Motoring the Countryside of Europe
So
you are headed for Europe to enjoy the vacation of your dreams. The
planning for your 'Euro Drive' began months ago and now you're
all set to go. Or are you? Check the useful travel advice below to
see if you've got everything covered.
O.E.D. check list
The
Best Time of Year to Go - The
Europeans by the millions use the month of August to hike up the
mountains or swarm to the beaches. Traffic will be horrific, how
about another time?
Spring
and Fall -
If the charm and beauty of the countryside is what you want then
head for Northern and Central Europe during these times of year.
Winter
-
In Southern Europe winter can be pleasant if you avoid the Christmas
break.
June
-
just before the summer peak season.
A factor
Americans have a bit of getting used to is the time in Europe. It is
the twenty four hour clock. In the U.S. the expression "military
time" is used to describe how this clock works. Very simply, from
midnight to noon it is the same old time as on the clock face. After
12:00 noon you add twelve hours to every hour designation from then
on. 1:00 pm becomes 13:00 hours, 6:00 pm is 18:00 hours.
Transportation
The
car is also booked and it is the most economical one you could find.
As of mid June, 2008 some average gasoline prices in Europe (adjusted
for comparison to U.S. $/gallon) were $7.75 in Ireland, $8.23 in
Sweden, and $8.82 per gallon in Germany.
Lease
vs. Rental - If
you will be using the vehicle twenty-one days or more it is more
economical to lease the car.
Standard
Transmission -
Automatic transmission equipped cars are more expensive to rent than
standard. Shift it yourself or learn how.
On
the Highway -
Find the information necessary to become familiar with the driving
customs, regulations and road signs. They can be very confusing to a
foreigner.
An
I.D.P. -
You will need an International Driving Permit which is required in
some European countries. The I.D.P. is not an actual drivers
license, it is used to verify your home drivers license in ten
different languages.
Car
Insurance -
The only necessary insurance coverage not included in the
rental/lease agreement is collision coverage. Be certain to obtain
a Collision Damage Waiver or "CDW."
One More Type of Insurance
Travel
Insurance
can save you thousands of dollars or get refunds of same depending on
the circumstance. There are five main types of travel insurance
coverage:
Trip
Cancellation/Trip Interruption - Even
if your flight and accommodations are paid for and some unforeseen
event causes you to cancel the trip your cost is covered by this
coverage. By the same token if you are forced to cut short the
vacation you get reimbursed for the portion you didn't get to
take.
Medical
-
Usually covers only medical emergencies.
Evacuation
-
This covers the cost of getting you to a place where you can receive
adequate medical care.
Baggage
-
Included in most comprehensive policies.
