Driving In Europe Is Easy

This article is aimed at Asian tourists who want to travel to European countries and want to travel by private car. Of course it would be an interesting yet incredible experience. But first of all, you must be aware because there are so many things you must be remember and put in your mind.

For example, you should note that the German toll roads, are generally not enforced speed limits. There is only a number of exceptions in many places. For example, if you are traveling and happened to meet the notice board which reads "construction work" then you must be very careful.

The highway, which has a lot of corners and the fork often make you confused. If there is no sign, then the speed of your vehicle should not exceed 50 KMH. In fact, there are areas or places which only allows a vehicle speed of 20kmh, 30kmh and 40kmh. But sometimes, if the situation is not considered dangerous, you are allowed to accelerate to 70-80kmh (e.g only in the fast lane in the city).

You must remember that baby car seat is required for young children. If you rent a car from a car rental it cost about 4 EUR per day. While the sell-price of a comfortable car seat in supermarket is about 100 EUR. That means, if you rent a car for (say it) 14 days, then the total rental fee is about 56 EUR, whereas if you buy a new one is 100 EUR.

Another thing you might worry about is insurance. On this subject you do not have to worry because the vehicle rental companies always provide insurance. In fact, there’s many sources for you to get this insurance. Some credit card companies already include insurance even if you paid by credit card.

But you also need to remember that in case of accident or damage during the trip, usually (meaning not always) you will be charged by their own account (own risk) which is relatively large (about 500 EUR, regardless of you who is wrong or not).

Then, if you're concerned about gas stations, you should throw away those concerns. In Europe, gas stations are relatively easy to find because there is usually a sign and the number was quite a lot.

Do not be afraid to get lost, but you should have a map. If not mistaken, Michelin issued a map to countries other than France. If you're in France, Michelin map (same company that makes tires) available in bookshops and petrol stations. One map is only for one city/ area, so you may have to buy a few pieces if you want more details.

Finding your position on the map is relatively easy because all the roads have their boards name. The key is to read your map before driving. Once you’re on the road do not be bored to observe the board signs, where they are available. Just match the board signs with the name you see on the map, then you will arrive safely.

When in a big way like the 'autoroute' in France and wanted to move to another major road is easy, because the sign boards are placed just above the road line. So you do not have to worry about sudden lane change. Also when you are too early to move into the slow lane that led out (which is not your purpose), provided you do not move from the slow lane you will not be carried out.

Europe's speed limit should always be obeyed. Do not get lulled into driving and do not see the signs for speed. For example in France the speed-sign is round-shaped that are written in large numbers and sometimes below it there is written 'Rappel' (meaning "remember"). Some other ways using automatic radar that can detect the speed of the car and take photo of the number plates of offenders. Another way is to parked police car park and which directing a speed radar into the street. A speedy car will be stopped by a next police car.

Back to orientation, if you want to be more practical and efficient, you can buy a handheld GPS. Of course, you need to read the manual first. Another option is to rent a car equipped with GPS audio. But generally they will use the local language.

But the more important thing is do not hesitate to ask for a direction. Find a safe place to stop before asking. Hotels starting middle class (Novotel, Ibis etc) to upscale (Hilton, etc.) have a staff that can speak English, this is one good place to ask for directions.

By: Reh

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Reh Fransiska is an advertising executive, in Jakarta-Indonesia, who loves travel. She has been traveled to Europe for a couple of times; US, Canada, etc. Click here to find out what she brought home after her last trip to Japan, last month. Also visit this site to get a valuable info on how she maintain a well communication with her family when she's been away.