Your guide to driving abroad?
If you’re planning a family vacation this summer, you’ll have a lot of planning to do before you set off. Where you’re staying, how you’re getting there and what to take with you will all be things at the top of your list, but have you thought about travel plans once you’re there? In this guide we take a look at how to rent a car abroad, at what documents you’ll need, and at whether or not it’s the most cost effective option.
What Documents Will I Need?
The documents you’ll need to rent a car depend on what country you’re going to. You’ll need to make sure you meet the minimum age restriction of the country and specific car hire company, which typically varies from 18-25 years old. You will also probably need to provide some form of ID and show the hire firm your driving license.
Consider getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) as you might need this to drive in foreign countries. An IDP translates your license into 10 languages and is internationally recognized. You can apply for an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the National Automobile Club (NAC).
Choosing a Hire Car
Make sure you shop around when looking for a hire car. Some companies will be more affordable than others, so do your homework online. It’s also a good idea to book your car before you arrive to make sure you get a vehicle big enough for the whole family, and to avoid waiting a long time for them to prepare the car.
Check it over for any bumps or scratches before you drive away with it. If you’re going with a reputable hire car company, you probably won’t have any problems, but you should aways make a note of any bumps just in case.
Do I Need Insurance?
You’ll need to make sure you’re insured if you’re planning to drive abroad. Check to see if your current car insurance covers you for driving abroad, and, if it doesn’t, look into adding some extra cover for the duration of your stay.
Getting Used To Driving Abroad
Driving abroad can take a bit of getting used to, but it’s also one of the best ways to explore new places. Do a bit of research into driving regulations of the country you’re visiting before taking to the road, and get comfortable driving in a quiet area before taking to the main roads. It’s also a good idea to share the driving, so think about getting more than one of you insured on the vehicle, if possible.
Is Driving Abroad Cost Effective?
How much you’ll spend while driving abroad all depends on the country you’re visiting. Fuel prices in the UK, for example, are high, so you might end up paying more than you bargain for. You’ll also need to take toll charges into account and the cost of parking in the locations you’re visiting.
To find out how much driving abroad will cost you, do some research into the towns and cities you plan to visit. Check out the prices of public transport, and weigh up your options carefully before making a decision.
Also, be sure to check out these great places to take your kids in Orange County.
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Hi Dawn, Interesting article. I am in the UK but the tips you give are relevant here too. Its definitley true that driving abroad is different form driving at home, especially for Brits since we drive on the left hand side and almost everywhere else in the world they drive on the right!
You mentioned about insurance and its also worth mentioning that it really pays to have motor car breakdown cover when driving abroad. Some domestic policies cover foreign breakdowns but most do not so its important to take out breakdown insurance if you are driving your own car abroad (for Brits that means Europe). Most breakdown insurance can be extended to include Europe. When getting a hire car it is often included but make sure it is before you drive off.
I hope this tip is useful. … Ruth
Thanks for the information! It’s definitely a good idea to make sure you are covered in case of the a car breakdown or failure.
Hi Dawn – enjoyed the article on driving abroad. For all the detailed info you need to drive in every country of the world, check out my site Driver Abroad. It covers who to rent cars from, what the roads are like in every country, how the locals drive, how to drive in mud,snow, water etc–basically everything you need!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Really good post. I don’t think this is often thought about until the last minute. So much other planning goes into trips that we don’t even think about the driving. I didn’t know about IDP’s. It’s important to check into requirements and laws of any other country you are going to.