It's a Simple Task Renting a Vehicle in Europe

If your travels are taking you to Europe, renting a vehicle may make it easier to get around and see the features in a wider range. Renting a car can gives more travel flexibility. To prepare for your vehicle rental and your European trip, you will probably be OK with a valid driver's license and your passport. However, you can save yourself the worry by applying for an international driving permit so you're covered either way.

Of course, rates can vary widely when it comes time to rent your vehicle. Additionally, if you require an automatic transmission, it will cost more. Except for the UK and Ireland, you will usually be able to drive on the right side of the road. Do make sure that you can get on the road in daylight, and spend some time just checking out where all the buttons and knobs are before you start driving.

Car Rental and Car Rental Companies

Your favorite car rental company in the states may not be ideal in Europe. You will have to keep an eye on any rules limiting your daily mileage unless you're planning on short routes. Luckily, the sites of Europe are much closer together than the sites in the United States, so if you're accustomed to a week-long road trip to your destination here, you may be able to see all that you want to see in just a couple of days of driving in Europe.

Try to rent the smallest vehicle you can comfortably drive. While getting quotes, you can avoid hidden fees by sticking with Dollar Rental Car and Hertz. If you choose to rent once you're in the country, check out Europcar.

Renting a car in Europe can be more expensive simply because driving in Europe is more expensive. Fuel will be more expensive, and the prevalence of vehicles with a standard transmission makes it more expensive and more of a challenge to get an automatic vehicle.

Take great care to avoid getting a ticket in Europe; it will come in the mail rather than directly from a law enforcement officer. Additionally, make sure you keep an eye out for pedestrians, as they can be more aggressive than you'll find in the states. 

Recreation Vehicle Rental Opportunities

There are many options for renting an RV in Europe for an extended stay. Be aware that these RVs may be smaller than those you can find to rent in the states. If you need a larger RV, make sure you have the proper licensing in place before you book your rig.

Additionally, you will likely need to pick up your rented RV in one of the larger European cities before driving to your campsite. If you're not accustomed to driving a large vehicle, doing so in another country will take some serious planning. Make sure that you plan your route with extreme care, especially if you cannot read the street signs. For those RVing through the UK or Ireland, there will also be the need to get used to driving on the left.

Finally, pay special attention to the width of the roads on your chosen RV path. For example, a road trip through Ireland can allow you to see the whole country in just a few days. However, there are roads there that are narrow enough that meeting another car may mean backing up, sometimes for quite a stretch. If you're not very comfortable backing up a large vehicle, make sure your travel will take you down roads at least two lanes wide. Planning can end up saving a lot of driving time.