Top tips for driving abroad - hiring a car or driving your own

When you get off the plane and you hop in your hire car, you are a much more vulnerable driver than you are at home. For one, you're tired from your journey, and you might be suffering from jet lag. The last thing you really want to be doing is driving, but for many holidaymakers, the car hire company is their first port of call.

Some holidaymakers choose to take their own car abroad and they may have already been driving for hours before hitting foreign soil.

Below you'll find some top tips on hiring a car, taking your own car abroad and road safety.

Hiring a car abroad

Shop around for the best deal. Comparison sites are great but remember an independent car hire company might have even cheaper prices
Use a credit card to book your hire car in case you come across any price related disputes
Take your driving licence - the card and paper version. The car hire company will need to see both
Book your hire car in advance - don't bank on there being the right car available on arrival
Car hire is more expensive at the airport so consider booking with a car hire company in the nearest town
Check the hire car thoroughly before setting off and make sure the wheels are in a good condition
Remember that you are most vulnerable in the first 60 minutes of getting behind the wheel so take extra care
It's regular practice to return your hire car with a full tank of petrol

Taking your own car abroad

Make sure your car is in good nick and has recently undergone a service
Display a GB sticker on your car
Take a warning triangle with you in case you have an accident - it's a requirement in certain countries
Apply headlamp converters if you will be driving on the other side of the road so you don't blind other drivers

Road safety abroad

Research the rules of the road in the country you are travelling to
Share the driving with a travel companion so that you can take regular breaks
Try to avoid long journeys that will tire you out
Be extra cautious abroad - foreign drivers may drive differently
Take a detailed map and plan your journey in advance. Familiarise yourself with the scale of large countries
Wear a seatbelt at all times
Don't drink and drive - in some countries the legal drink drive limit is much lower than the UK
Carry your driving licence and passport with you at all times - traffic police may wish to see them

Driving abroad can be the perfect way to see a country. A car can take you to places that public transport can't, and having a car gives you the freedom to travel at any time. Be safe on the road and enjoy the ride!