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I have made many trips
to Europe. Some of my first trips were bike tours and my book
Bike Guru Diaries: Travels in Europe will give you more
details on that type of experience. While these trips were great fun
and kept me in shape I really didn't get to see as much as I would
have liked. You'll see much much more of Europe by taking trains,
planes, buses, and/or by renting a car.
Trains, planes, and buses are a pleasure in Europe. Trains and buses
are affordable and range from economy to deluxe. In comparison
planes are expensive, although European governments have recently
changed their regulations and made European air travel more
affordable.
With any of these forms of transport you are at the whims of set
schedules, destinations, logistical limitations, and possible labour
disputes.
Driving in Europe
Owning and driving a car in Europe is an expensive
proposition. Gas, insurance, and general maintenance costs are high.
Regulations governing getting a driver's license and proper
maintenance of vehicles make it more difficult to own a vehicle.
You'll see few young drivers or 'beater' cars on Europe's
highways. The majority of European cars are smaller and
newer and get better gas mileage than North American vehicles.
Europeans love to drive fast; their whole road system is based on
that fact. They do not understand, do not appreciated, and do get
extremely annoyed with drivers that do not immediately yield to
faster traffic. Speeds of 140 to 160 kmph (75 to 100 mph)are very
common while anyone going 88 kmph (55 mph) is extremly rare.
In the European mind major roads are built to get people from
A to B as qucikly as possible. Unlike North American drivers
Europeans co-operate to ensure the flow of traffic doesn't slow
down. Co-operation means staying out of the way of fast cars and
never, never trying to hog the passing lanes--usually there is the
fast passing lane, then the slower passing lane, and then 2 to 3
other 'slower lanes. This is genuine co-operation and has nothing to
do with being 'macho' rather all to do with the efficiency of
traffic flow, European roads, and European cars.
Most North Americans will find the highway speeds difficult to adapt
to. They will get upset with drivers who tailgate, honk horns, and
flash lights. They will have trouble understanding that they must
get out of the way of speeding cars and not to impede the flow of
traffic. Adapting is not difficult and once accomplished they will
probably become 'converts'.
While the posted speeds are always lower than the actual traffic
speeds I have never seen any police pull over a vehicle on a major
toll or major country/state road (***only on posted low speed zones,
school zones, and on secondary/municipal roads are the police
merciless). General rule on the autobahns and toll roads fit in with
traffic speeds (which will be faster than your used to); off the
autobahns and toll roads drive slower than you would normally do in
North America.
Toll Roads and Route Planning
One of the 'bad' things about driving in Europe is their
extensive toll road system.
It will be difficult but not impossible to avoid toll roads in
Europe—especially in Italy. Make sure you review the following
links carefully, do some route planning, and carry enough Euros
coins. We can assure you that there are very good secondary roads in
most European countries (Italy the only exception we found on
our last trip) so don't be afraid to avoid the toll roads if you
can; they will not significantly increase travel time or distances.
Nothing But the Facts
Whether you're in the fast lane on the autobahn or in a motorhome
pursuing whims down country lanes, Europe offers every driving
experience. Thanks to relatively short distances, motorists can
find themselves driving across three countries in a single day, or
from the seashore to the high sierra in an afternoon.
Touring Europe by Motorhome
Because Europeans are as RV-happy as Americans, Europe is
well-organized for motorhome travel. It’s a great travel option for
U.S. visitors
Motorhomes allow you to go just about anywhere with all the comforts
of home. And of course, motorhome vacations are an excellent way to
meet Europeans with similar interests.
Europe welcomes motorhomes to more than 8,000 campgrounds. Excellent
facilities are found within many major cities (and street parking is
OK for up to 24 hours in most). Campgrounds often have private
showers, laundromats and supermarkets. Tourist offices will have
detailed information on what’s available where.
Renting a Car in Europe Renting a car in Europe is no
different than in North Amercia. You will need a valid driver's
license (International driver's license in not normally required),
be 25 or older, and have a major credit card.
Make sure you check with your credit company as they may cover (most
likely will ) cover any insurance claims including deductables.
These provisions usually apply to Gold card holders who pay annual
memberships. Make sure you telephone them directly and speak to
their insurance department—don't take any chances.
Those who do not have Gold cards will have to pay the insurance
deducatble or take the chance that nothing will go wrong—ok on short
trips not so wise on the 3 week plus trips.
Make sure you get unlimited mileage and check with them where the
car can be driven (many rental cars can not be driven to Greece).
Last time we were in Europe we rented a 1.4 litre Renault Clio
hatchback. In North American cars a 1.4 litre engine would be under
powered and would be condsidered an undersiarable road touring car.
In Europe however the speed and comfort of this small car was
unblievable! It could easily go 160 kph and maintain that for hours
without excessive road noise, discomfort, or driving strain--never a
mechanical problem, lots of room for the tent and other gear we
brought. Keep this in mind when you do rent a car and it might save
you hundreds of dollars in rental and operating costs.
We strongly recommend Europcar for your rental agency. They have
location across Europe, provide great service, and are very
affordable--often they have pre-season deals where you can prepay
for the rental, months ahead of time, and save hundreds of dollars.
Leasing vs Rental
Unless you plan to be in Europe for more tham 30 days I do not
recomend leasing and/or buying a European car. We carefully
explored that option and determined that, for the month we would be
travelling, leasing would cost us $400 more than a straight rental.
Renault does have a program where you buy a car and they provide you
with a 'buy-back' feature.
A number of European automakers also have European Delivery
Programs, which make it possible to buy a new car in the U.S., pick
it up in Europe and drive it during your vacation. The car is
then shipped home at no extra cost.
Copywrite 2002
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About the author:
Alex G. Landels is an
experienced traveller. His site contains many interesting stories as
well as useful travel hints and pointers.
http://www.aglandels.com..
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