Embarking on a Modern Roadtrip is the adventure of a lifetime, allowing you to explore spectacular landscapes and pulsing cities while immersing yourself in new cultures and cuisines. All the hard work has been done for you when it comes to composing itineraries, booking accommodation and hiring cars, meaning you can spend more time just enjoying the journey.
While it’s almost as simple as booking your flights and turning up at your chosen departure point, there are a few things you should keep in mind. This will ensure your roadtrip is everything you imagined it to be and you don’t encounter any hiccups along the way.
1. Inspiring packages
One of the hardest parts of planning a Modern Roadtrip is deciding on your destination, with dozens of routes exploring Europe, North America and Australia. To help whittle down your choices, we have a number of road trips you can choose from
based on your interests, the season you want to travel, as well as your preferred duration.
Only got a week up your sleeve? Then select “Up to 7 days” to only see trips of less than a week. If you’ve got more than a fortnight of vacation, then you can filter the results to only view roadtrips that are “14 days +”.
Similarly, you can opt to only browse itineraries that traverse a particular country or look for trips that will see you exploring the great outdoors. Modern Roadtrips also has journeys that are designed to completely immerse you in the history and culture of the region, as well as those that take advantage of unique seasonal experiences.
2. Handpicked hotels
At Modern Roadtrips, we understand that everyone has their own travel style, with some just wanting a comfortable place to rest their head at the end of the day and others wanting a little more luxury during their stay. No matter which itinerary you select, you can choose between Budget, Standard and Luxury accommodation, with the price changing accordingly.
All of our hotels are carefully handpicked, with the majority rated 95% or better on Expedia. We also do our best to only partner with properties that offer parking either on-site or nearby, so you haven’t got far to carry your luggage.
At a minimum, all of the hotels booked as part of a Modern Roadtrip will have a reception desk that is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is so you won’t encounter any issues if you arrive late at night or want to get a super early start in the morning. Daily housekeeping is included in the rates and you’ll always have an ensuite bathroom to ensure privacy.
3. Reliable hire cars
All of the hire cars booked through Modern Roadtrips are from “blue chip” companies such as Avis, Enterprise and Hertz. They have a proven track record of providing good customer service if you encounter any issues or if the unexpected occurs. All of the hire cars come with air-conditioning and Collision Damage Waiver insurance, which means that the full value of the rental vehicle is covered in a worst case scenario.
When you make a booking with Modern Roadtrips, the default option is for a single driver. But if you want to include a secondary driver, just let us know and we will check directly with the hire company if there are additional charges and notify you first.
When you pick up your hire car, it’s essential that you have your driver’s license and passport, as well as two proofs of your address, just to be on the safe side. Requirements differ from country to country but it’s always best to bring more documentation than not enough!
If you’re from the UK, the DVLA has introduced a system that allows you to share your license details with hire car companies, so you can be one step ahead before you depart home.
4. Personalised itineraries
Modern Roadtrips’ itineraries highlight the best there is to do along your route, including iconic tourist attractions and little-known gems that will get you off the beaten track. Off course, there is nothing to say you have to stop at every sight or tick any attractions off the list, with the journey 100% yours to customise.
All of the itineraries are designed to be completed at a leisurely pace, with the overnight stops close enough together that you won’t spend entire days behind the wheel. Although the nightly destinations are set, the days are at your disposal to spend as you please, whether that means getting lost in museums or reconnecting with nature on inspiring hiking trails.
While some itineraries have a single night in each location (with just a couple of hours on the road), others have two or three nights after what might be a long-ish drive to get there. If you want to extend your stay in a particular destination, simply get in touch and we’ll make it happen!
5. Packing essentials
What you need to pack will depend largely on your destination and whether you’re travelling at the height of summer or during the depths of winter. At a minimum, you must bring your passport and your Modern Roadtrips Guide, which will be emailed to you after your booking has been confirmed. If you are from an EU country, it’s also recommended that you bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in case of a medical emergency.
We also highly recommend that you invest in travel insurance, which will cover you if your luggage gets lost in flight or you require evacuation back home. It’s also a good idea to bring some cash in the local currency and, or course, debit/credit cards that are accepted by ATMs in your destination of choice.
GPS sat navs aren’t included in car hire bookings but you can request one for an additional fee. Alternatively, bring your smartphone to help with navigation or a detailed map if you prefer to roadtrip the old-school way.
When it comes to technology, pack an adapter that will allow you to use your devices abroad, being aware that the adapter you need could change if you’re travelling through multiple countries. It’s also a good idea to check with your phone provider regarding data roaming charges so you don’t come home to a surprisingly high bill.
