I finished uni today and I’ll I’ve been thinking about as I walked out of that last assessment is that I deserve to get away. I fancy a road trip, but probably not the sort that you’re thinking about.
I ended up in the road trip frame of mind because a few weeks ago Kwik Fit got in touch to ask if I’d been on any European road trips or if I’d like to talk about any I might be planning. That’s what sparked my imagination.
Surrounded by textbooks and scribbled revision notes, I started thinking about where I could escape to once uni was done. Where in Europe would suite my family, a husband who doesn’t like it to get too hot or to be swallowed by crowds?
I eventually settled on the possibility of two slightly more unusual European road trips. The first is probably more doable than the second right now, but some day I hope to have completed both.
Unusual European Road Trip 1: The Scottish Highlands
I’ve chosen the Scottish Hilghlands because it can all be done by car on land. I imagine the motorway that would take me there will not be quite as scenic as the main part of the road trip, but being able to travel the entirety of it by car is certainly a plus.
Ideally I’d like to go via Eilean Donan Castle because I’ve seen it in lots of pictures of the highlands and I think it’s so beautiful. My daughter is also history obsessed, so where better to take her than a 13th century castle?
Unusual European Road Trip 2: Trollstigen, Norway
Look at those crazy roads! Look at that breathtaking scenery! I love an unexpected layout of land, and this is as surprising as it comes. I’ve never seen anything like it! I think this a road trip that’s not too well-suited to having young kids in the car, I wouldn’t fancy negotiating those bends with an angry toddler in the back seat!
How I’d Prepare for my Unusual European Road Trips
Obviously my unusual European road trips aren’t quite the sunny climbs one might have expected me to say I had plans for, so I’d have to prep the car accordingly.
Ideally I’d like to go once we’ve upgraded my car to something with more leg room for me and the kids, and more boot space for our bags.
The biggest issues with the road trips I’ve planned are probably to do with making sure the tyres have good tread, ensuring the brakes are working well (including the hand brake, mine is currently pretty rubbish), and that the battery has got a good amount of life in it. The last thing I’d want to happen is to be stranded on a deserted road, even if it does have a lovely view!
My checklist would be:
- Check the tread on the tyres and replace any tyres where the tread is not sufficient.
- Have the brakes checked by a mechanic (I’ve chosen some pretty winding roads for my road trips!).
- Ensure the battery doesn’t need replacing.
- Fill up with petrol!
The kids need entertaining too, but I think portable DVD players would probably do the trick!
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