Four Requirements You Should Know Before Renting a Car in Europe - By: Ken Tang Eng

Renting a car during your European holiday is extremely convenient since you will be able to visit more places easier. However, renting automobiles can be a little bit tricky if you are not familiar with the regulations. Learn some requirements below before deciding on renting a car in Europe.

 

1. Age restrictions

For the most part, the minimum age for renting a vehicle in Europe is 21. However, some countries and car companies may set their minimum age restriction at 25 years of age. Besides minimum age limits, maximum age limits may also be applied in some countries by some rental firms. Generally, in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Cyprus, the maximum age limit for renting a car is 75 years old, while renters between 70-75 years of age are levied a Senior Driver Surcharge having various additional charges.

2. Driver's license

The International Driving Permit or IDP is an official document written in 10 languages that serves as an addition to your local driving license, and is honored in about 150 United Nations member countries. The IDP is not required in most European countries. However, if you are traveling in Italy, Spain or the former Soviet Eastern European countries such as Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Czech Republic, you will need the document. Note that holding an IDP alone won't give you permission to drive a rented car in these countries. You will also need to accompany your IDP with a valid passport and a driver's license from your home country that is valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of the rental.

3. Border crossing

If you are planning to visit different European countries with the rented car, it is wise to study each country's laws and regulations. When you visit any foreign country, you are subject to the country's laws. Never forget to equip yourself and your passenger with complete documents such as passport, visa, vehicle registration, driving permit, travel documents and a cross border fee. Each time you reach a border between two countries, you may be required to stop to have your documents and vehicle checked by Customs Officers. Note that some Eastern European countries may prohibit cross border travel in a rented car.

4. Miscellaneous

- In general, European countries except the United Kingdom and Ireland drive on the right hand side of the road.

- Most European countries forbid the use of mobile phones while driving on the road.

- Car rentals in Europe offer cars with manual as well as automatic transmission. Cars with manual transmission will typically be cheaper than the automatic ones.

- Wearing seat belts is a must while driving.

- European cars measure speed in kilometers per hour. Speed limits are posted in km/hr.

- Distances on maps and in publications are only listed in kilometers.

- Always bring your driver's license and IDP along while driving.

Your European vacation will be more enjoyable with a rented car. Visit our site to find the best car rental in Europe [http://www.carrentalineurope.net/].

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River Cruising: The Danube - By: Sabrina Toth

Imagine cruising down a river while you watch and experience the inner sights of a country. River cruising is a great option for those looking to have a more intimate adventure while still getting a new travel experience. It allows cruisers to get to the heart of the countries they have the fortune to sail through. One of the best river cruise experience for a first time river cruiser is sailing on the Danube.

The Danube is a lovely river that starts in the Black Forest of Germany and streams down to the Black Sea for about 1,370 miles. Along the way, travelers can go through places in Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, and even Slovakia. Each river cruise company has their own itinerary but some highlights can include Budapest, Vienna, and Nuremberg.

When in Budapest, or the Pearl of the Danube, one can see the four stately bridges that divide the two cities of Buda and Pest. Disembark and visit both sides for two completely different experiences. Stroll down Andrassy Avenue where you can view sights like the National Opera House and the Parliament Building. If castles are what you seek, Buda's Castle District is where you need to be.

Next along the way is Vienna, Austria. Enjoy the imperial city of music, whether it's to take in an opera or a local band in a coffee shop. There are also sights that one should never miss while in Vienna. For starters, there's the Hofburg Theater and St. Stephan's Cathedral with its catacombs and towers.

End your journey in Nuremberg and see the Palace of Justice. Here is where so many faced the world and answered for their war crimes in the famous post-War World II trials. Walk around the Main Market Square in Nuremberg's Old Town area or see the Albrecht Durer House on your way there.

Between Budapest and Nuremberg, travelers can also enjoy other cities like Melk, Bratislava, Durnstein, Regensburg, and Passau all of course depending on the itinerary of the river cruise chosen. If one times it right, you can go on a tour of the Danube and the holiday markets along the way.

At the end of your Danube river cruise, you can make it an even longer trip by staying on at the last city. It gives you a chance to explore and relax even more before going back. You'll go back appreciating the smaller and more intimate setting that a river cruise offers.

Contact Sabrina Toth at Sabrina@tothinternational.com to book your next river cruise or to get more information on a it.

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