Europe Driving Tips Make Traveling by Car Easier
Most of the countries within Europe are very easy to get to by car, making driving around Europe a great choice for anyone who is confident in their driving abilities. Learning how to travel by car in Europe is essential, as Europeans drive on the left side of the road, which can be very confusing for Americans. Traveling through Europe in a rental car gives you a lot more mobility, making it much easier to get to country destinations. This mode of travel can be cheaper than traveling by train, especially when you have a group of three or more people all chipping in for gas and the rental fee. You really get to learn a lot about the country you are in when you navigate the streets on your own, so consider traveling by car on your next European vacation to save money and roam free.
How to Travel by Car through Europe
So you want to drive around Europe in a rental car? Before you gas up your vehicle and hit the open road, you need to be aware of the rules of the road in Europe, as well as how to read Europe driving maps, among other things. To stay safe and make it to your destination in a reasonable amount of time, keep these Europe driving tips in mind:
Get an International Driving Permit. Any tourist who wants to be able to drive around Europe can usually do so legally with an American or Canadian Driver’s License, but some countries require that you have an International Driving Permit as well. Consult the regulations of the country you are going to by asking your travel agent or with a quick Google search. If you need an IDP, you can get one from AAA in America or the Canadian Automobile Association in Canada for $15 plus the cost of a couple of pictures.
Rent a car without going broke. Renting a car in Europe has a few more hoops than in America and is usually more expensive. Cars can be rented for an entire week or by the day; the week option can save you a lot of money as usually there is no mileage limit. Reserve your car online from home or through your travel agent for better deals than if your book in person. Consider bus transport services if you have a large group to save more money.
Consult a consolidator or travel website to compare prices. A consolidator, like Auto Europe, is a site that will show you rates from a number of different car rental companies in Europe and give you wholesale deals when you book through them. Travelocity, Trip Advisor, and Expedia can all help you book your car as well.
Choose companies with multiple locations throughout Europe. If you want to be able to pick up your car in one country and drop-off in another, make sure you select a company with a lot of locations throughout Europe for ease.
Tell your rental car company where you plan to go. Some countries are restricted from travel by certain rental car companies, so let them know where you plan to go in order to be sure you are visiting only those countries that are allowed.
Know the distance to where you are going. Use a Europe driving distance resource to figure out how far your destination is and to determine if another travel option is better.
Make sure you have Europe driving maps before you start driving!
Check out: Mobile Phones and Cards for European Travel