Hire cars
While it may appear comforting and cost-effective to take your own car abroad, hiring one locally or from an airport (fly-drive) is arguably easier and safer, and could even work out cheaper. If you want freedom on arrival at a long-distance destination, fly-drive is the best option.
Most travel agents and car-hire firms offer fly-drive, in which you arrange your flight and car at the same time and from the same place. Hire companies are usually located at or near the airport, so you can collect the car on arrival without having to pay for taxis or get to grips with public transport.
If you are affected by jet-lag after long-haul flights, consider taking a cab to your accommodation on your first night. You may be too tired or disorientated to drive safely.
Your Car
Before driving abroad, check that your car is in good condition. Make sure all bulbs are working, engine oil, brake fluid and coolant levels are topped up and your tyres are correctly inflated. Fuel is often handy, too…
Hire cars should be in good order but it’s still worth giving them a once-over before you drive off into the sunset. Even though full breakdown cover is usually included, it’s no trouble, say, to make sure you have a spare wheel and the tools for fitting it.
Always Carry…
- Passport.
- Driving licence.
- Vehicle registration document.
- Insurance certificates – motor, medical and personal (NB: you may need to take out additional cover to travel abroad). Tell your car insurance company where you’re going.
- Road Tax (if using your own car): check it’s valid for the full period of your trip.
- Special documents and permits. You may need a visa, an International Driving Permit or a Green Card to visit some countries. In Europe, a Green Card will give you the same insurance cover that you have at home, as most insurance companies provide only the minimum legally required cover.
Plan your route
Familiarise yourself with your route and the names of some intermediate destinations before setting off. This will save time and help you to avoid the stress of being late or lost. Pack a good map and phrase book, and make sure you have sound directions, from door to door.
Most motoring organisations provide route-planning services, sent through the mail or downloaded via their websites. These can also give you the option of taking the fastest and most direct route, using favourite roads, avoiding tolls and so on.
If you’re going abroad, don’t forget…
Each country has its own driving regulations. Familiarise yourself with them beforehand.
Take an overseas breakdown contact number, even if you’re hiring a car
Penalties for motoring infractions can be severe. Stay within speed limits to avoid hefty, on-the-spot fines.
Always belt up, front and back.
When you park your car, hide any maps, tour-guides and luggage in the boot so it’s not obvious that you’re a tourist.
While you adapt to driving on the opposite side of the road, pay particular attention to other vehicles, road-markings and signs.
When driving a right-hand drive car on left-hand drive roads, hang back before overtaking to improve your view ahead.
Image by DB-2
