Whether you’re planning to spend your days cruising along the coast of the Pacific, or you want to make your way up to the Andalusian mountains on your next holiday, you’ll need a car rental; so where do you begin? We’ve rounded up our top tips to make renting a car abroad as easy and effortless as possible so get set to wind the windows down, sing along to your road trip soundtrack and enjoy the spectacular sights on the open road…

PLAN IN ADVANCE

Like many elements of planning a holiday, doing so in advance can save you time and money so once you’ve booked your destination, start the search online for car rentals to discover the best deals. Not only will you make a substantial saving vs. booking on arrival, it will also eliminate the timely hassle of queuing and organising a car rental at the airport – after all, when you’re on holiday, every second counts!

DRIVE ON THE RIGHT (OR THE LEFT) SIDE

Okay, we know this is an obvious one but when you’re caught up in the excitement of booking your next summer holiday and daydreaming of travelling around to take in the scenery, this tiny but significant detail may just slip your mind (and you wouldn’t be the first person.) So before you start driving into the locals, do a quick search online to see what side of the road you’ll be driving on.

INSURE YOURSELF...

Car insurance is a must and understanding the cover is vital to avoid encountering any unexpected hidden fees or extra charges. Often when you rent a car abroad, you’ll find the cost actually includes some kind of insurance, however, if you’re not careful, this may not cover you for things like damage or theft and you may also find the excess on these policies is extremely high. For more information on getting your car insurance right, take a look at The Money Advice Service.

GET SNAP HAPPY

Yes that’s right, before you fill your camera roll with enviable holiday snaps of the sunset or you relaxing by the pool, make sure you inspect your rental car thoroughly and take photos of any damage. Whilst we like to think everybody operates an honest business, you don’t want to leave this to chance, only to return the car and find yourself being asked to pay for damage you didn’t cause. Make sure any damage you spot is also detailed in your agreement too.

DRIVE LIKE THE LOCALS

National speed limits vary from country to country so take note before you head out exploring. If a car rental is going to be a big part of your trip to get you from a to b, take time to familiarise yourself with the local rules of the road so you feel confident when you belt up behind the wheel. Whilst we’re in autopilot on our daily commute or running everyday errands back home, driving on unfamiliar roads can feel daunting so the more you know, the more peace of mind you’ll have.

COLLECTION OR DELIVERY

LOS ANGELES, USA

Hiring a car really is the best way to explore the exciting city of LA. The Pacific Coast highway boasts some of the most scenic coastal drives in the world so from San Francisco to San Diego and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a treat as your eyes meet breath-taking beaches, lush forests, vast vineyards and American towns right out of the movies. 

SPAIN

With long summers to enjoy the sunshine, Spain is brimming with beautiful coastline, inviting cities and impressive mountains. Wherever you choose to holiday, you’ll be sure to find a scenic route to take. The mountains of Andalusia are one of our favourite routes, not only will you get to see the varied terrain and take in the views, but you’ll also get to experience authentic Spain as you travel through traditional villages like postcard-perfect Frigiliana.

FRANCE

For a quint-essentially French escape, driving through the charming countryside really is a must. From Provence’s pretty purple fields filled with lavender to a drive along the Atlantic to take in the salty sea air leading up to Bordeaux, France is a country ready and waiting to be explored by car and it’s a wonderful way to visit the many rural villages to get a true taste of the local cuisine in one of the many quaint cafes or bistros.