Many of us dream of being able to roadtrip away in another country, and some might even have a route already planned out. However, this is not the case of hopping in a vehicle and just going for it. You need to make sure that you prepare for this trip correctly – especially if you want to take your own car along for the ride.
Licenses and Insurance
First and foremost, have you got the right paperwork to be able to complete such a trip? You need to make sure that you are both fully licensed and fully insured to be able to take a trip. Many countries will probably allow you to drive there with a US license, but there are some that don’t. It can be an extra expense but applying for an International Driving Permit might be beneficial.
You will also need to make sure that your vehicle is fully insured. No one wants to get in an accident but they sometimes can’t be helped. The right insurance will help you get back on the road quickly – and it might also be a legal requirement of the country that you are visiting.
The “Right” Side of the Road
Not every country has traffic that drives on the right. A notable example is the UK, but there are several other places such as Australia, Japan and India where the practise is also to drive on the left.
This is a very different experience from driving on the right, and can be difficult to do in a car that is built to be driven on the right side of the road. You are in the “wrong place” to be able to see clearly for manoeuvres like overtaking, or even just pulling out of a closed junction. Though the majority of the world does drive on the right, you need to prepare yourself for a different experience if you are heading to a country that uses the left.
Shipping
Of course, you need to think about the route that you want to take. Even if you are just going to be road tripping within the US, it might be a sensible idea to ship your car to the start point and make your own way there through other means. Using a company such as Vehicle Haul, a vehicle transport company, means that you will be able to do so with the peace of mind that your car is being looked after properly.
How much will all this cost? There are several factors that will determine this, such as the distance you want the car to be shipped and the method of shipping itself. Make sure to try out car shipping calculator to get an idea of how much this might cost you.
Extras
Some countries do need you to make sure that you have a little extra with you for your safety and security. If you are caught driving without these kits, you can end up in serious trouble. It is always best to ensure that you have everything you need in the car so that if you are pulled over for a routine check you won’t run into any trouble. Unfortunately, being a tourist and claiming to have no knowledge is not a defence.
A great example here is the car kits that drivers are legally required to carry in France. These have signs that you can use to warn other motorists if you have a problem, plus some tools to help you make basic repairs if they are needed. You can easily pick up one of these kits premade for you in a store, and you shouldn’t try to travel without one.
Quirks of the Road
Everywhere has its own driving culture and pieces of courtesy, and you need to make sure that you know how to tackle them so you do not risk your car or become a hazard to other road users. For example, Europe has a lot of roundabouts in its road networks – something we don’t really see in the USA. You need to make sure that you know how to drive around a roundabout safely because if you are driving in Europe you will encounter one.
Even if you are roadtripping in the USA, you need to know how driving laws change from state to state! If you are headed up north for a roadtrip in Canada, you don’t want to make a small mistake at an intersection because something is legal in your home state but not in your current location.
Taking a roadtrip abroad is something every driver should experience, but you do need to make sure that you are prepared for some of the challenges that come with it. A safe driver is always a well-prepared one, no matter where you go!
