This year's Spring Festival, the national holiday is as long as 8 days, plus Chinese New Year's Eve and Sunday, February 18, many friends have at least 10 days off. During this time, the central and eastern regions of China have encountered a wide range of freezing rain and snow, and domestic travel will encounter great travel inconvenience, and friends with conditions can choose to travel in Europe. That's why I've put together a list of the best road trips in Europe, France, Switzerland and Germany, so you can experience an extraordinary journey that combines history, culture and natural beauty.
Dreamy Paris
1. Routes and accommodations
Starting in Paris and ending in Frankfurt, this route will take you through the heart of Europe.
France, Switzerland and Germany 12-day self-driving itinerary
Set off in the romantic city of Paris, a city that is not only a symbol of love, but also a haven of art and gastronomy. Stay in the heart of Paris, such as the elegant hotel on the banks of the Seine, where you can experience the charm of the city in depth. In Paris, it is recommended to stay for 3 days and visit famous sights including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Montmartre and many more.
Romantic Paris
Afterwards, head to historic Lyon, where the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accommodation options in Lyon are plentiful, from traditional hotels in the city center to modern apartments on the riverside.
Jungfraujoch, Switzerland
Next, you'll head into Switzerland to admire the beauty of Lake Geneva and explore the museums and galleries of Lausanne. In Switzerland, it is advisable to choose a hotel with a lake view or a traditional chalet in the mountains to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Switzerland. The small towns of the Jungfrau region, such as Interlaken and Grindelwald, are great places to stay and get up close and personal with the splendor of the Alps.
Lausanne, the Olympic city
After crossing Switzerland, drive to Germany. Pass through the fairytale Black Forest, visit the charming towns of Alsace such as Colmar and Strasbourg, or choose a half-day hike on the Alsace Wine Route, with its many beautiful villages along the way, or choose a winery for a wine tasting. In these areas, small but sophisticated guesthouses or country houses offer a unique experience.
France is the most beautiful town in Colmar
Eventually arriving in Frankfurt, Germany, this modern city is a stark contrast to the historic town. In Frankfurt, you can choose to stay in a business hotel in the city center, or you can look for some hidden boutique hotels as the perfect end to your European trip.
Whether you're choosing a high-end luxury hotel, looking for a cost-effective hotel chain such as ibis, Holiday Inn, Mercure, or booking a homestay with a local twist through Airbnb, each accommodation option will add a unique touch to your trip.
2. Food & Entertainment:
European cuisine is one of the highlights of your trip. In Paris, you have the opportunity to experience the world's best cuisine. For example, three-Michelin-starred restaurants such as "Le Cinq", "Arpège" and "Guy Savoy" not only offer exquisite French cuisine, but also allow you to enjoy an extraordinary dining experience in an elegant setting.
Michelin-starred restaurant Le cinq in Paris
In the Alsace region, it is recommended to try local specialty restaurants such as the "Winstub" style restaurant, which serves traditional Alsatian dishes such as pork knuckle and foie gras. In the meantime, don't miss out on tasting the famous Alsatian wines.
Alsatian specialties
Switzerland is famous for its traditional cheese fondue and Swiss cream cake. In the Jungfrau region of Switzerland, you can taste authentic Swiss cuisine in restaurants such as "Chez Meyer's" while enjoying the spectacular mountain views.
Swiss cheese fondue
Families can consider visiting Disneyland Paris full of joy and surprises, or Euroland in Germany's Black Forest. At Jungfrau in Switzerland, take a mountain train ride between the snow-capped mountains and let you breathe in the majesty of the Alps.
3. Visa and pre-departure preparation:
- Schengen visa: For most European countries, Chinese citizens need to apply for a Schengen visa. This visa allows free travel within the Schengen area and covers several countries, including France, Germany, and Switzerland.
- Preparation of materials: Generally, it is necessary to prepare a valid passport, visa application form, travel insurance, accommodation certificate, round-trip air ticket and proof of financial ability. A notarized birth is required for the child.
- Apply in advance: It is recommended to choose France to apply for a Schengen visa. The French tourist visa is simple and fast, especially for those who often travel to and from Europe, it is easy to get a 1-year multiple-entry visa.
- Travel insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance to ensure that common risks such as medical emergencies and lost luggage are covered.
- Health check-up: Conduct a health check-up before departure to make sure you're fit for a long journey.
- Packing luggage: Pack your luggage appropriately according to the time of travel and the weather conditions at your destination. Remember to bring the necessary personal items and appropriate clothing.
- Currency exchange: Prepare a certain amount of cash in euros, especially on the first day of arrival in Europe and when visiting small towns or rural areas.
- Electronic equipment: Check and prepare power adapters and chargers for European standards.
4. Self-driving in car rental
According to the Sino-French driver's license exchange agreement, self-driving tourists can directly use their Chinese driver's license in France, saving a lot of cumbersomeness. When driving, strictly follow the local traffic rules, especially the principle of priority on the main road. When it comes to renting a car, airports or train stations in smaller cities are usually more economical, but be aware that car rental companies may have mileage limits. Invest in comprehensive vehicle insurance to provide extra peace of mind for your trip.
- Vehicle selection and inspection: Choose the right vehicle type according to your route and needs, for example, a 4WD may be required in the mountains. Check the basic condition of the vehicle before departure, including tires, brakes, lights, fuel level, and fluids, etc.
- Navigation & Route Planning: Use a reliable GPS navigation system and download offline maps in advance. Plan the location of rest stops and gas stations, especially if traveling in remote areas.
- Emergency preparedness: Carry a first aid kit, spare tire, and necessary tools with your vehicle. Learn some basic car repair knowledge, such as how to change tires.
5. Safety and response measures
- Thieves and pickpockets: commonly found in busy tourist attractions, public transport, train stations, and airports. Please wear a security backpack or fanny pack, and do not place valuables such as mobile phones, wallets, and passports on tables or in easily accessible places.
- Scams: Common scams in popular tourist cities include fake police checks, street games, and fake signatures or merchandise sales. Be wary of any unusual requests made by strangers and avoid engaging in street games or donating money.
- Traffic safety: Be familiar with the local traffic rules when traveling by car, especially if you are driving in city centers or on mountain roads. Obey speed limits, use GPS to navigate, and be aware of the special traffic regulations for the projected route.
- Keep emergency contact information with you, such as local emergency service numbers, consulate contact information, and the address and phone number of your accommodation.
- In crowded places, such as the subway or markets, stay alert to personal belongings and avoid displaying valuables in public.
- Use credit cards or traveler's checks instead of large amounts of cash, and store your belongings in different places.
- When attending an event or visiting an attraction, plan your itinerary well in advance and learn about local customs, laws and regulations.
- Avoid spending time alone in remote areas at night, especially in unfamiliar cities.