With summer fast approaching, it’s time to start looking at the family adventures we’ll take during the following months. For some, it’ll be a relaxing time next to the beach, for others a cultural trip to cities across Europe. Others yet will be taking a trip overseas that involves driving from one place to the next. This is a great way to see new lands, but it does mean you have to be extra careful.
Here are five of our tips for driving overseas:
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Reliable Vehicles
You need a reliable car wherever it is you’re driving, but especially so overseas, when you might not have the know-how to get yourself out of trouble should your vehicle break down. Some overseas rental companies are too budget to be thought of as reliable. So if you’re renting a car, take a look at Hertz car rental coupons and get a reliable vehicle at a cost that won’t break the bank. If you’re taking your own vehicle overseas, make sure it has a thorough service beforehand.
Learning the Rules
Driving in foreign terrain is difficult enough at it is, but it gets even more complicated when you have to learn the rules of the road for that country. Every place has different speed limits, laws, and so on, and then there’s the matter of driving on the opposite side of the road. Make sure you’re familiar with the highway code of the country you’re visiting. It’ll take a little bit of time, but it’ll help to avoid confusion on the road.
Know the Area
If you’re used to just driving in suburban England, then you might not have experience of driving in different terrains. But different areas do involve different types of driving. For instance, driving in the mountains is much different from driving on the road. On the other end of the spectrum, overseas cities can offer a much different driving experience when compared with English cities. In some cases, you’ll be better served by parking away from the city and taking public transport in.
Don’t Over Do It
You might have a packed travel itinerary, but you need to ensure that you’re getting the right amount of rest and aren’t overdoing it on any given day. The longer you drive, the more tired you’ll be, and that’s when the majority of accidents happen. You want to have a relaxing breakaway, so don’t try and cram too much in. It’s better to see three or four places at your own pace rather than dash around to 7 – 10 places.
Your Own Driving Style
England’s roads are calm when compared to others around the world, especially those in the south of Europe. If you’re driving there, it’s important that you don’t try and assimilate yourself by driving like the locals. They know what they’re doing (mostly), whereas you do not. Instead, stay true to your own driving style and do your best to ignore everyone else’s habits on the road. You’re not there to impress others with your driving skills!
Therese has completed the ‘Advanced Child Car Seat Training Course’ at TRL (Transport Research Lab) and is a CPD accredited car seat expert. She blogs about in-car safety, car seats, tips, reviews, giveaways and advice. She’s a mum on a mission to change the law and raise awareness. She is also a breastfeeding advocate and gentle parenting promoter who loves cloth nappies, baby-wearing, BLW and co-sleeping/bed-sharing.