***Collaborative post***
If your holiday involves any driving, then there are a few things you need to do before heading off on your trip to make sure that all goes to plan and you’re safe.
Hire from a reputable company
It’s important that the vehicle that you’re using is safe. Don’t just go for the cheapest option, do your research on the company so you can be sure they’re not cutting corners. If you’re thinking about hiring or buying Freestyle RVs, then you should do this from a specialist.
The larger car hire companies can be more expensive but often have a better standard of vehicles and maintenance routine. They may also have a greater range of vehicles to choose from.
Take out insurance
When you’re travelling, having the right insurance is very important. This includes travel insurance, health insurance and additional accident insurance if you’re hiring a vehicle. Failing to do this could be very costly as it could mean that you face a huge bill if you get into an accident or legal issue.
When you’re selecting insurance, go through the details of what you’re covered for and upgrade if necessary.
Brush up on your driving skills
If you’re not a confident or experienced driver, then you might feel a little nervous driving in unfamiliar countries or roads. To give yourself a little boost, why not take some time to practice. You could go to a quiet car park to practice your manoeuvres or take a few refresher lessons with a driving instructor.
Learn the laws of the country you’re in
Don’t assume that the laws of the road are going to be the same as you’re used to. Even the informal driving customs may be different where you’re going. Road speeds, parking and general driving differ between cultures. You don’t want to annoy local road users or get into trouble with the police. If road signs are in a different language, learn the main ones if you can so that you don’t accidentally take a wrong turn or do anything dangerous.
Familiarise yourself with journeys
Even if your hire car has a great sat nav, you should take a little time to learn the routes you’re going to be driving. It will help you get your bearings and will come in handy if there’s a problem with the sat nav. Take a map with you too and keep it in the vehicle.
If you’re planning on taking a long trip, plan it in advance and work out where you’ll stop for fuel or food. It can take a lot of the stress out of the journey.
Key points
Driving can be a fantastic way to explore when you’re on holiday. Whether you’re hiring a motor home or a small city car, there are things you need to know about hiring and driving in other countries. Doing this can help you to make sure that you’re driving a safe vehicle and know the rules of the road.
