Car Hire Abroad: What To Do And How To Do It
Barb Anderson

Defined Tag: Car Hire Abroad.

Car hire abroad is often a point of consternation for many. This is due to the fact that it's feared that there will be a language barrier, that the company will be less than scrupulous, that reservations will be lost, etcetera. Not to worry, my fine-feathered consumer, here are a few simple answers to oft-wondered about questions.

First, most car hire abroad places are rated no matter where in the world you go. These ratings come from a few different groups, some of which do not cover every country or region (India, for instance, is only now really beginning to gain ratings). As well, there are now travel sites that rate car hire abroad services by fellow travelers.

Reading the blogs from these sites is not only insightful, but also often quite funny (like the fellow in Thailand who thought he was reserving a vehicle only to find out he'd reserved an elephant -and enjoyed Jumbo's services).

Another consideration is the type of vehicle that you'll be renting. In many parts outside of America automatic transmissions are still a luxury, if even available, and one that you'll certainly have to pay extra for. So, if you don't know how to drive a stick, learn.

For car hire abroad you'll also want to consider the conditions of driving. Will you be going in monsoon season when you have little experience (or simply dread) driving in the rain and on slick roads? Are you coming from a place like southern Florida, have never even seen snow and going somewhere in the winter that closes down five weeks out of the year due to excessive snowfall? (I once knew a Hawaiian girl who moved to Ohio in the winter only to discover the realities of suddenly driving to be hell wrapped in misery coated in a thick goo of dismay.)

Car hire abroad need not to be quite so extreme, of course; it merely pays to know what you're getting into. Car clubs like AAA are always open to giving detailed information about driving conditions of most places in the world; check them out.

Yet another thought or two: driver's licenses and fuel. Make sure that not only do you bring your driver's license, but also an international driver's license. This second piece of documentation will help you further overseas than will your native license. As well, for car hire abroad, the rental services often require an international license. Additionally, be sure to have your state or national license with you as the international licenses are invalid without it.

With regards to fuel, if you're an American or from some oil-producing powerhouse like Venezuela or Saudi Arabia, you're probably used to cheap fuel prices. A word to the wise, most places in the world pay double and triple of what Americans pay -and moreso from countries in OPEC and the other such oil cartels. Research the fuel prices wherever your destination. You may just have to reassess some of your driving plans.

Lastly, do be prepared to assimilate to the driving conditions of other nations. If everyone around you is speeding at breakneck speeds, being a "nervous Nelly" or a "cautious Charlie" may just get you in an accident that you're responsible for. Be aware, but never afraid. Cool runnings!

Barb Anderson has edited or written numerous articles for family-oriented ezines and sites on the worldwide web. Barb is Editor of the Power Learning Tips and Tricks newsletter, which is available at:   http://MastermindLearningSystem.com.