I am american and would like to take a Road Trip across Europe( need Tips, advice, ect...)?

I am looking to take a road trip across Europe in the next few years, and I was wondering what basic stuff do I need to know, and maybe some expensives I would be looking at. Thanks for all the help!I am american and would like to take a Road Trip across Europe( need Tips, advice, ect...)?
The equivalent of freeways are mostly toll roads in Europe: in France, they are ';Autoroute';; in Italy, Superstrada; in Germany, Autobahn. Except they are free in Germany and UK. In Austria there is a sticker you're supposed to buy which is good for a week or so in lieu of paying road tolls. There are tolls for long tunnels and bridges.





If the purpose of the trip is to see the countryside, don't bother with the toll roads. There are plenty of old highway-type streets which go everywhere and are free.





Fuel averages about twice the price in the U.S., but, unless you use an American gas guzzler, most of the price increase is canceled by the higher efficiency vehicles there.





Reportedly there is some lack of acceptance for German-registered cars traveling in France and Spain. I used a French-registered car and had no trouble.





There are some subtle rules-of-the-road differences:


* You can't turn against a red light, even after stopping.


* They drive very aggressively, but very competently. If they seem dangerous, they're probably an American tourist, and usually in a Ford product (Europeans don't seem to buy them).


* Mind blowing situation: slow vehicle delaying you and the car in front of you. On a blind curve, he accelerates out and passes! ***Do not*** fill in the space he had鈥攁t least for awhile. He might have to come back if there is oncoming traffic. I saw this maneuver dozens of times.





Best advice: avoid large cities, even to drive through. They are an incredible hassle with a car. If you must visit one, park well outside at one of the local train stations and commute in.