Planning the perfect vacation involves more than just knowing what to pack and choosing the best hotel. Chances are you will have to rent a car to get around abroad, and you understandably have a few reservations or even outright fear about driving abroad.
Despite the fact that renting a car abroad can open up your vacation in ways you didn’t think were possible, there are several considerations you have to keep in mind if it’s your first time. Some of them include driving on the opposite side of the road or even understanding the local driving laws and regulations. When you are ready to get over your fear of driving in a foreign country, the following tips should help;
- Choose a Small Car
Even if you are used to driving a large vehicle at home, opt for a small car when driving in a foreign land. Because of the considerations we mentioned above, you will have a lot to deal with on foreign roads, and you’ll find navigating all these issues much easier in a smaller car. Just be sure to consider the size of your luggage when choosing the car.
- Go Automatic
It is also much wiser to choose an automatic vehicle when driving on a foreign road. According to autosneed.com automatic cars are less likely to stall even if you hesitate which means you will be able to keep up with the pressure mounting from cars behind you. An automatic vehicle also allows you to remain relaxed and focused on the road since most automatics are easy to start and run.
- Don’t Let the Locals Push You Around
Every tourist knows the impulse to blend in and behave like the locals. The last thing you want is to be perceived as the lost tourist, driving slower than the speed limit. But as important as keeping up appearances may be to you, it is important to note that the local drivers you are trying to emulate may not exactly be on the right side of the law. This is why it is important to learn the “legal” driving habits of the country you are visiting. But when in doubt, stick to the slow lane and within the speed limit. Who cares if they think you’re a tourist, you are, aren’t you?
- Take GPS
One of the greatest anxieties for drivers both at home or abroad is getting lost. This is especially true if the area is completely unfamiliar to you, a factor that can be made more problematic if you don’t speak the local language. The best solution, in this case, is GPS. Just ensure that the GPS you take can be configured in the country you are in.
- Get Familiar with Local Driving Laws
Every country has its own driving laws and regulations, and they are probably very different from what you are used to. Take the time to learn the road rules in your destination country before you even leave and resolve to adhere to every single rule. We can’t promise some of the rules will not be completely weird, but when in Rome… Also, remember that if you’re thinking about putting on some custom plates on your rental, this is strictly forbidden – check local laws if you wish to put a cherished plate on your rental.
- Don’t Drive too Much
Even if you have full confidence in your driving abilities, it is important to refrain from driving too much in a foreign land for longer periods of time. Driving especially in heavily populated areas can also be very tiring and stressful which is not our definition of a vacation at all. Take a cab or better yet, take the bus and experience the city like the locals.