Eight thoughts every Aussie has when driving in Europe

And while these weeks-long, if not months-long soirees, are usually trips of self-discovery and countless memories, being thrown out of your comfort zone when it comes to being on the roads can sometimes be a little more daunting.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro at Euro road trips, or you’re getting ready to brave your first time on the Autobahn, there’s little doubt all Aussies share similar first impressions when heading off on an adventure of a lifetime with friends. Having just come back from a six-week trip across Europe, here’s a first-timer’s thoughts.

Probably the most obvious difference, and where it comes in handy to have someone in the passenger seat helping you focus. It takes some adjusting to, and serious concentration in those first few moments after getting behind the wheel and driving out onto the road. While it can take some time getting used to, once you’ve found your groove (and also stopped trying to enter the car via the passenger side door out of habit) you won’t even think twice before making a turn or pulling out of a driveway.

However, it is helpful to have someone riding shotgun, just to give you a few pointers and helpful tips as you find your way.

Australia’s speed limits along highways compared to Europe's couldn’t be more different, but as it turns out, Europe and the UK have it figured out. While my boyfriend had driven along the Autobahn before, having cars fly by your modest rental at upwards of 150km an hour was something very new to me.

While in Latvia I discovered speed limits appear to be more of a guide than anything enforced, and those drivers are B-R-A-V-E. I was a passenger at one point, and while I knew our family driver was careful, you can’t help but feel a small amount of fear while overtaking trucks at higher speeds than we’re used to back home. Even in England while travelling along the motorway from Manchester to Bedale, North Yorkshire, there were moments of thinking – and asking - “Are we going too slow?”.

Never fear though, if pushing the speed limit in your rental car isn’t your thing, you can always stick to the slower lanes. In fact, it’s a must. It’s better to be safe and comfortable, than not!

I think every Aussie travelling always gets the old “you’re a long way from home!” when speaking to locals abroad, but nothing makes you realise how isolated Australia is than when you’re road tripping across Europe. From the Netherlands we ended up in Germany, in less than THREE HOURS. And we could have added a detour via Belgium if we wanted! Ever in Munich and decide you want to head to Austria for a Sound of Music experience in Salzburg? Again, less than a four hour drive and you’re in another country! You'd be lucky to drive four hours and make it into another state here in Oz!

Like driving on the opposite side of the road, you may approach the first roundabout with slight hesitation. There’s just something about going the opposite way than you’re used to which is unnatural, not to mention having to remember to remain on the correct side of the road when exiting!

We are spoilt when it comes to the landscape and the beaches in Australia, but being able to experience the Swiss Alps or the rolling fields of the Yorkshire Dales right in front of you is not only beautiful, but something you’ll forever remember. Whether it’s the French vineyards, or Germany’s mountain ranges, there’s something special about being able to drive through such beautiful areas of the world and not see kilometres upon kilometres of dead grass.

While there’s no shortage of European-brand cars available in Australia, there’s also a variety of other brands available for everyone’s budget and taste. I counted only one Mazda, somewhere along an English highway, in the entire time I was away. In a sea of other European makes and models I was almost shocked to see it! And utes, you’ll soon discover vans are more popular than a trusty HiLux.

Ah Ring Roads, truly god’s gift to anyone driving in the UK and Europe. Having picked up a car in Manchester, the next task was to get to North Yorkshire, and we managed to do this – along with several other road trips – without having to go through a city. We bypassed the traffic, the frustration, and the risk of Google Maps stuffing up with this simple piece of infrastructure.

While not solely restricted to our friends in the northern hemisphere, one glaring difference I noticed being behind the wheel was how European drivers are courteous to others using the roads, including bike riders. There’s certainly a mutual respect between riders and drivers and having also been a bike rider in multiple German cities, it was much appreciated!

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