RENTING A CAR IN THE UK &EUROPE

[miked]

This will be my first trip to Europe with my girlfriend and I wanted to rent a car in London to visit the Cotswolds, Oxford, etc..as well as a rent a car in Paris to visit towns in the Loire Valley and drive the coast in Italy. I've done some research on this and it seems expensive and difficult. I was wondering if anyone has rented a car in Europe and if so, what are the pluses and minuses of driving in Europe?

I appreciate any advice!

[Eagle]

miked,

Welcome to the Boards! A few thoughts on driving in Europe....

To begin with, it's NOT a good idea to rent or drive vehicles in any of the large cities. Traffic is horrendous and may not follow the same "rules" as in this area. In the case of London, drivers get "nicked" with a congestion charge if they drive in the city, and of course you'll be driving on "the other" side of the road.

Having a car for the Cotswolds is a good strategy, as that area is not well served by public transport. There is Coach transport (National Express) but only one of the towns has rail access. You could rent a car in Bath, in order to avoid driving in London.

You didn't list your age in your profile, but you might want to check age restrictions with various rental firms. Some won't rent to drivers under 25 years. It's a really good idea to get good C.D.W. insurance, and that will cost extra which will increase the daily rental costs.

Especially in France and Italy, there will be frequent tolls on all the Motorways, and fuel is expensive! Also keep in mind that for driving in Italy you'll require the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which must be used in conjunction with your home D.L. Drivers from outside the E.U. can be fined on the spot for failing to produce and I.D.P.

Another (and potentially more serious issue) in Italy is the numerous Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL) zones that are becoming increasingly common in many Italian towns and cities (especially Florence). Unsuspecting drivers that pass through the automated Cameras can expect a €100+ violation ticket for EACH infraction. The tickets often arrive several months after travellers have returned home. Although some people flaunt the law by refusing to pay, they could face serious consequences in future. Most, if not all, rental agreements clearly state that "the renter agrees to pay all fines or traffic infractions". Signing the rental agreement binds them to a legal contract, and if the rental firm chooses they could add the charges to the renter's credit card.

Depending on which towns you want to visit in the Loire Valley, travel by car may be the best method, but most towns are well served by rail. I tend to primarily use well planned rail transport for the most part, and rent cars "strategically" to reach specific out-of-the-way locations. Travel by car will also be slower than by train. NO CAR can travel as fast as the TGV (or other fast trains).

As this is your first trip to Europe, I'd highly recommend pre-reading the Guidebook Europe Through The Back Door before you leave. There is a chapter in the book that covers rental cars. The country-specific Guidebooks from the same author will provide lots of information on sightseeing, Hotels, etc. in the areas you'll be visiting.

Good luck with your decision!

[miked]

Wow! there seems to be quit a few variables when it comes to renting a car in Europe. Thank you so much for the information, I was recommended to this site by a friend of mine and I can see why. I think now I will be taking the train into the loire valley and Italy and taking your suggestion of renting a car in Bath and then driving through the Cotswolds. I will also be sure to buy that book you mentioned.

Thanks again!