Tips for driving abroad
Before your trip:
- Look at maps and plan your route thoroughly. Check for online map and route planning systems, or consider purchasing a road atlas.
- Research the roads that you will take. You'll especially want to know if you're going to be travelling through areas of major road construction. Ensure the maps that you are using are up-to-date. It is also important to check the roads before you begin your journey.
- Make estimates of travel times along the route, so then you will have an idea of where you will be on certain points of the map at particular times on your trip. This will also help you to plan rest and meal stops, and avoid travelling through a major city or area of road construction during rush hour.
- Ensure that your car has been checked, especially the filters, belts, fluid levels and that the oil has been changed. Don't wait until the last minute, as it could take time to get an appointment and parts may need to be ordered. You may also need time to drive around town and make sure that whatever has been fixed stays fixed!
- Check the condition of your wiper blades.
- Check the operation of your turn signals, brake lights, as well as the high and low beams.
- Examine the tread on your tires.
- Make sure that your car is prepared for the weather it could encounter on your trip.
- Many cars now have alloy wheels instead of hubcaps. These wheels usually have a lock to prevent them from being stolen. If you do have a car with wheel locks, then make sure that you know where the key is; otherwise a flat tire will become a major problem since you won't be able to get the wheel off of the car.
- Get your car cleaned; you'll feel more comfortable in a clean car.
- Pack an emergency kit in your car and include motion sickness medication if anyone travelling with you suffers from this.
- Remove any items from the car that you won't need on the trip.
- Prepare some on road entertainment for the trip, including games and CDs of music and/or audio books.
- Check your plates, registration and insurance information to make sure that they are all valid. Make sure that you place your insurance company's emergency contact number in your car.
- Check your insurance for expiration dates and coverage for your automobile.
Safety
- Seat Belts- No matter where you're driving or for how long, you must always wear your seat belt. This is a strict law in almost all countries, and is first and foremost there to save your life.
- Avoid road rage. Honking and yelling at drivers is probably more likely to make someone get out of their car than to help get traffic moving, so be patient.
- Drive carefully and slowly in wet and windy weather. If possible, stop and wait for the weather to settle down.
- Fully service your car before leaving and ensure that everything is running correctly.
Make your trip enjoyable
- Buy some new music or interesting audio books to listen to whilst on your trip.
- Take advantage of the time together and talk.
- Play convenient games in the car to help shorten the trip.
- You could bring along toys to help shorten the ride, but avoid items with lots of small pieces.
- If you have children and they are old enough, give them a map of their own, and have them keep track of your progress.
- Schedule a quiet time for everyone in the car to enjoy. Enforce the rules so that adults are included, and must also obey this rule.
- Wake up sleepers a few minutes before you arrive at stops, as this will give them time to adjust and be ready to get out as soon as the car stops.
Snacks and food
- Bring along plenty of water and food for in the car. It might be cheaper to buy these at local stores before your trip than motorway stops. It would also save you stopping.
- Sticking to water is much easier on your body than drinking any fizzy drinks. It's also important to avoid large amounts of caffeine, as it can wear on your nerves. If the driver needs large amounts of caffeine to stay awake, then they should really pull over for the night.
- You shouldn't get yourself sick with lots of junk food along the roadside, so consider eating a healthy meal or bring healthy snacks.
Taking Breaks
- Remember that some of the fast-food restaurants now have play areas, which can be a good opportunity to stretch your legs and burn off some energy along the road. Adults can take their time eating without the children getting fidgety at the table.
- Be careful when using any rest stops along the road. Don't stop if you think that they're not well lit or look unsafe. Remember to lock the car doors when you leave the vehicle. As many rests stops suffer from criminal activity, you should always accompany your children into the restroom at a rest stop.
- Well-lit, busy gas stations are always a safe place to take a quick break.
- Truck stops are designed to provide a safe place to take a break. Just be warned that you could run into some inappropriate adult items in their gift shops.