Too many people heading on a self drive holiday to the continent are so busy planning their trip that they forget to look up the simple rules of the road in their destination country, let alone look into the equipment they should be taking under the legal requirements of the road. You might well be asking why you should do that now but it is a must unless you want to spend your holiday looking at the scenery from inside a jail cell. It is possible! The following checklist should help you to learn some of what you need to know rather quickly:

• First of all, in some countries you need a reflective jacket in your car at all times because if you break down or have an accident then you are legally required to have one on BEFORE you leave the safety of your car. Obviously it is so that other motorists can see you! You also have to have a reflective triangle placed behind or in front of the car facing the oncoming traffic and your hazard lights on.
• The speed limits are very different in various countries. For example, the limit on the UK motorway is 70mph, or 110kmph, but the limit is only 110kmph in France when it’s wet. The general motorway speed limit in France is 130kmph but it’s just 90kmph in Norway. To confuse you even more, there is no motorway speed limit in Germany unless one is displayed! Police love to pull over Brits on the Continent so make sure that you do not give them any reason to!
• Always take your driving licence and relevant documents with you. Insurance, MOT, ownership papers or hire documents… all of them should be with you at all times to cover you should you be stopped.
• You should have a variety of other equipment in your car at any given time, although this varies from country to country as well. To be on the safe side, you are best to take a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, replacement bulbs and fuses, reflective jackets and a reflective triangle. With all of that in the boot you cover most applicable laws in Europe! 
• Finally, the laws on drink driving are totally different in Europe. if you think the UK laws are harsh (and some people do) then you ain’t seen nothing yet! The drink drive laws in the UK dictate you can have up to 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood but in Europe it’s actually 50mg. One glass of wine or pint could take you over the limit so you’re best not to drive at all if you have had a drink.

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

There are many advantages associated with booking ferries over the internet. Take the example of booking a ferry to France.  First of all, we can book our ferries from any part of the world as long as we have a computer with a reliable internet connection. It is no nonger necessary to be physically present at a travel shop to collect our tickets. This allows us to plan our trips in advance and make our bookings in our own time.

Secondly, booking our ferry to France online saves us a lot of time. We do not have to search for a suitable ferry operator or local travel agent who will do the ferry bookings for us. We don’t need to drive into town to visit the travel agent or the ferry operator, which also saves us time and fuel. At times, some travel operators also charge customers a service charge for making bookings and this can also be saved when we book our ferries online.

Another major advantage is that we can book our ferry to France any time of the day or night, weekdays or weekends. This will obviously not be the case when we buy tickets offline. We would need to either call or visit the travel operator’s office during their working hours, which often overlaps with our own working hours. With online shopping, we can book our ferry tickets from the comfort of our homes any time and the online system allows us to book our tickets round the clock.

Ferry tickets are often much cheaper when we buy them online. For instance, on the UKferrytickets site you can easily compare the costs between various routes, ferry operators, time of the ferry, etc and quickly find the cheapest and there are no extra booking fees. With offline travel agents, it’s difficult to be sure that the travel agent has your best interests in mind. They may have strong allegiances with certain operators or be tempted to recommend the ferry that pays them the most commission. The ferry booking engine and cheap ferry tickets comparison tool at Ukferrytickets.co.uk will help you find the very best ferry deals to France (and many other destinations) in the shortest time possible. In a matter of just a few clicks, all the best deals in the market place will be lined up for you to choose.

It makes you wonder why anyone would want  to book their ferries offline ever again!

