UK Ferry Tickets

Self-drive holidays are becoming more and more popular for several reasons. They’re usually cheaper than jetting off somewhere, undoubtedly give you a lot more freedom to do what you like when you like and are also much better for the environment than long haul flights. There is one pressing consideration involved in taking a self drive holiday though. Do you take your own car or rent one?

Choosing to rent a vehicle when you reach the French coast can be expensive. Not only do you have the initial cost but you will also have to foot the bill for any damage done to the car while you have it. Renting a car is always a little risky where any damage is concerned. One of my friends rented a car in Italy, never having been there before. If he had visited the gorgeous town of Sorrento beforehand he’d have known that all of the locals drive like maniacs and the chances of getting through two weeks without so much as a scratch would be a miracle!

You have to cover the cost of any damage done to the car, but if you do insist on renting a car then check every single inch of it and have any scratches documented before getting in it for the first time. Unless the existing scratches are documented then you may be charged for those as well and there isn’t a lot you can do about it!

Taking your own car to Europe, on the other hand, is a lot cheaper and a lot safer. After all, if you get a scratch on the side then you don’t have to pay for it if you don’t want to. It’ll also be more comfortable because you’re familiar with the vehicle and know exactly how to drive it.

There are some tips that might help you enjoy your experience on the road in Europe a bit more though. These tips will give you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared for a hassle free break:

1. Make sure that you always have your driving licence to hand when driving through Europe. It allows you to drive abroad without an international driving license, but you have to have both the photo card and the paper part.
2. Make sure that you have the registration documents for your vehicle with you when you travel. You are legally required to have them with you when you go abroad.
3. Check out the regulations of driving in the country you plan to stay in. Some require you to have certain items with you, with the most common being a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher and a warning triangle. This varies from country to country.
4. Your car should have a sticker on the back to identify it as coming from the UK.
5. Check out your car insurance policy. Some policies will cover you for travel abroad but others won’t so make sure you have cover on yours. If it’s not on already, just give your insurer a call and they’ll usually extend your cover for the time you’re abroad for a small fee.
6. Finally, check the laws of the road in the country you’re heading to. Sampling the inside of a jail cell probably isn’t on your itinerary so make sure you know the rules!

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

Monday, May 26th, 2008