Driving to europe for a first timer

[carboy2017]

I'm planning to drive to Europe in Feb or March 2018 and this will the first time ever to drive on the 'wrong side' of the road for me -

Please can someone tell me whats required to prepare for it apart from RAC type cover and Insurance ,i plan to drive to Holland and back

Also any suggestions and tips welcome remember im a newbie to this

btw the car in question will be a 2004 Honda Accord petrol saloon

[mon the fish]

Make sure you know what you need for each country - a decent map will have this at the front. For example in France you need hi-viz in car (not boot), spare bulbs etc etc.

Plan your route and book cancellable hotels on Booking.com - gives you scope to change plans.

Get decent breakdown cover, and make sure you're happy with the level of cover - be prepared for the worst-case scenario; you'll regret saving £50 if it totally ruins the trip.

Once you've planned it all, relax and enjoy it - it's great fun!

[carboy2017]

mon the fish said:

Make sure you know what you need for each country - a decent map will have this at the front. For example in France you need hi-viz in car (not boot), spare bulbs etc etc.

Plan your route and book cancellable hotels on Booking.com - gives you scope to change plans.

Get decent breakdown cover, and make sure you're happy with the level of cover - be prepared for the worst-case scenario; you'll regret saving £50 if it totally ruins the trip.

Once you've planned it all, relax and enjoy it - it's great fun!

thank you for your input, much appreciated

[Ranger 6]

Also, check the rules of the road. Some European countries have a 'priority to the right' in certain places. That can be quite a surprise if you're not expecting it.

https://www.angloinfo.com/blogs/netherlands/south-...

[generationx]

The AA has some useful links

https://www.theaa.com/european-breakdown-cover/dri...

And places like Halfords have all-in-one European travelling kits at very reasonable prices.

[cailean]

At that time of year check winter tyre requirements. They differ in different countries, eg Germany requires them up until April sometime, most recommend them.

Halfords sells a nice sticker that goes on the inside of your windscreen and reminds you which side of the road you should be on and includes a roundabout with arrows.

[slk 32]

You can go to the AA /RAC website which will give you a list of all you need for certain countries ( hi viz, breathalyser etc etc). You can then order this off Amazon dirt cheap or leave it until the last minute (like me) and pay more at Halfords

Also, makes sense to print off your insurance, MOT and have your V5 with you in a folder in case you get stopped by Euro Feds

The tunnel is straightforward , book in advance for the best price. I was late turning up due to a crash on the M20 and early coming back so there is flexibility built in ( this was on the standard non flex ticket)

Finally, as mentioned..breakdown insurance. As your car is over 10 years old this will cost more..also check the small print. For lower value vehicles often repatriation won't occur if the cost is greater than the value of your car

I did 2,200 miles in the summer (8 countries in all) from London to Northern Italy and loved it.

When it's busy it's fine.. the worst part is if you are somewhere remote and rural with no other traffic. I set off once only to see a car coming towards me on the wrong side of the road..then I realised it was me in the wrong!

NL's not too far..it'll be a breeze

[Yipper]

As above, the AA and RAC websites have ~99% of everything you need to know or buy for Euro travel. Excellent stuff on there.

[grumpy52]

All the usual , triangle , bulbs , first aid kit , Hi Viz for everyone in the car . Get Ehic cards , gives you less hassle if you need medical aid .
Passports carried at all times , it's an offence in many euro countries not to have ID , logbook , ins documents, inform insurance company that you are going abroad , breakdown cover , fuel can .
Euro sat nav up to date ?
Good euro maps .
Many of the main routes have more than one number for the road / motorway .
Stick to the speed limits and do not tailgate .
Many villages do not post a speed limit but the name board is the start of the village limit and ends with a name board with a diagonal line through it .
Cyclists on cycle paths often have right of way .
Look up on the internet for each countries motoring regs .
After a day you will wonder what all the fuss was about .

[AJB88]

carboy2017 said:

I'm planning to drive to Europe in Feb or March 2018 and this will the first time ever to drive on the 'wrong side' of the road for me -

Please can someone tell me whats required to prepare for it apart from RAC type cover and Insurance ,i plan to drive to Holland and back

Also any suggestions and tips welcome remember im a newbie to this

btw the car in question will be a 2004 Honda Accord petrol saloon

Where from in UK and to in Holland?

I did my first ever European trip to Nurburgring a few years ago, a doddle, straight forward MK > Tunnel > France > Belgium > Germany.

on way back I did Germany > Holland > Belgium > France > Tunnel > MK.

I pack the usual things, high viz which is accessable from driver seat, fire extinguisher, warning triangle. Didnt pack bulbs (car has LED headlights). I carry Log book. insurance certificate, driving licence.

[Paul O]

Like many people I often drive with my right arm/elbow resting on the window ledge.

When driving RHD abroad, think "Elbow to the curb" - that tip was from a work colleague to me, which worked great for me.

Have fun!

[mikeiow]

Paul O said:

Like many people I often drive with my right arm/elbow resting on the window ledge.

When driving RHD abroad, think "Elbow to the curb" - that tip was from a work colleague to me, which worked great for me.

Have fun!

Or think "gutter gutter gutter", as that is where you should be as driver! Had a friend who used this mantra, and it worked for me too back in the day!

Take care when starting off after being parked (e.g. after lunch, or shopping, or new day) - I find that is when it is easiest to go to auto pilot and drive as if at home!

[Riley Blue]

If you wear spectacles, I believe a spare pair is needed when driving in France.

[Tempest_5]

Don't let your tank get too empty. I've had a case where I have ended up slipstreaming trucks just to make sure I get to the next petrol station. Beware, some 24hr petrol stations are pay at the pump at 3.00am and may not take your UK card.

[foppo]

Be carefull in Holland that on equal roads if I can explain it that way traffic from the right has right of way.

The diamond sign on any road gives you right of way.Also cycle paths be aware.

Of course any safety kit you carry is similar to the U.K.Carry all your papers included proof of ownership or rental agreement.You be fine just obey their rules.>

[James2593]

Tempest_5 said:

Don't let your tank get too empty. I've had a case where I have ended up slipstreaming trucks just to make sure I get to the next petrol station. Beware, some 24hr petrol stations are pay at the pump at 3.00am and may not take your UK card.

I'll echo this. Many/most petrol stations are pay at pump only and don't like UK cards. I visited a number of petrol stations that refused all 4 (2 credit and 2 debit) of my cards. A couple accepted my card but it was hit and miss.

One time I ended up having to join an Autoroute just to use the services to fill up. I'd been to a handful of petrol stations, all unmanned and none would take my cards. Running very low on fuel I had to chicken out and go to a services to guarantee I could actually fill up.