Guest Article by Max Rickman

Paris, Milan, Rome, Berlin, Madrid, Barcelona… all of the big European cities are completely different in terms of the layout but not in terms of the pedestrian friendly design. This most definitely means that those cities are not friendly for drivers! If you are planning a self drive holiday and plan to drive around the cities yourself for the best tourist experience possible then the tips below may help you:

• Rigorously plan out any journey around the European city in advance – There is nothing worse than getting to the city centre and finding that you are completely lost. Make sure you know exactly where you want to go and how to get there.
• Take maps with you and a satellite navigation system if navigation for that city is available – All of the above will give you a great back up should you get lost and may even help you when you are driving through the city centre in the first place.
• Choose a car you can handle – Do not choose some oversized wagon that you just fancied driving because city driving is a nightmare at the best of times. Make sure that you are comfortable and confident with the car.
• Find out when the busiest times of the day are and avoid them like the plague! – All rush hours can be hell but in city centres the problem gets infinitely worse. If you are going to drive through a city then very early in the morning ad late at night are often the best times but just avoid the rush hours at all costs.
• Double check for one way streets, travel restrictions and areas to avoid – The last thing you want on holiday is to be chatting to a local policeman because you went the wrong way down a one way street or because you drove into a no car zone. Always check exactly where you can go and where you can’t before you head out.
• Take the train! – Just don’t drive in the city centre where possible! taking the train is often more enjoyable and less stressful so assess this option too!

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

Hiring a car is a straightforward process. You can just log onto a car hire website, select your car and away you go, but it really shouldn’t be that easy. A lot of people choose a car type that they have never driven before or splash out a little but you may want to choose a car that you know and trust. Say you drive a Vauxhall Corsa in your everyday life but choose a Ferrari when on holiday. How do you know that you’ll be comfortable driving the latter or even trust it? You don’t. A week is a long time to be driving a car you can’t handle or can’t get used to and this will undoubtedly affect the whole experience. It may even ruin your holiday.

Aside from detracting from your self drive experience, driving a rental car you have never driven before and are not comfortable with can have safety consequences as well. It increases the chance of you having an accident. This can of course be detrimental to your health if you get injured in an accident but can also cost you a lot of money if the car happens to get damaged. There is a clause in all hire car contracts that forces the person hiring the car to pay the costs of repairing any damage caused. Not only could you wind up in physical pain but you can also suffer financial pain as well!

Although you may want to try out a new car on holiday, the cons outweigh the pros so you are much better off sticking to a similar car to that you drive every single day. It may be boring but you will have peace of mind that you’ll be safe on the road and comfortable when driving around the beautiful landscapes of Europe. After all, that is what your holiday is for!

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

Taking your car abroad can be one of the best ways to get to see European games, for several reasons. Firstly, you get to avoid the hassle of going to an airport, waiting for the flight, being herded onboard etc (and also possibly spending too much in the overpriced airport shops). Around the destination city, you`ll need to shell out again for transport to get you around, not to mention to the game itself. These are problems on any holiday, but if you`re going anywhere where thousands of others are going, you`re more likely to experience delays and unsympathetic handling from the authorities, making you wish it was just you and your own group of friends going. This leads onto another benefit of using your car abroad to see matches, which is the unique atmosphere you get from travelling a long journey with just your friends. Travelling in your own car doesn`t have to mean you miss out on the `big group` atmosphere, either. There are fans clubs who arrange to travel together, with regular meetings at set points – for example, at a particular hotel along the way – and some may even be able to negotiate discounts at particular hotels. If you haven`t travelled by ferry before, you may be surprised how cheap it can be for a group of you, even with a car on board. The UK has regular services to many European countries, leaving from several different ports across the country, such as Dover, Hull and Newcastle, leaving you with a short internal trip from anywhere in the country.

For home England games, or finals, of course, the same type of trip can be done, arriving at a Wembley Stadium Hotel, without necessarily going on a coach journey. If going abroad, you should check whether you need an international licence to use your car there. For EU countries and some others, you do not, although you will need your full licence, including plastic ID and counterpart. You should also take proof of ownership of the vehicle you are driving (i.e. a valid V5), as well as, obviously, your passport (some countries require passports to have at least 6 months validity remaining for entry). It is also a legal requirement in most European countries to display the `GB` sticker on the rear of your car, and also to ensure your headlights are reconfigured to point to the opposite side (which can be done easily with a adjustment kit from a motor factor)

