AA Travel Planner, Europe & USA Road Trip Guide

Road trips have always been more than just a means of travel; they are journeys of discovery, adventure, and freedom. Whether winding through the historic countryside of Europe or cruising along the wide and open highways of the United States, road trips allow travelers to experience landscapes, cultures, and hidden gems in a deeply personal way. In 2025, global travel is easier than ever with digital tools like the AA Travel Planner, which helps design routes, optimize driving times, and balance budgets.

Europe and the USA remain two of the most iconic destinations for road travel. Europe offers compact countries, efficient transport systems, and diverse cultures within a few hours’ drive. On the other hand, the USA embodies the classic road trip spirit with vast highways, scenic coastlines, and legendary routes like Route 66. Together, they provide travelers with a mix of old-world charm and modern adventure.

Best Time to Visit (2025 seasonal Updates in Europe and the USA) 

Europe’s beauty changes dramatically with the seasons. Spring (April to June) welcomes mild weather, blooming gardens, and fewer tourists, making it perfect for exploring France, Italy, and Spain. Summer (July to August) is festival season, with lively street events in Barcelona, Paris, and Munich, though it also brings higher prices and larger crowds. Autumn (September to October) is ideal for vineyard tours in Tuscany, Rhine Valley cruises in Germany, and cultural city trips in Prague or Vienna. Winter (December to February) transforms the Alps into a skiing paradise while Christmas markets sparkle across Germany and Austria.

The United States offers a vast climate range. Spring (March to May) is perfect for cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., and mild road trips along California’s Pacific Coast. Summer (June to August) is the peak season, drawing visitors to national parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon and city destinations such as New York and Chicago. Autumn (September to November) brings breathtaking foliage in New England, while winter (December to February) offers ski adventures in Colorado and Vermont, as well as mild escapes in Florida and Arizona.

How to Reach (Flights, Road, Train, and Bus Comparisons)

Europe

Europe is connected by international hubs like London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam. Travelers can fly in and use high-speed trains (Eurostar, TGV, ICE) or intercity buses (FlixBus, Eurolines) for affordable regional travel. For road trips, rental cars are widely available, with highways connecting major cities in just a few hours.

USA

In the USA, international arrivals usually land in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, or Miami. Domestic air travel is efficient with airlines like Delta, United, and Southwest. Amtrak covers long-distance train routes, though they are slower than in Europe. Greyhound and Megabus offer budget-friendly bus travel, while rental cars are the most practical option for true road trips.

Estimated Trip Cost 

Europe

• Flights (2025 average): $600 to $900 round-trip from the USA.
• Hotels: Budget hostels ($30 to $60), mid-range hotels ($100 to $180), luxury stays ($250 plus).
• Food: Budget meals ($15 to $25 per day), mid-range ($40 to $60 per day), and fine dining ($100 plus).
• Activities: Museum tickets ($10 to $25), day tours ($50 to $120).
  Average Daily Cost: $70 to $200, depending on budget.

USA

• Flights (if domestic): $200 to $400 round-trip between states.
• Hotels: Budget motels ($50 to $90), mid-range hotels ($120 to $200), luxury resorts ($250 plus).
• Food: Budget meals ($20 to $30 per day), mid-range ($50 to $80 per day), fine dining ($100 plus).
• Activities: National Park entry ($20 to $35), Broadway tickets ($100 plus).
  Average Daily Cost: $90 to $220, depending on budget.

Top Attractions and Activities

Europe Highlights

• Paris, France: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum.
• Rome, Italy: Colosseum, Vatican City.
• Barcelona, Spain: Sagrada Família, Gothic Quarter.
• Prague, Czech Republic: Charles Bridge, Old Town.
• Swiss Alps: Skiing and hiking adventures.

USA

• New York City: Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square.
• California Pacific Coast Highway, Yosemite National Park.
• Grand Canyon, Arizona: A natural wonder of the world.
• Florida, Miami beaches, and Orlando theme parks.
• Chicago Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and architecture tours.

Accommodation Options 

• Budget (Europe): Hostels in Berlin, Lisbon, and Budapest ($25 to $50).
• Budget (USA): Highway motels, budget chains like Motel 6 ($50 to $80).
• Mid-Range (Europe): Boutique hotels in Paris and Barcelona ($120 to $180).
• Mid-Range (USA): Business hotels in cities like Boston or Denver ($140 to $200).
• Luxury (Europe), Parisian 5-star hotels, Lake Como villas ($300 plus).
• Luxury (USA) resorts in Las Vegas, Miami Beach, and Napa Valley ($350 plus).

Local Food and Cuisine

Europe

• Italy: Pasta, pizza, gelato.
• France: Croissants, cheese, wine.
• Spain: Tapas, paella.
• Germany: Sausages, pretzels, beer.
• Greece: Gyros, moussaka.

USA

• New York: Bagels, hot dogs, and cheesecake.
• South: Barbecue, fried chicken, gumbo.
• Chicago: Deep-dish pizza.
• California: Avocado toast, farm-to-table cuisine.
• Texas: Tex-Mex, brisket.

Travel Tips and Safety Advice

• Driving Laws: In Europe, each country has unique speed limits; in the USA, limits vary by state.
• Weather Prep: Layer clothing for Europe; breathable fabrics for U.S. summers.
• Cultural Etiquette: In Europe, tipping is minimal; in the U.S., tipping (15 to 20 percent) is standard.
• Safety: Watch for pickpockets in European tourist areas; in the U.S., follow local driving laws and weather alerts.
• Packing Tip: Carry a universal adapter, comfortable shoes, and digital travel documents.

Itinerary Suggestions

Europe

• 3 Days in Paris (Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Seine cruise).
• 5 Days in Rome and Florence with high-speed trains.
• 7 Days in the Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville Cultural Circuit.

USA

• 3 Days in New York City (Statue of Liberty, Broadway, Central Park).
• 5 Days on a California Coastal Drive (Los Angeles, San Diego, and Big Sur).
• 7 Days in San Francisco, Yosemite, and Napa Valley: A Road Trip.

FAQs 

Do I need a visa?

U.S. citizens need a Schengen visa for longer European stays; Europeans need an ESTA for U.S. entry.

Cash or card?

Europe: carry both; USA: cards are widely accepted.

Best road trip car?

Compact cars in Europe, SUVs for U.S. highways.

Internet access?

SIM cards and portable Wi-Fi are recommended.

Is travel safe in 2025?

Yes, but always follow local guidelines and travel advisories.

Citation

AA Publishing. (2024, September 12). AA European Route Planner Map [Sheet map]. TG Jones Online. Retrieved August 26, 2025, from https://www.tgjonesonline.co.uk/Product/AA-European-Route-Planner.