Travelling by Car Abroad

Travelling by car abroad is a great way to take control of your trip and master your own destiny, but private car hire can be both costly and time consuming. Even if you leave for your gap year with a full, clean driving license, many private car hire companies will not rent their fleet to those under the age of 26, or at the very least 21. If you can find a company who will rent to you, make sure to factor in the extra costs for insurance and petrol, as well as toll fees, transport costs such as via ferries, and possible emergency repairs. The same goes for buying a car abroad, with the addition of legal costs for both buying and selling the vehicle. Travelling by car abroad is an endeavour that may just provide you with the itinerary of your choosing, but requires responsibility and forethought to be successful.

Car Safety

True car safety depends upon the safety of the vehicle, the safety of the driver and the safety of the route you will be travelling. For your peace of mind, investigate:

• The company profile of your car hire agency.
• The service standard of your vehicle.
• The owner's manual of your vehicle.
• The availability of seatbelts and airbags in your vehicle.
• The driving record of your designated driver.
• The sobriety of your driver at all times.
• Maps and atlases of your intended route.
• Travel advisories for the areas on your itinerary.

If you are satisfied with the safety of your vehicle, driver and route, there are further steps you can take to ensure your personal safety while travelling by car abroad.

• Use a seat belt if one is provided.
• Ask that child safety locks be turned off.
• Keep your passport and wallet/purse on your person.
• Keep your travel documents and valuables in your daypack at your seat.
• Stow all luggage in the boot of the car, or tucked securely under seats.
• Keep bottled water and a nutritious snack with you on long rides.

Car Comfort

Unfortunately, long journeys by car can become tedious and uncomfortable. To make the most of your travels, be sure to:

• Wear loose clothing that can shift with you and will keep you covered.
• Wear layers, so that you can adjust along with the temperature.
• Keep cool water and a small snack with you at all times.
• Bring sunglasses if it is a bright day.
• Bring your own iPod or mp3 player to help you relax.
• Take motion sickness medication if you are inclined to feel sick on long rides.

Dealing With Motion Sickness in the Car

Motion sickness occurs when the body's sensory perceptions are thrown off and as a result the brain becomes confused. Over 90% of the population will suffer from motion sickness at some time, and long car journeys can often bring on a bout of motion sickness. Symptoms of motion sickness include:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Dizziness and sleepiness.
• Headaches.
• Grey or green complexion.
• Clamminess.
• Sweating.

Many travellers find some relief from motion sickness by:

• Taking long, slow breathes.
• Sipping water.
• Laying a cool, wet cloth across the neck or wrists.
• Putting away all books and magazines.
• Wearing special wristbands.
• Taking over the counter medication recommended by the chemist.
• Wearing motion sickness patches behind their ears as prescribed by their GP.

While travelling by private car abroad can be a more expensive option, it also allows you to plan your own schedule and make sure you see every site on your itinerary. If you are thinking of travelling by private car abroad, be sure to mention this when booking your travel insurance. Good luck!