Francais

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

The Start of Another Adventure

After months of looking at photos, thinking of new countries to explore, and planning out an itinerary in must-see cities, I am proud to present the 2016 European Road Trip !


The itinerary got pretty beat up; I changed most of our airbnb plans multiple times.
Here is what looks to be the final product:

Perthes, France → Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt → Prague, Czech Republic
Prague → Cesky Krumlov → Wels, Austria
Wels/Linz → Mondsee → Salzburg
Salzburg → Hallstatt
Hallstatt → Alps → Lake Bohinj/Bled, Slovenia
Lakes, Vingtar Gorge → Ljubljana
Ljubljana → Scokjan Caves → Croatian coast
Coast → Nat'l Park → Rovinj
Rovinj → Pula
Pula → Lago di Garda, Italy
Garda → Riomaggiore → Rapallo
Rapallo → (N) Italian coast
(N) Coast → Nice, France → Calanques
Calanques, Marseille → Arles
Arles → Palaja


And on a map it looks a little like this...



While we'd love to do the Grossglockner in Austria, it just isn't in our budget.. 35 to drive on a road? Meh.

For the 60ish hours we'll be spending in the car, I've got tons of music, books, a DS.. and my camera to keep me busy.


How to Prepare for the European Road Trip

Step 1: Find a car

2005 Alfa Romeo 156 Crosswagon Q4 with a roof box








Step 2: Gather Supplies


Some supplies come from Wal-Mart in the US, some come from various stores in France. We packed:


first aid kit

necessary tools/cones/vests for emergencies (we are in the EU)
duct tape
glue
bungee cords
toilet paper
paper towels
car tools and products (inject cleaner, coolant, etc)
zip ties
flashlight
extra tank of gas
small organizers to organize everything according to use
jumper cables
air pump
fire extinguisher
knife
money belt
tent
something soft to sleep on
sleeping bags
pillows and blankets
can opener
plates and utensils
mini stove and gas
cooking utensils
2 pots
picnic blanket
multiple coolers/lunchboxes
plastic bags
ziploc bags
insect repellent
air freshener
hand sanitizer
medicine/pain killers/TUMS (extra Vit C, right?)

snorkel gear
quick-dry towels
hand towel/rags
house to car electricity converter (for charging laptop/camera)
personal hygiene supplies

Step 3: Buy some food



We haven't even left yet and I already have some regrets; packing way too many snacks (snack in the countries you're going to! Duh!) and not leaving enough room for rreeeaall food.

No matter, here are some foods we packed:

For the morning:

Oatmeal
Bananas
Jam
Madeleines
Biscuits
Poptarts

For lunches and dinner:

lots of pasta (10 meals)
canned tomato sauce (4 meals)
bread (12 sandwiches)
cheese (shredded, other)
big bottle of water with spout
big bottles of water
small bottles of water
butter
apples
yogurts (not too many)
packaged quinoa, lentils, rice: ready to eat, just need reheating (8 meals)
canned corn (5 meals)
canned green beans (5 meals)
boxed juice
sirop
apple sauce

Things we'll be buying fresh:

Ham
Bananas
Apples
Carrots
Onions
Milk





Step 5: Pack some clothes!

Pack light. The only things that made it into my bag were those I was sure were useful.

I packed:
3 pairs of shoes
2 jackets, one light, one fleece
4 shorts, 2 jean, 2 quick dry
2 capris
1 pant
1 skirt (didn't use)
8 tops plus one vest
2 PJs, one warm, one cold
2 swim suits
enough underwear
All the clothes I brought for 2-3 months of travel. (UPDATE: It was too much.)

Step 4: Take a Shower


Because no amount of dry shampoo and baking soda will help you now..

"The world is a book, and those who don't travel only read one page." - Saint Augustine -


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