| Europe is one of the most heavily traveled | | | | |
| continents for people coming from North | | | | International Driving Considerations |
| America. There are so many famous countries | | | | |
| that offer excitement, culture, learning | | | | When renting a car, be aware of different |
| experiences, and an overall enjoyable time. | | | | national laws. Some such as Ireland, Cyprus, |
| Given the potential great memories, it would | | | | and parts of England require driving on the |
| be a shame to miss any of it due to lack of | | | | left hand side of the road, so be cautious if |
| helpful information or preparation. | | | | you plan to drive. (If you are uncomfortable |
| | | | with that arrangement and fear making a |
| So after choosing the country within Europe | | | | critical driving error on the wrong side of |
| that you would like to visit, or if you plan | | | | the road, you might alternatively consider |
| to visit multiple countries on your vacation, | | | | taking a taxi or bus instead of driving |
| you should be aware of the following tips. | | | | yourself.) |
| | | | |
| Preparing for Your European Experience | | | | Seatbelts are required everywhere you travel |
| | | | in Europe and for everyone in the car, so |
| Getting into Europe is not as easy as it used | | | | don't be negligent. Additionally, the speed |
| to be, so you'll want to come prepared. You | | | | limits change and can be much higher than |
| must have a passport to enter any country. | | | | those in the US. Drive safely and move to the |
| Consequently if you are traveling through | | | | far side of the road if you plan to motor at |
| several of nations on the same trip, it is | | | | a slower pace. |
| wise to have your passport and/or visa ready | | | | |
| at all times to show to the various customs | | | | More to it than Just Plugging it In |
| offices. | | | | |
| | | | Finally, you need to know that electrical |
| You also need to be aware in advance of items | | | | currents differ in Europe from that the |
| and products you can and cannot bring into | | | | United States. There are special adapters |
| other countries as you travel from one to | | | | you can purchase before your departure so |
| another. Be prepared to leave those at your | | | | that you can plug in your hair dryer, iron, |
| hotel and avoid the risk of confiscation. | | | | and other electrical necessities you may |
| | | | bring on the trip. If you do not have an |
| Learning a Few Foreign Phrases | | | | adapter, ask your hotel concierge to provide |
| | | | one since the power will ruin anything using |
| There are 320 mixed languages spoken | | | | electricity without using an appropriate |
| throughout Europe, so try to learn a few key | | | | adapter. |
| phrases based on the primary languages of | | | | |
| your destination nations. The majority of | | | | Planning your trip thoroughly is a good idea. |
| Europeans speak several languages in addition | | | | If you do this, you will minimize your |
| to their mother tongue, so it should suffice | | | | hassles as you travel throughout these |
| to learn just a bit of the major ones. A | | | | beautiful countries. With the finer details |
| high percentage of people also speak at least | | | | taken care of prior to departure, your |
| a little English as well, depending to where | | | | vacation in Europe will be truly a positive |
| you travel. | | | | experience you will never forget. |