With the warmer seasons approaching, many travellers will be embarking on road trips abroad this year.
TikTok searches for “European road trips” have increased by 86% in the last 12 months. With this in mind, specialist insurance broker ChoiceQuote, a Gallagher company, has analysed Google search and social media data to uncover Europe’s most in-demand scenic road trip routes.
But which European route takes the top spot?
The top 10 most in-demand road trips in Europe
| # | Destination | Country | Google Search Volume | Google Search Trend Increase | TikTok Search Volume | Overall Index Score /100 |
| 1 | The Northwest Coast | France | 14,800 | 83,100% | 9,800 | 90 |
| 2 | Amalfi Coast | Italy | 135,000 | 23% | 89,600 | 88 |
| 3 | Villages de Drôme | France | 12,100 | 2,200% | 8,000 | 78 |
| 4 | Transalpina Pass | Romania | 6,600 | 2,200% | 4,400 | 74 |
| 5 | Susten Pass | Switzerland | 4,400 | 2,200% | 2,900 | 68 |
| 6 | Grand Tour of Luxembourg | Luxembourg | 1,600 | 3,000% | 1,100 | 67 |
| 7 | Furka Pass | Switzerland | 60,500 | 0% | 40,200 | 64 |
| 8 | Atlantic Ocean Road | Norway | 27,100 | 0% | 18,000 | 60 |
| 9 | The Semois Valley | Belgium | 27,100 | 0% | 18,000 | 60 |
| 10 | The Transfagarasan | Romania | 27,100 | 0% | 18,000 | 60 |
Northwest Coast, France named the most in-demand road trip in Europe
The ChoiceQuote research found that The Northwest Coast was the most in-demand scenic road trip in Europe. Drivers will travel through Brittany, Loire Valley and Normandy, uncovering beautiful scenery, historic sites and delicious French delicacies. The road trip saw a staggering 83,100% increase in Google searches over the last 12 months, averaging around 14,800 searches per month. Similarly, the French road trip was immensely popular on TikTok, with an 83,000% increase in searches to view the destination, averaging at around 9,800 searches a month.
Amalfi Coast ranks 2nd most in-demand road trip
The Amalfi Coast is an extremely popular road trip route for travellers, so it’s not surprising that it ranked second. The Amalfi Coast is famous among road trippers for its breathtaking panoramic views through winding coastal roads along the Mediterranean Sea.
The popular Italian road trip received 135,000 Google searches per month. Driving the Italian coast remains popular across TikTok as the trip received 89,600 searches on average a month.
Villages de Drome rounds off the top 3
Another French gem rounds off the top three. Road tripping around the beautiful Villages de Drome has gained popularity due to French medieval architecture. This road trip route has seen a 2,200% and 2,100% search interest increase across Google and TikTok respectively.
Transalpina Pass, Romania and Susten Pass, Switzerland complete the top 5
The Transalpina Pass in Romania is one of the highest roads in the region, known for its beautiful views. The road trip takes drivers 2,145m above sea level, making it an exciting drive for experienced drivers. The road trip has received a 2,200% increase in searches on Google and TikTok over the last 12 months
Drivers will enjoy 26 bridges and tunnels hewn into the Swiss Alps during the Susten Pass, which completes the top five. The Susten Pass has seen an increase in demand by 2,200% and 2,100% on Google and TikTok respectively.
Phil Leese, Taxi and Specialist Motor Trading Manager at specialist insurance broker ChoiceQuote has provided some top tips on driving abroad and things you need to know before setting off.
“Europe is home to some beautiful scenery, so it is easy to understand why many choose to road trip across the continent. However, driving abroad may be daunting to those who are only used to driving on UK roads. There are things that drivers can do to make their trips safe and more seamless, such as planning their routes ahead of time and ensuring they are up to speed on local driving laws. It is also important for drivers to ensure that they have the correct insurance in place so that they are covered in the event that something unexpected happens.”
1. Driving on the right side of the road
If you’re driving in Europe for the first time, feeling nervous in different conditions is normal. If you’re visiting Malta, Cyprus or the Republic of Ireland you will be driving on the left, however, other European countries drive on the right. This can take some time to get used to, so it’s important to take your time while getting used to things.
2. Knowing the different road rules
Driving laws vary across Europe. There are some laws that may be confusing to Brits, such as in France the motorway speed limit is reduced from 80mph to 68mph when the road is wet. It is paramount that drivers know the different laws and legislations in the country they are visiting before setting off on their road trip.
3. Plan your route ahead of time
It is vital for drivers to research their desired route before setting off, especially if you’re looking to take a longer road trip. When travelling during peak holiday periods, European motorways can become very congested. When you’re driving in Europe, you’ll sometimes need to pay a toll to use the road. Drivers should always carry notes and coins to pay for these, in case you are unable to pay by card.
4. Keeping safe on the road
Many countries in Europe require you to carry certain items such as a V5 handbook, driving license, breakdown cover documents, warning triangle and reflective jacket in case of a breakdown. If your car breaks down while on your European road trip, drivers must pull over into a safe place as soon as possible. Just like when in the UK, assess the situation, evacuate the vehicle, make sure you’re visible and safe and place your warning triangle on the road.
5. Ensure you have appropriate insurance
European breakdown cover isn’t a legal requirement but it’s important to consider cover if you’re driving abroad. If you break down without cover, getting help can be expensive. When travelling to countries where you don’t speak the native language, European breakdown cover helps you have an English-speaking person on the phone to help. Depending on the level of cover you take you’ll be covered for some or all costs for roadside assistance and garage labour.”
