A to Z: International Driving Tips
A
Air Conditioning - If your in a hot country, make sure to get a car with air conditioning so you don't run the risk of heat stroke or dehydration when on long trips!
B
Boot space - Make sure if your renting a car on holiday you get something that can hold your luggage!
C
Children - Keep them entertained on long journeys and with high morale those kids will be as happy as when they left.
D
Driving Laws - Each country has its own set of rules, what might be common practice in one country may be illegal in another.
E
European Driving Holidays - Its becoming more commonplace to drive across Europe since the opening of the cross-channel ferry. Make sure you have all the appropriate stickers (like the GB sticker) and papers to drive abroad!
F
Fines - You can still be fined when driving abroad, even for things you weren't aware were wrong. In France among other countries the fines are on the spot and you may be escorted to a cash point to get the money.
G
Go Over Your Hire Car - Make sure there is no damage on the car when you pick it up. If there is notify the staff at the hire desk so you don't get the blame when you bring the car back!
H
Hire Car - Did you know you don't need to return the vehicle to the same place you picked it up? Perfect for those adventurous souls who want to drive there ways across a continent.
I
Insurance - If you are in a hire car the cost of insurance is well worth it. Even the safest drivers can have accidents, especially in unfamiliar territory!
J
Jams - Traffic jams are common all over the world. If your driving over a day why not take a break around peak times and try and avoid some of the stress.
K
Kilometers Per Hour - Many countries use Kph instead of Mph, so the sign that says 100 on it may not mean 100mph! (10 Mph equates to about 16kph)
L
Limit - Know what the speed limit is for the country your headed, both maximum and minimum!
M
Mobile Phones - Handy in case of emergencies, useful things like being able to get on the net, e-mail (good for traveling business) and keeping contact with home. But remember, don't speak and drive, go hands free!
N
Navigation - Satellite navigation is ideal for finding your way round foreign lands although a good road map will still do the job!
O
Oranges - Oranges can provide a refreshing snack on the road!
P
Petrol - Make sure you know what kind of petrol your car takes when you book it. It will save a lot of time digging through the car manual on your first refill!
Q
Quota - If your on a budget, set yourself a quota for fuel costs to leave yourself more money for romantic meals or theme park trips!
R
Road Signs - Make sure you are familiar with the meaning of road signs of the countries you are visiting
S
Side of the Road - Check out our Road Rules Abroad section to find out who drives on what side of the road
T
Treats - If your traveling with children, keep some sweets hidden away to lift morale in traffic jams and harder points of the journey.
U
Understanding - Take time to understand your car if its unfamiliar, the last thing you want to do is turn on the emergency lights when your looking for the screen wash!
V
Vignette - A motorway tax disc required by law to be purchased in Austria and Switzerland before you can legally use the motorway.
W
Wet Roads - Drive safely on wet roads especially when your in unfamiliar territory. Being stuck in heavy rain can make for hairy driving. If in doubt, find somewhere to park while you wait for it to subside.
X
X-tra Fuel - When traveling this isn't always a great idea. Find fuel well in advance of having an empty tank as carrying cans of fuel isn't legal everywhere worldwide.
Y
Yellow High Visibility Jackets - These are handy to make sure you are seen if you break down and have to get out of the car.
Z
Zzzzzz - Make sure you never drive tired. At the first sign of sleepiness pull over at the nearest safe point and get some sleep!