette on repeat.

To this day, self-drive vacations remain one of my favorite ways to travel. Since then, I’ve driven in about 15 countries from New Zealand to Lebanon and Scotland to Lithuania, where I learned how to drive stick shift and received my first speeding ticket abroad. The Italians and Lebanese are by far the wildest drivers, so buckle up.

By car, you invite spontaneity into your path. Those accidental detours that lead to meeting more locals, less touristy places, and eating local dishes. A rental car and an old-school map? I’m in my element, well at least I do use a GPS now. Let’s not get crazy!

Euro Trip with my big brother - Greece Summer of 2007

Planning a European road trip this summer? Here’s a savvy tip:

If you’re staying longer than five weeks, consider a short-term lease instead of a traditional rental. Not only do you often get a brand-new car, but insurance is included and the rates can be significantly better. We went that route when we traveled for seven weeks fresh out of college. We had our Europe on a Shoestring book, a navigation Garmin, and only a hostel reservation in St. Petersburg, Russia for the visa.

The lease option is a smart workaround that’s ideal for slow travel, whether you’re meandering through the French countryside, hopping between Spanish regions, or exploring the Dolomites at your own pace. While Europe has amazing rail options, it can’t go everywhere and sticks to a schedule, so some destinations aren’t as easy without a car.

Ferry from Country to Country

You can also enjoy some of the car ferries connecting countries and skip the extra driving distance like Italy to Athens, or Finland to Sweden for example. We did that on our 16-country journey.

This summer, I’m helping clients plan both U.S. and European self-drive adventures from cross-country bucket list routes to one-country immersions that let you settle in and live a place, not just visit it.

While I’m no longer able or recommending no reservations, fly by the seat of your pants, you can still find plenty of sponinatiey when you drive but make sure you have a great place to lay your head after a long day of driving.

Want help planning the ultimate road trip or even a long weekend in the US to a fantastic getaway?