The idea of driving in a new country can be a bit overwhelming. But, I promise, it's totally worth it. Plus, if you want to plan a sick roadtrip, driving abroad is step number one, so here you can learn from my mistakes and get good at it, fasssssst. Commmmm'on, it's never quite as bad as you think.
Do your research. Check out the AA website before you go. It gives you a really easy quick list of stuff you should know, like, erm, what side of the road you need to drive on and whether you need anything extra on top of your license. You need to know the laws of the road if you're going to have a stress free trip.
Choose the right vehicle for the job. There's no point paying for a cheap smart car if you're planning to go off-roading, or a 2-seater convertible if you're spending hours on the road and might need a comfy backseat to nap on regularly.
If you can, get an automatic. I love driving a manual at home, but do yourself a favour. You've got a lot of new things to think about, what side is your gear stick shouldn't be one of them.
Before you leave the garage, run through evvvverything you might need with the people in the know. Like where the heck is the hand break? Petrol or diesel? How do you open the fuel cap?! You'll work it all out eventually... but it's less embarrassing to ask the stupid questions to one person, rather than six who don't speak English.
Always have change in the car. Lots of countries, especially in Europe, have toll roads. And if you don't use it on tolls or parking by the end of your trip, it's extra ice cream money, so you can't go wrong.
Make sure you have a Satnav or 3G for Maps. You do not need the stress of getting lost. Either pay to have internet on your phone or hire one from your car rental. I usually find the phone option cheaper... mine is £2/day in Europe, whereas a satnav is normally £10/day. If you've got one at home make sure it has the maps downloaded for the countries you're going to or you may as well not bother.
Take your time. You're not a local, you don't look like a local, so don't go acting like one.
Plan your itineraries around the distances you need to drive. Of course you might want to pack in lots of adventures but there's little worse than being sleepy after a day of fun and still having a 2 hour drive to your bed. Be a girl scout and prepare or make sure your buddy is prepared to share the drive.
Be. Aware. Of. Your. Battery. Don't go leaving your lights on, or charging your phone for three hours at night. Asking a non-English speaker for jump leads is tricky. Trust me.
Recruit a good co-pilot. If you can't get someone who's gonna share the drive, at least make sure you have someone who will help you navigate, take cool pictures, won't always fall asleep as soon as you shut the door, and bitch about all the other bad drivers, "that wasn't even your fault!"
Aux lead. Obvs. Non-stop local radio will probably make you want to crash more than anything else.
Got these all down? They're pretty manageable right...?
That means it's time for my favourite. ROADTRIP PLANNING! Click here for another easy howto.
Comments