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

A car is obviously a must have if you’re going on a self drive and don’t want to hire a car, and thousands of people do take their own cars abroad on the ferries. Many people feel more comfortable in their own cars than a hire car because they know how it works, including all of the little quirks it may have. After all, they drive it day in and day out at home. However, driving around the roads close to home and driving on strange roads in a different country are two very different propositions. For example, if you break down close to home then you can call your roadside assistance service or a friend/family member to come get you before getting your car fixed at a local garage. If you happen to be in France or Italy (as two very popular examples) then what would you do?

This is why it’s important to assess whether or not your car is suitable for travelling abroad in before driving it onto the ferry. There are several components of this process but the first is the most important – getting your car checked over by a qualified mechanic. Take it down to your regular garage and ask for a full service about a week before you head off on your self drive. They will be able to look at it and pinpoint any potential problems. With a week to go, they will also be able to fix them, even if they have to order a part. The service involves having your lights and wheels checked as well so even any smaller issues can be sorted out in advance.

Another thing you should do before heading on your self drive with a car is making sure that all necessary fluids are at good levels. This includes the oil, anti-freeze, radiator and windscreen wipers. In fact, check the levels of every fluid in your car to make sure that you have enough to be going on with. It really is better to be safe than sorry because you will have difficulties if you go abroad. If you have to go to a garage in certain parts of Italy, for example, then you would most likely be charged a foreigner’s tax as well as the service fee, meaning that they would charge more because you aren’t a local. There is no way to avoid this at all unless you make sure that your car is good to go! You’ll have peace of mind and a lot more money in your pocket when you return than you would otherwise have had.

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

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

There would be nothing worse than going to the port and being delayed or turned away because you have failed to plan for your Christmas ferry trip, aside from maybe finding yourself stranded when you get to the Continent. As such, the list of hints and tips below will help you to get your house in order, so to speak, before you travel:

• Book your tickets in advance. There are enough cheap tickets available on the Internet for you not to rely on last minute cheap fares. Christmas is a busy period because many head out of the country for the festive period. As such, do not risk waiting around at the port for an extended period of time because you are not guaranteed passage without a pre-booked ticket.
• Make sure that you only take what you need. Not only do over-laden cars cost you more for petrol but they could also cost you more for the ferry. All ferry providers reserve the right to charge you for extra weight and can even turn you away from the ferry itself in extreme cases, thus getting your holiday off to a really bad start. You may be taking presents with you but make sure that your car is safe to drive and light enough to pass inspection.
• Always check the weather at your destination. It may be cold and clear here, but you never know what you are going to find the other end. There may be snow that makes driving conditions difficult and you should be prepared for that. There is nothing like a car crash to ruin your holiday. That may sound harsh, but it really is the worst case scenario.
• Plan plenty for the kids. If you are taking your children with you and don’t plan to keep them entertained on the journey then you may feel stressed when you get to your destination. Keep them occupied in the car and you can relax throughout your time away.
• Read the ferry guidelines. Make sure that you are fully aware of all the information given to passengers before you go because they may have issued weather warnings, specific guidelines for travelling on full ferries or other information that governs how you are to travel.

Above all, you will want to get your Christmas break off to a great start so a few hours planning will definitely come in handy and help you to achieve that.

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

Travel insurance is important no matter what time of year you go on holiday. After all, the last thing you want is to end up sitting in a hotel room for several days in the same clothes because your luggage got lost. This is associated with flying of course but things can go wrong when you go on a self drive as well, or even travel by ferry. Christmas is the worst time of year for things to go wrong, which means that it is inevitable that it does for some people. Travel insurance plays a big part in damage limitation and can even give you the peace of mind you need to be able to enjoy a Christmas holiday no matter what.

The likelihood is that you will be travelling with presents if you are on holiday for Christmas. Very few people leave their presents at home. As such, if you lost your luggage or your car was broken into then you would lose a lot more than standard luggage that incorporates clothing and toiletries. However, some travel insurance policies will only cover your goods for up to a certain amount and that amount is often nowhere near enough to replace any Christmas presents that are stolen. Furthermore, some travel insurance providers will not cover presents if they are not declared and would certainly not cover high value goods like jewellery.

As such, you need to check all of the available travel insurance policies if you are travelling over Christmas and read the small print. Speak to an operator of the provider and ask questions. All phone calls have to be recorded and any assurances you get when taking out a policy have to be honoured if you should claim. Check the claim limits and the excesses and make sure that your travel insurance will literally cover everything you are taking with you. You cannot be too careful. If you are a bit dubious of the limits then either take out another policy or opt for higher goods values for a little extra in terms of the premium.

Travel insurance is important if you want to have a good Christmas. Get that peace of mind before you go and you will find that your Christmas feels much happier and trouble free than it may otherwise be!

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

As tourists or travellers, we need to do our bit to promote eco-friendly holidays when abroad. We can definitely do a whole host of things before and during our self drive holidays that can benefit the environment and the following ideas may give you a few ideas as to what you can do to promote the environment but still have a great time:

• Plan out your route before you go to ensure that you can get to your destination and be as eco-friendly as possible. For example, take a ferry rather than flying to your destination. Try taking a train or extensively planning road routes to ensure that you take the quickest way there. This will cut your carbon emissions and be more eco-friendly.
• Research the tour operator that you plan to book a holiday with because this will let you know whether or not they have a responsible travel policy if they do then you should check their environmental credentials. If you cannot find either then book with someone else.
• Find out about the local people and their culture. You should always attempt to fit in. When in Rome and all that… This will enable their lives to continue undisturbed and ensure that their businesses and livelihoods are stable.
• Check out local activities in your destination that support local business and help the environment. Take treks or walks for example. Organised walks are often planned around paths that avoid harming the environment or destroying the ecosystem so go on them rather than trampling through the country on your own.
• Purchase local items when you are in the area. This includes foods, gifts and any items that you may want to take home. You are supporting the local people and their use of the environment, which is always a good thing.
• Do not take any excess items or packaging into the local area because this could lead to littering. Recycling projects are not available everywhere so do not give anyone a chance to pollute the area, including yourself.
• Avoid using too much water because some areas have conservation programs in place that tourists could ruin if they do not respect the area.

