If you’re planning a road trip to Europe this summer, make sure you’re not caught out by local laws that could land you with fines of up to £2,560. Each European country has its own legal requirements for what drivers must carry in their vehicles and being unaware of these could cost you a lot. According to Ed Sharp, Head of Car Hire at TravelSupermarket, checking your rental vehicle is properly equipped before hitting the road is crucial.

Not having a motorway toll sticker, for example, could cost you up £2,560 in various countries like Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Czechia and Slovakia. These can be bought before entering toll roads and though some rental companies include these in the hire agreement, this is not always the case so make sure you check with your provider before taking the wheel. 

In most European countries, you’ll need a warning triangle and failing to have one could lead to some big fines. 

In serious cases, failing to carry a warning triangle or a reflective safety vest could result in fines of up to £640 in France, according to the French government website.

If you wear prescription glasses, you may also be legally required to carry an spare pair while driving in some countries.

Legal in several countries and always a smart idea, a first-aid kit must meet specific local standards.

In Germany, for instance, it must comply with the DIN 13164 regulation.

Pre-packed kits are available and typically include essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, gloves, scissors, and emergency blankets.

Before hitting the road this summer, double-check the rules in each country you’re visiting to stay compliant with local driving laws.

Failing to meet these requirements could lead to hefty fines or even make your vehicle unroadworthy.

Spain is no stranger to tourism, and few cities attract the crowds quite like Barcelona. With its world-famous architecture, beaches, and cultural landmarks, it drew a staggering 7.3 million overnight visitors in 2023, according to the city’s hotel occupancy survey.

But just 40 minutes away by train, there’s another Catalan gem waiting to be explored, Girona, a historic and vibrant city that welcomed just 342,600 overnight visitors in 2023. That’s over 7 million fewer tourists, making Girona the perfect getaway for travellers craving authenticity, beauty, and breathing room.

Girona might not boast the global fame of its bigger neighbour, but it has a quiet magic that’s all its own. Tucked between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, the city is known for its incredibly preserved medieval architecture, cobbled alleyways, and the iconic pastel-colored houses that line the Onyar River.

Wander through the Barri Vell (Old Town), and you’ll find yourself stepping into a storybook. The labyrinthine Jewish Quarter, or El Call, is one of the best-preserved in Europe, offering a haunting glimpse into the city’s medieval past.

You can climb the old city walls for panoramic views, stroll along the ancient Roman Via Augusta, or visit the Girona Cathedral, whose wide stone staircase has become a favourite Instagram backdrop (and a Game of Thrones filming location, for fans of the show).

Despite its modest size and laid-back vibe, Girona punches well above its weight when it comes to food.

The city is a pilgrimage site for foodies, thanks in part to El Celler de Can Roca, once ranked the best restaurant in the world.

But you don’t need a reservation at a Michelin-starred spot to enjoy Girona’s culinary scene. From local bakeries serving fresh xuixos (a sugar-dusted, custard-filled pastry) to family-run restaurants dishing up botifarra and suquet de peix, Girona is a place where flavours are both rooted in tradition and fearlessly creative.

Girona’s charm is amplified by how easy it is to reach. A high-speed AVE train from Barcelona takes just 38 minutes, and there’s even an airport nearby that connects to other European cities. Once you’re there, everything is walkable, picturesque, and welcoming.

Whether you’re looking to spend a quiet weekend among medieval streets or base yourself somewhere peaceful while exploring Catalonia, Girona offers a little bit of everything, with none of the stress.

A stunning beach known for its sparkling turquoise waters and golden sands has been named the “best” in Europe. Nissi Beach is a popular holiday destination in the resort of Ayia Napa, Cyprus. 

The beach stretches for 500 metres, and the water is clean enough for it to be awarded the Blue Flag designation. Travel insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk have created the European Beach Index to help travellers find their ideal beach holiday destination. The experts have named Nissi the best among all. 

The index ranks 10 popular European beaches based on factors such as the sea and air temperature, 5-star reviews, average daily costs and the height of the waves.

According to the travel experts, the gorgeous beach destination offers a budget-friendly daily cost of 103€ (£88), which includes all you’d need for a day trip such as meals, transport, and even overnight accommodation.

One of the users on the TripAdvisor forum who visited Nissi wrote: “Lovely beach. Shallow waters, great bars. Watersports are good. Nice relaxing place to sunbathe this time of year. Never disappointed.”

Nissi enjoys an average of 25C in May and is a perfect place for the beach lovers. 

CEO and travel insurance expert at Quotezone, Greg Wilson said: “Travellers seeking the perfect summer getaway will be searching for destinations where they can soak up the sun and relax on the beach without worrying about big waves and cold temperatures.

“Our team looked at 10 popular summer holiday destinations across Europe, ranking them on factors such as water and air temperatures, waves and 5-star reviews.

“Another factor we took into consideration was the average daily costs in each destination, including meals, transport and hotels, as many families are looking for budget-friendly holidays that don’t break the bank.

“Our European Beach Index revealed that Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, is the number one beach destination with excellent scores in every category.

“Nissi Beach has been ranked above some of the other famously popular European holiday hotspots due to its warm sea and air temperatures, as well as being one of the most affordable in terms of daily expenses.

“Plage de Palombaggia is an incredible looking beach in Corsica, France, however it came in last place largely due to the expensive prices in the area.”

“We encourage those who are still planning their summer holidays to consider the hidden gems of Europe, including our top three beach destinations Cyprus, Malta, and Slovenia.”