How to Prepare for Driving and Travelling Across Europe

Europe remains a hugely popular destination for travellers with its vibrant cities, museums, restaurants, nightlife, architecture and more. And there’s no better way to explore than by renting a car and setting out on a road trip that you’ll never forget.

Unlike trains, buses and planes, a car gives travellers the freedom to go anywhere they want, anytime they want. So, whether you destination is London, Berlin, Madrid, Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, or remote picturesque beach, a car is the way to go.

Choosing a Vehicle

There are a wide variety of vehicles available for hire and it’s important to make the right choice based on your route and itinerary.

Van

PRO’s:

Perfect for a large group of family or friends with lots of luggage
Comfortable and spacious
Great for long distance drives

CON’S:

Expensive to rent and fuel
Tricky to drive and park in cities due to their size.

Luxury Car

PRO’s:

The height of luxury
Fun to drive
Great for touring.

CON’S:

Expensive to rent and fuel
Restricted luggage space
Not great off the beaten track or city traffic.

Convertible Car

PRO’S:

Feel like a movie star as you tour the French Riviera with the roof down
Provides a memorable experience
Great way to take in scenic views and soak up the sun

CON’S:

Restricted luggage space
Fuel and hire costs are more expensive.

SUV

PRO’S:

Spacious with room for luggage and several passengers
Great safety features
Perfect for adventures off the beaten track

CON’S:

Can be awkward to drive in busy cities
Fuel and hire costs

Economy Car

PRO’s:

Cheap to hire and run
Perfect for city driving and easy to park
Perfect for couples

CON’s:

Luggage space
Size
Not great for long distance driving

Family Car

PRO’s:

Good size for families with luggage
Good all rounder for cities and further afield
Price

CON’s:

Not very exciting

Vehicle Checks

Before driving away, it’s important to perform some basic checks on your vehicle.

Car Condition

Check over your hire car for scratches, dents or other imperfections. Make sure they are noted by the hire agent and take photographic evidence to ensure there are no problems on your return.

Tires

Check your tires are properly inflated and in good condition. Poorly maintained or under inflated tires are not only dangerous but also use more fuel.

While some people think that second hand tires provide a cost saving, the reality is that they are a serious hazard and should be avoided.

Worn or uneven treads, cracks in the sidewall, poor repairs and weak rubber, all increase the risk of blowouts and drastically reduce vehicle breaking performance. Ensure you don’t purchase used tires for your car, as these have a higher risk for being faulty, therefore dangerous.

Mirrors

Before you set off, check all your mirrors are adjusted to suit your driving position and that you have clear visibility all around the car.

Fuel Cap

Don’t forget to check out which side the fuel cap is, that way you won’t pull up on the wrong side at a busy gas station and have to reverse out.

Stick Shift or Automatic

European gearboxes are slightly different to the stick shift that a lot of American and Canadian drivers are used to, so make sure you familiarise yourself with it first. Alternatively, hire an automatic car which makes everything a lot easier.

Cabin Layout

Familiarise yourself with the controls in the vehicle before setting off or you’ll be washing your windscreen when you want to indicate, or accidentally flashing the car in front instead of turning on the radio.

Documents Required to Drive in Europe

A United States drivers license is acceptable in most European countries, which along with a passport, is enough to drive a car in Europe. However, there are a handful of countries that require travellers to carry an International Driver Permit (IDP), in conjunction with a valid United States license.

In the United States, IDPs can be obtained at American Automobile Association as well as from the American Automobile Touring Alliance. These are the only organizations in the United States that are authorized to provide international drivers permits.

Remember, many companies will not rent a car to drivers under the age of 21, so before you travel, check out the government website for more up to date information.

Holidays in Europe

Now you know what vehicle to look out for and the documents required, all that’s left is choosing your route. So what’s it going to be? Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, the Alps, Amsterdam, London…