A European Road Trip is an exciting travel adventure, and it is important to be prepared for it beforehand. It should be enjoyable and pleasant without stress and overwhelm. Here you will find the top 7 things to help you to be successful on your road trip in Europe.
- Driver’s License: It is highly recommended to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) for most countries.
You can get the International Driving Permit from government-authorized organizations. You will need to complete an application. Then you will be required to submit two passport-size photos with a photocopy of your current driver’s license. Additionally, you will need to pay a small fee.
Please note that the International Driving Permit is not a substitute for a driver’s license. It is still important for you to carry a valid driver’s license issued by an authorized organization in the country of your origin. IDP is valid in 150 countries and is an official document certifying the validity of your national driver’s license.
Please be sure to avoid scammers offering to sell you so-called “International Driver’s Licenses” since there is no such legal document.
- Car Rental Services: It is best to reserve a car 50 days prior to your visit. Manual Transmission is also very common in Europe, therefore if you prefer driving an automatic car, please be sure to reserve as soon as possible.
- Safety is More Than a Rule: Besides many emergency items, different European countries require quite different compulsory emergency kits. As a driver, you will have a flashlight with spare batteries, a phone with a programmed emergency number in the UK (999) and in the EU (112), a blanket, an emergency escape tool, a phone charger, snacks, etc. Do not forget about a spare tire, chains, and jumper cables as well. Usually, car rental companies provide their clients with the full kit.
- Driving Rules: Make sure that you are familiar with the driving rules that differ from one country to another.
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- Driving on the right or left side of the road.
- Restriction to turn right at the red light.
- Drunk Driving / Alcohol Level
- Talking on a handheld cell phone is strictly prohibited in most countries. Some countries will also fine you for hands-free phones.
- Discourteous Behaviors: For example, causeless honking in residential areas in Italy and Spain, and offensive gestures in Germany are considered fineable.
- Speed Cameras: While certain countries like the United Kingdom tell you about their presence and even highlight it with certain colors, others like Italy hide speed cameras in orange boxes.
- Autobahn Rules: All speed limits indicated in blue square signs are advisory. Red circled speed limits are mandatory.
- Mountain Driving: If you are a nature lover and passionate about mountains, then you might know that snow is a frequent visitor in mountains even during the summer. Be prepared to see snow and ice signs. Since mountains shade roads, be sure to expect black ice sometimes during warm weather.
As you can see, there are many interesting and surprising rules that differ from country to country. These basic rules will help you on your road trip in Europe. When you are ready to start planning your trip to Europe, you can contact us at hello@paradiseviptravel.com or 813-848-0030.