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Guest Article by Louise Crowley

Being approved for health insurance as part of a travel insurance package so you can travel often feels impossible for those with serious illnesses, as you may realise if you have ever applied for it. That may actually be why you have decided to go to the Continent on the ferry or via Eurostar in the first place because many airlines will not accommodate you if you are ill without insurance just in case anything happens. However, it is obviously best not to travel without travel insurance or health insurance of some sort if you are heading out of the country.

Of course, you do have the option of going on holiday without travel insurance but it is not advisable so it may be that the person you are going with should obtain travel insurance in case anything does happen when you are on holiday. If you can find a company to approve you or a basic policy that does not include health costs then you should also obtain cover. In terms of the health insurance element though, if you are ill then you should try to obtain a policy that will enable you to get home quickly and efficiently should the need arise. Some specialist providers do offer these policies but they are rather expensive. That is not to say that you should remain at home and not go on holiday but you will have to assess whether the cost is worth it.

If you are in need of any health insurance and are facing difficulties as a result of your health then you should consult your doctor. He or she will have to perform an examination anyway and certify you fit for travel. Forms will need to be completed for an insurer and you will also need to take details with you regarding your treatment and any other details that your doctor may deem vital should you need hospital treatment when you are on the continent.

Do not be disheartened by repeated rejections from insurers when looking for health insurance. You must persevere for your own sake if nothing else. After all, collapsing on holiday is hardly enjoyable but when you can’t get home it is even worse! Your health is no joke so make life that little bit easier.

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

You can do just as much damage camping on your self drive holiday as you could staying in a hotel. Lighting campfires, cooking outdoors and having fun may sound fantastic but it can be incredibly degrading for the environment. As such, it is important to manage your carbon footprint and think about what you are doing when out camping. The following information should help you to do just that.

Firstly, the main way that you can reduce your camping carbon footprint is to avoid littering. This is the main problem in many camping areas because people just do not put their rubbish in the bin. They either leave it to lie on the camping grounds or burn it and pollute the air. The best thing you can actually do is bag up your litter and take it home with you. That way, you can dispose of it safely and recycle wherever possible. However, this is not the only large problem associated with camping areas these days. Vandalism is just as big a problem. Vandalism degrades the natural environment so be sure to keep an eye out for any vandalism and report it where possible. 

Also, you should never camp anywhere but in designated areas. Whilst camping in the wilderness may sound really appealing, every single environmentalist will know exactly how delicate the ecosystems there are and human intrusion can actually do much more harm than good. Designated camping areas have been cleared for that purpose so you won’t damage any natural habitats. They may or may not have rules for campfires but even if they are allowed, you won’t be ruining habitats or running the risk of burning down a forest like you would be if you set one in the wilderness!

Speaking of campfires, only use wood that has already fallen. Never ever take any directly from living trees to burn. You should also supervise any fire at all times to ensure that it doesn’t spread and also to make sure that no creatures come near and are harmed. After all, you’ve all heard the stories of hedgehogs crawling into bonfires before they’re lit on Guy Fawkes Night. The same applies for the rest of the year.

Finally, think about your bathroom habits too. Any human waste should be disposed of via a fairly deep hole and not left lying around where there is no toilet. Also, no soap should ever be taken into a river or a pond because it will pollute the water and potentially kill the creatures living there. 

Stick to all of the above advice and your carbon footprint will shrink when you’re out camping. As such, we can all enjoy the environment on a camping holiday in years to come!

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

To be perfectly honest, that may sound like gobbledygook to you if every self drive holiday you have been on has been smooth but according to a survey by The AA, more and more problems are arising for Brits abroad on the roads. It isn’t the driver’s fault the majority of the time though. Instead, it is largely down to the hire car companies. However, unwitting drivers have to shoulder the responsibility.

The AA revealed that motorists on the Continent can wind up stranded or get into trouble with the police, particularly in Mediterranean countries, as a result of poor hire car company management and an innate failure to provide the right equipment. Being stranded in a foreign country is nobody’s idea of fun, but more than a third of companies offering hire car services do not tell customers what number to call if they break down. Without an emergency number it is possible to envision being stranded in the middle of nowhere in the dead of night. Hardly safe is it? The answer is to make sure that the company gives you a breakdown company number, and a working one at that, before leaving their office.

You should also check the equipment they provide you with before you leave their office because there is more to hiring a car abroad than meets the eye. For example, you need to carry reflective hazard triangles with you as well as first aid kits in a high number of European countries. This is not optional but a requirement by law, and yet the survey revealed that 75% of the 57 companies surveyed across Italy, Greece, Turkey, Portugal and Spain did not provide the equipment they should.

This could cost you a lot of money because the police have the power to fine you on the spot and can hold you responsible for any issues that are caused by a lack of equipment. For example, if you do not use a reflective triangle in Portugal after breaking down then you are liable for a fine of £408. The car hire company is liable for nothing on the other hand. They are responsible for providing the equipment but then car is your responsibility from the moment you drive it away.

You should check that you are provided with everything before you leave the hire car firm. They have to provide you with the right equipment so you are within your rights to demand it. Simply refuse to take the car until the right first aid gear and emergency equipment is provided. You could pay a hefty price if you don’t.

Guest Article by Louise Crowley