Driving abroad on family holidays

Heading off on a family holiday is exciting. Many of us wait all year for them to come around — but it can take a lot of planning, especially if you’re taking the family car. Whether you’re winding around European roads or exploring stunning cities, preparation is key so your holiday can go without a hitch. From car insurance to local driving laws and route planning, at Family Car Deals, we can help. Keep reading to tick off the essentials for a smooth and enjoyable time away. 

Driving Abroad Checklist: Preparations Before You Go 

Preparation starts before you head off on your journey, so where do you begin? Add the following steps to your driving abroad checklist: 

Check Your Driver's Licence 

This is crucial. Before you go, make sure your driver’s license is valid. If your driving licence has expired or is about to, you can renew it online — but it can take around 5 days so don’t leave this to the last minute. 

International Driving Permit

Some countries require you to have an IDP (International Driving Permit) to drive there. This depends on the country you’re visiting and the length of your trip. Check with the embassy of the country you’re travelling to. You can get an IDP from the Post Office or shops that have PayPoint, which is useful if you’re visiting a few countries. 

Car Insurance

Your car insurance will typically cover you for a set time when travelling abroad. Since the UK has left the EU, you’ll need a document to confirm you’re covered by your insurance abroad. Proof of insurance, known as a Green Card, is required. Ask your insurance provider about this, and they’ll be able to check if your policy covers you overseas. They can take a while to arrive, so plan ahead! 

Research Local Driving Laws

Don’t get caught out driving around other countries, research the driving laws and regulations for a stress-free journey. Before you go, familiarise yourself with speed limits, road signs to look out for, required car accessories and any unique travel laws that you might not have seen before. 

Emission Zones

As part of the plan to reduce emissions globally, some cities have low-emission and clean-air zones. Check your route before you set off and make sure your car meets the requirements so you don’t get caught out. Electric cars are typically exempt. 

Tips for Safe and Stress-Free Driving Abroad 

No one wants to feel stressed on holiday, it’s your time to sit back and relax. So to make this a reality, here are a few tips to keep you safe on the road for a smooth journey no matter where you’re heading. 

• Calm is Key: Stressing yourself out is only going to make your journey harder, so stay calm! Familiarise yourself with your route before you set off. Take note of any unfamiliar or busy areas so you know what to expect.
• Take Notice of Speed Limits: Speed limits will change depending on where you’re travelling, so it’s important to follow and adjust your speed to the road you’re on. 
• Buckle Up: Use your seat belt. It’s a legal requirement in most countries and it goes without saying, it’ll keep your family safe if the worst should happen. 
• Stay Connected: Having your phone connected to your car is always helpful when travelling abroad for emergencies and to help you navigate. Make sure your service provider allows data roaming or get a local SIM card to avoid hefty charges. 

Top Tips for Driving Abroad with Your Family

So, you’ve got your documents together, you’ve planned your route and you’ve familiarised yourself with the roads and speed limits on your journey, there’s only one thing left to do, enjoy yourself! Here are a few tips to help you get the most from your holiday when driving abroad: 

Safety First 

Safety is one of the most important factors when driving abroad with your family. To keep everyone safe when travelling, make sure you wear your seat belts, stick to local speed limits and take regular breaks to prevent you from getting too tired behind the wheel. Before you leave, connect your phone to the car’s navigation system for hands-free communication if you need it. 

Comfort

Travelling with kids — we know what it’s like! From the ‘Are we there yet’ to the bathroom breaks and snacks in every possible cubby hole, staying comfortable is essential to keep everyone happy. Make sure you have a range of things to keep your kids entertained, like toys, puzzles, and some of their favourite music loaded onto your infotainment system (even if it does drive you mad!). Schedule breaks in advance too, so you know where the service stations are and how far you’ll be travelling between each. 

Driving abroad FAQs 

Still have questions about driving abroad? Find out more below:

How old do you have to be to drive abroad? 

You need to be at least 18 years old to apply for an International Driving Permit, and in most countries, this is the legal driving age too. If you’re hiring a car, the legal age can differ depending on where you are, so it’s best to check this before you go. 

Can I drive my own car abroad or should I rent when I get there? 

This is entirely up to you. If you want to drive your family car abroad, you’ll be familiar with how it works and won’t have to worry about hiring a car that’s big enough for everyone. If you want to hire a car when you get to your location, you’ll need to make sure you meet the age requirements and find a vehicle that’s suitable for the family.

Will I have to drive on the other side of the road? 

It’s likely! Most countries drive on the right side of the road, unlike the UK which drives on the left. This can be difficult to get your head around, but doing a bit of research before you head off means you won’t be surprised when you get there. 

Will my car insurance cover me when driving abroad?

Your car insurance will typically give you cover for a specified number of days when travelling abroad. This may differ depending on your provider so it’s best to get in touch with them to let them know what you’re planning before you head off. You may also have the option to add extra cover too should you need it. 

We have a huge range of family cars perfect for holidays abroad, including cars for longer journeys and some of the top cars for camping. Want to know more about how to prepare for driving abroad? Read our essential checks before a long journey guide so you’re ready to go no matter what.