Road tripping through Europe, need some tips

[wolfpackjeeper]

I got tasked to plan part of what has to be the best deal I have gotten to date in the military. We are taking an 8 man group of Fighter Pilots to Duxford England for the AirShow next weekend. But the deal gets better, we are not flying direct, instead we are flying into Ramstein, then renting two BMWs and driving. All with full per diem.

So I could use some suggestions on where to stop. As of right now I had planned on taking the E411 out of Ramstein so we could go through Lux as well. I was planning on a crossing at Calais unless someone here has a good suggestion. I am using google to the max right now, on stuff like a ferry crossing, although the chunnel could be pretty cool, maybe a train? But I have no clue how that works with rental cars.

I have been suggested by a family friend who goes to Europe often to make sure we rent at least 5 series BMWs, and to try to stop at Manneken Pis, Brussels and Grote Markt.

Any other advice? I get bonus points and mad street cred for this being awesome.

posted in the International forum as well

 

[Doc Holliday]

Im in the navy and got to stop in England a couple months ago, if you get a chance stop by Bath, although that looks like its a little ways past Duxford. London is a must if you have never been there. Rail service in England is great. I had fun just stopping at random small towns for a burger and a pint. Locals are pretty friendly with military in the smaller towns. Have fun, and see as much as you can while you are there. I want to head back there next summer if I can get away for a couple weeks.

 

[Ralph]

I don't know how much time you have, but I've always wanted to visit Bastogne and Normandy. I think that would be cool.

 

[wolfpackjeeper]

I planned the drive through Bastogne. Other than that I am not sure myself. I have VERY loose guidance on this so far. Hell, a 1LT is planning this shin dig.

If I thought I could get away with it, we would be riding the train to Paris. Rage there for the night, then ride the early train to London for eggs and Guinness. Hang out for a little bit, then ride a train to Cambridge and rent some cars there. That way no one would have to be sober till we got where we were going.

 

[RichP]

I planned the drive through Bastogne. Other than that I am not sure myself. I have VERY loose guidance on this so far. Hell, a 1LT is planning this shin dig.

If I thought I could get away with it, we would be riding the train to Paris. Rage there for the night, then ride the early train to London for eggs and Guinness. Hang out for a little bit, then ride a train to Cambridge and rent some cars there. That way no one would have to be sober till we got where we were going.

That is the way I would go, however driving the english portion can get interesting. Heck my first trip over there I almost got greased in the first 10 minutes by looking the wrong way crossing a road. Driving a left hand car in a right hand pattern is not for the newby driver to the wrong side brit roads.