Cars

Understand

Driving is often the fastest mode of transportation at distances between and , unless there are traffic jams or the roads are in bad condition. In countries with a high speed rail network, however, driving between big cities is usually slower than using the trains. Within cities, public transportation and cycling often beat cars in terms of speed, due to congestion and problems of finding parking. Over small distances even walking can be faster. You might want to find cheap parking for your car for the time you are in the city, or rent a car only when leaving for the countryside. In sparsely populated areas public transport may be infrequent or non-existent, and in difficult terrain there may be no railway.

Stay safe

Road safety differs between countries, but most of what you learnt in the driving school is equally relevant abroad. You may want to remind yourself of some advice you haven't had use for where you usually drive. If the climate, road conditions, driving culture or other circumstances differ from what you are used to, you might need to read up on and even practise some measures, such as how to handle slippery conditions or to keep an eye open for wildlife.

In some regions, roads may be of very bad quality, with potholes or damaged sections with no warnings, in some the climate poses a challenge, in some reckless driving is common. With proper preparation, some of the dangers can be mitigated or minimised, and in some countries, it may be better to leave the driving to the locals. Avoid unsealed roads if possible, particularly of those close to the equator.

A general rule is to always behave predictably: use turn signals, never turn by a sudden thought, never suddenly accelerate when approaching a crossroads. That way others can compensate for things you do oddly. At home you can get away with less carefulness, but the less familiar the environment, the bigger the risks.