There is nothing difficult in making a trip to Europe by car. It is much more convenient and interesting than a bus tour, because you can choose your own route, stop time in a particular city for sightseeing, choose a hotel based on your preferences and complete freedom of action in the event that plans have changed.
But, in order for the trip to be a pleasure, not to have unpleasant situations on the road and during the trip, it is necessary to study the rules of the road of the country, as well as a number of features and nuances of road traffic in European countries.
It is necessary to choose the route to follow on European roads depending on personal preferences and events planned for the trip. If the speed of movement is important in the trip, then you can choose the high-speed Autobahn for movement. In case of preference - admiring the scenery, stopping along the way for photographing and filming, inspecting picturesque places - it is better to choose the routes that pass through settlements, with established speed limits, but the ability to make stops on the highway and in settlements. In addition, these routes, which run parallel to the autobahns, are free, while most high-speed European roads are toll-free. On road maps, toll highways are indicated by the letter A.
The peculiarity of driving on the Autobahn is that stops on the Autobahn are strictly prohibited. If the driver does not have a vest with bright luminous stripes, then you should not get out of the car, which has broken down, before the arrival of the emergency team, so as not to violate the rules for driving on the Autobahn and not pay a fine for violations. 
It is also important to remember that on the autobahn you must observe the set speed, you cannot go slower than the set speed limit. In the case of movement on a free highway that passes through settlements, it is important to remember about the speed limit that is set for the highway, and monitor its observance. The road surface of European highways tempts domestic motorists to drive faster than the established speed limit. Therefore, it is important to remember that in case of violation of traffic rules, speed limits, a substantial fine will be charged. When traveling on European highways, do not forget that all routes are equipped with surveillance cameras with devices, automatic speed control. The police in these countries are very strict and the option to "negotiate" with them in the event of a traffic violation will not work.
Payment for travel on a toll road can be fixed or depending on the mileage. In the case of a fixed payment, the entire amount is paid at the entrance to the highway. If the payment is per kilometer, then the amount for the distance traveled is paid when leaving the highway, after the driver presents a special card from the entrance to the highway. Payment can be made both in cash and with a bank card; for this, there are special turnstiles at the entrance or exit from the highway.
When choosing places for night or day parking in cities for sightseeing, you need to remember that most parking lots in European cities are paid. But, for example, in parking lots near some large supermarkets, parking is free. Also, in some paid city parking lots there are free daytime parking hours. You can find out the cost of an hour of parking at a particular parking lot by carefully reviewing the price list that hangs at the entrance to the parking lot. The time of free hours in city parking is indicated in the timetable and parking rules located next to the price list.
Also in European cities there are free parking lots like P + R (Park & Ride). These parking lots are usually located on the outskirts of the city, near the final stops of public transport. Once you reach the P + R car park, you can leave your car there and use public transport to enter the city center for sightseeing and shopping. It should be remembered that such parking is free only during the daytime.
In case of overnight parking, keep in mind that the cost of parking in hotels located on the outskirts of the city will be lower than in the city. In the center of the city, in places under the “no parking” sign, it is allowed to park cars for people living nearby or working on this street.
