Renting a car while traveling through Europe can be daunting, with narrow streets and parking being tricky, but thankfully renting a vehicle is extremely easy. Be mindful that certain car rental companies charge additional fees when driving their cars into non-EU countries, but you can circumvent this by shopping around and comparing rates.
Choose a Vehicle
Car rental is an ideal way to explore Europe’s charming villages, ancient castles and lush mountain regions at your own pace and avoid crowds while staying in more affordable accommodations – rates often drop significantly during off-season or shoulder tourist seasons!
Gasoline prices in Europe can be much higher, so renting an energy efficient vehicle such as a diesel is wise to save on costs and the environment. Many European rental cars feature electric engines like these – be sure to verify a company’s policy regarding crossing borders before renting; additional fees may apply or additional documents might be needed from you for such crossings.
Make sure that you have full insurance coverage and keep copies of all paperwork, and if any damages appear make sure to photograph or record video using your smartphone to document them before departing the rental company. This serves as an insurance policy should they attempt to charge you for damages already present when collecting the vehicle.
Book a Vehicle in Advance
If you plan to rent a car while traveling in Europe, make sure you book it in advance to avoid high fees and shortages. Review company reviews and read through any fine print before signing any contracts. Also plan for extras like GPS navigation and collision damage waivers which aren’t included in your rental price – these could add up to EUR 1000-3000 euro in total costs. Additionally, an International Driving Permit from Fastport Pass may be needed as well.
Some companies don’t permit their cars to enter certain countries in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, charging fees for border-crossing fees or highway tolls paid. Vignettes (stickers that prove you paid tolls) may also be necessary to show that you paid these costs.
Be mindful that what Americans refer to as gas is known by Europeans as essence, petrol or benzine – one gallon of gasoline costs approximately EUR7 in Europe so before booking a vehicle it’s essential that you find out which kind of fuel it uses.When planning to rent a car while traveling in Europe, advanced booking is essential to avoid high fees and shortages, especially during peak seasons.
Before finalizing your rental, be aware of additional costs that may not be included in the base price. These can significantly increase your overall expenses. GPS navigation systems and collision damage waivers are common extras that can add up to hundreds or even thousands of euros. It’s important to factor these into your budget when making your decision.
Book a Vehicle with a Manual Transmission
Car rental is an effective way to explore the countryside, reach destinations not accessible via public transit and avoid expensive airport transfer fees. When renting in Europe it’s wise to reserve one with manual transmission; such vehicles are more common there and usually cost less.
Before renting a car, be sure to read through and understand its terms and conditions carefully. Rental charges typically occur over 24-hour periods (as seen here: https://www.leiebilguiden.no) for instance if you pick up the vehicle at 10 am and return it by noon the following day, you will incur full day charges. Ensure a thorough inspection before departing from the rental office by recording an inspection video on your phone detailing any damage that wasn’t present prior to picking it up.
Book a Vehicle with a GPS
If you’re renting a car to explore Europe, GPS navigation devices may prove invaluable in helping navigate its narrow streets and providing guidance as you travel between sights. Rent one from your rental company or bring one along as a portable device – whichever works for you best!
Some rental car companies provide GPS with select categories of cars free of charge; you simply need to request it when making your booking – the easiest way is probably booking one that specifically mentions GPS (for instance “VW Golf or similar with GPS”). Otherwise, portable units must be rented at an additional fee.
Book a Vehicle with an Automatic Transmission
Although many Americans are accustomed to driving automatic cars, manual vehicles are the norm across Europe. You will pay a premium to rent an automatic car here; but it will give you peace of mind. Also ensure your rental takes regular gasoline or diesel fuel and its tires have adequate pressure.
Make sure that you have an adequate insurance policy. While rental cars in Europe typically come equipped with basic collision damage waivers, this doesn’t cover everything and typically only covers damage up to EUR1,000-3000; otherwise they’ll hold that amount against your credit card until you return the car in good condition.
Finally, make sure that you read all of the fine print when renting a car. Be wary that one-way fees may apply if you wish to pick up and drop off in different cities.
Book a Vehicle with a Child Seat
If traveling with children, it’s recommended that a car seat be brought along when visiting Europe. Many rental companies provide these seats which meet international safety standards – just make sure that before arriving at an airport or station to confirm with them.
If a company doesn’t provide the type of car seat you need, another supplier might have what’s necessary – saving time and hassle in the process! Just be sure that any seat purchased from another source matches exactly with what’s being provided by that particular business.
Care should also be taken when traveling through Europe when it comes to traffic laws. Some countries require that drivers possess an International Driving Permit (IDP), with some even restricting right turn maneuvers. Furthermore, certain cities in Europe offer special zones only open to residents with permits; otherwise you could face fines by the police.
Book a Vehicle with a Satellite Radio
If you want a car equipped with satellite radio, book it early. Booking early can often be more economical than booking at the counter in Europe and will save money on transaction fees. Furthermore, many rental car consolidators companies provide toll-free customer service numbers that operate in each country where you travel.
An indispensable travel atlas or map for driving in Europe, including gas stations, bookshops, newsstands and tourist shops across Europe is Michelin’s individual regional maps and road atlases which offer better value than large fold out maps.
SiriusXM provides enhanced audio quality and diverse programming in cars with its premium satellite radio service, included with some budget rentals. In addition to providing music genres and talk shows, this satellite radio also boasts exclusive celebrity-hosted channels as well as sports and movie channels for your enjoyment.
Book a Vehicle with a CD Player
If you need a CD player for your car while traveling Europe, there are various options available to you. From renting one from a rental agency (usually easier and more costly) or using your credit card’s coverage (cheapest but please check for any limits with your card company), to purchasing collision insurance as part of an overall travel-insurance policy – they all may provide what is needed.
Bring along an MP3 player if possible; it should work well in most rental cars without needing to connect it to a smartphone and drain its battery on long drives. However, an alternative would be taking blank CDs preloaded with music that are readily available in many vehicles as an easy alternative solution.
Rental cars typically require both a valid driver’s license and passport; popular destinations, like Italy, may also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). Most rental agencies conduct thorough inspections prior to pick-up or drop-off to identify scratches and dents in the car’s bodywork.