Guest Article by David Dean (MATCHhotels)

No matter where you are going on a self drive, you need to consider a number of things before you go on holiday. For example, if you are hiring a car then you need to think about the vehicle you will be driving because you may be taking your life into your own hands. Hiring a car from a reputable provider will give you peace of mind but you should still check it from bonnet to boot to ensure that it is safe. Check the tread levels on the tires and whether they are fully inflated or not. Take it for a quick drive before signing the paperwork. Make sure that it has a current and relevant service history. If you have any reservations about the car at all then be sure to voice your concerns to the people at the rental place and ask for a change of vehicle. This may not always be possible but if you have strong objections then they are obliged to offer you a different car.

Whether you are hiring a car or not, you will need to be fully prepared for your self drive so you will need some essential equipment and one very specific phone number! Make sure that you have a recovery phone number that is relevant when you head to the Continent. You can get one via your hire car company or check with your insurance as to which company is reputable and go via them. You should also make sure that you have de-icer in your car, as well as water and safety equipment should your car break down. Check what equipment you will need from country to country because some are governed by law. For example, you may need a reflective jacket and a hazard triangle in your car. Take the time to check this out just in case.

Finally, before you go, be sure to check the weather and the history of the roads that you intend to travel on. This will prepare you for hazardous roads, poor weather conditions and any black spots that you might like to avoid. A little research can save you time, money and ultimately lives on the winter roads.

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

Let’s start with the former. If you have not booked your holiday as yet then these self drive tips may help you:

• Compare prices for all of the ferries crossing over to your destination. Some are seriously discounted at this time of year, whilst others do not offer certain crossings as a result of a reduced demand. Do not leave booking until the last minute because you could miss out.
• Choose your destination wisely because some areas tend to close down for the holiday season. These are generally areas that are not in high demand at that time of year, but also those that you may want to stay in. Do a little research and you will find this out.
• Plan ahead. Always plan ahead because you will find the whole trip a lot less stressful if you do that. Plan everything down to the last detail… including who you are taking, whether you are taking presents and where you are to get fuel! 
• Do not skimp on the insurance. If you are travelling over the Christmas period then make sure that you are adequately covered should something go wrong. Car crime will be higher if thieves believe that you have presents in your vehicle so be aware of that.

If you have already booked your self drive holiday for Christmas then bear these hints and tips in mind:

• Plan out you fuel stops if you are going close to Christmas. Some service stations on the Continent or even in the UK may not open on certain days so make sure you know when they will and will not be open. There would be nothing worse than breaking down on Christmas Day in the middle of nowhere and having no means of getting petrol. 
• Take only what you think you will need. Over packing for the Christmas season is a nightmare because you will weigh your car down and leave yourself open to crime. 
• Never underestimate the popularity of going away for Christmas. Many people do it so make sure that you are prepared for crowded resorts. Planning activities in advance is a must. If you have chosen a smaller location then you may avoid this but doing a little research will let you know either way.

 As you can see, the moral of the story is plan, plan and plan some more. If you do and consider all aspects then your Christmas may be the best one yet!

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

The hints and tips below will give you a good idea of how you can save money on your petrol when on a self drive break. At the moment, that would probably be your greatest cost if you were looking to travel. The information here will give you a better idea of how much you should budget and watch the litres as well as the pennies!

1. Firstly, shop around. You have heard of comparing financial products, shopping items and holiday prices but maybe not comparing petrol. Well, you should most definitely shop around for it. Check out all of your local petrol stations and fill up at the cheapest one before you go anywhere.
2. When you reach the port, or at least get close to it, check how much petrol you have left and top up your tank. Always stop around 30 miles before you reach the port where prices are unaffected by its proximity.
3. Sign up for emails and find websites that list daily petrol prices. These will give you a better idea of where you should stop and where you should avoid like the plague.
4. Do a little research about the petrol in your destination country. The petrol prices in Europe tend to be lower than those in the UK so you will probably find that you save a lot of money anyway when you’re over there. However, you should still make sure that you know how much you are looking at. There are also websites for European petrol prices so use it well. Of course, you probably will not be able to check every day but you will have a good idea of where to go.
5. Finally, and this applies everywhere you go, never ever stop on the motorway to fill up your tank. In any country, this will definitely cost you more!

Of course, you can be more economical with fuel as well as use the tips above to save money. Making sure that your car is as light as possible and has fully inflated tires will always help you to save money on petrol but it never hurts to save those few extra pennies at the pumps!

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

With self drive breaks there are absolutely no expensive flights or hotels to pay for so it fits into the average budget much easier. Of course, it also helps that you can control the amount of money you spend when on holiday as well. The tips below highlight that and point out the areas that you have to look at to save money and effectively budget for your self drive holiday: 

1. Look at fuel economy – On a self drive holiday, fuel is usually the one expense that costs individuals far more than they may have originally planned for. A heavy car obviously uses more fuel so the further you travel with your luggage, the more you will end up paying. As such, always estimate how much you think you will use and double it. This allows for any extra expense without causing you problems.
2. Watch your mobile phone charges – An easy rule here. Just don’t use your mobile phone abroad. It costs a fortune to call your mum, for example, and let her know you’re OK, or even take a call from her. Take advantage of add ons that are offered by the networks or just take your mobile for use in the event of an emergency. Just think twice before you pick it up!
3. Choose from the many ferry deals out there – There are hundreds of ferry deals available for you every year. They are incredibly cheap and excellent value for money so shop around so you can save money where possible.
4. Practice food economy – Eating in restaurants is really nice when you’re on holiday. Trying out all of the beautiful French or Italian restaurants and eating the local delicacies are usually high on the list of priorities. However, this isn’t something you want to be doing if you’re trying to save money. Instead, find sandwich shops for lunch or, better still, find the local supermarkets so you can prepare your own food.
5. Choose camping instead of a hotel (if you already have the equipment) – Hotels are more expensive than campsite fees and so if you have the camping equipment, it is worth it. However, if you do not have camping gear or are unable to borrow it then you would be better of in a hotel because the outlay could be huge. You have to weigh up the expenses before committing either way.

If you bear all of the above in mind then you will find that you save money when on a self drive. As such, this may well put it within your budget next year.

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

Never fear though because you could still book a week away for you and the family if you go on a self drive break. Self drive holidays are most definitely the way forward if you give them a chance. If you go on self drive holidays regularly then all of the six reasons to choose one in 2009 below many strike a chord with you. If you have never been on one before then take note:

1. A self drive holiday is much cheaper than a package holiday overall. The flights are heavily taxed and the prices look set to rise as well with fuel going up. As a result, you would pay infinitely more than you would for the ferry over to the Continent.
2. You can choose where to stay on a self drive break so you could wind up with cheap bed and breakfasts off the beaten track. This is often more of an experience too.
3. Self drive holidays are better for the environment as a result of the lack of pollution of a plane. Aeroplanes are far less eco-friendly than cars or ferries so you can do your bit for the environment.
4. The deals on ferries are extremely competitive so a late deal is infinitely possible. With so many providers and so much space on board you can literally book the day before if necessary.
5. You can mould your self drive break into whatever kind of holiday you want. You can camp, explore the local area and see much more than you ever would at a resort.
6. You can easily control the finances of your holiday because you determine where you stay, the places you visit and the transport you take. As a result, you can literally get away from the UK for a few days on a shoestring budget.  

All of the above reasons are excellent for considering a self drive holiday in 2009. With the economy the way it is, things will get worse before they get better and many families, couples and individuals will be priced out of a holiday. The self drive holiday is a viable option and one you can control financially as well as in terms of your itinerary. If you do want to consider it then start planning now. Look at how much money you can save and how much you will need. Remember, everyone needs a break sometimes and a self drive week or weekend break will certainly help you financially and mentally in 2009.

Guest Article by Louise Crowley