Everything you need to know to confidently travel overseas with your vehicle, whether road-tripping by ferry, continent-crossing by car or considering a fly-hire weekend away
Driving to an exotic location by car lends a certain romanticism to any trip that’s difficult to replicate with other forms of transport.
The route-planning, the impromptu stops to charge or fuel up at picturesque rest stops and the ever-changing view out of the window as beautiful countryside whizzes past make for lasting memories.
Plus, there are some trips that simply require a car, such as a whistle-stop tour of the Normandy coastline to visit some of the most poignant D-Day landmarks. This was made even more memorable for this writer, seeing as I travelled alongside the exotic metal of the Boundless classic car group.
But driving on foreign roads can be a tad daunting for the uninitiated, whether that’s due to the varying traffic laws or confusion surrounding the correct insurance and breakdown cover. Fret not, because Boundless is here to guide you through the process.
Planes, trains and automobiles
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If you are willing to put in the hours behind the wheel, vast swathes of Europe are accessible by car, motorcycle, camper van and more, but any journey that begins in the United Kingdom will require a ferry trip — or a journey on LeShuttle, at the very least.
Boundless members looking to travel further afield can enjoy discounts on Brittany Ferries, Brittany Ferries - Guernsey, DFDS and Stena Line crossings, which regularly sail between the UK and France, The Netherlands, Spain, Belgium and more.
Some of these crossings are as short as a couple of hours, while trips to Spain are more akin to a multi-day cruise, with live entertainment and dining onboard.
Savings can be made when travelling with a group, as ferry companies often offer a discount on cabins if multiple people are willing to share. That said, it’s important to divulge the size of your vehicle, as caravans and longer loads will cost more to travel, simply because they take up more deck space.
It also pays to book early to avoid disappointment, as the most popular crossings are often fully-booked during peak holiday season.
Check before you travel
Boundless partner Britannia Rescue, now part of the LV= Insurance group, suggests completing a quick vehicle checklist before travelling on the continent. The usual mechanical items, such as oil, water and air levels should be inspected prior to hitting the road.
On top of this, it is important to adjust the headlights to avoid dazzling oncoming vehicles when driving on the other side of the road. Headlamp converters might be required, but these are widely available from most motoring retail stores.
Britannia Rescue also suggests keeping a charged mobile phone in the vehicle in case of breakdown, while a mapping app like What3Words is great for sharing exact locations with breakdown services.
The software has divided the world into a grid of 3-meter squares and assigned each square a unique three-word address, making it easy for a breakdown service to pinpoint your exact location.
A spare tyre, an empty fuel can, refreshments and water are additional items that can make any breakdown experience shorter and more comfortable.
Finally, ensuring you have all of the correct documentation will make sure you don’t fall foul of the law. Keep a copy of your full, valid UK driving licence, as well as national insurance number close to hand.
Similarly, proof of vehicle insurance, passport or ID, the vehicle V5C certificate, travel insurance and European breakdown cover should also be carried. Aside from the passport, copies or print-outs of this information will usually suffice, rather than risking losing the original documents.
Boundless has teamed up with LV= Travel Insurance for comprehensive cover when travelling abroad, but members can also take advantage of camper van, motorhome and caravan cover from Caravan Guard.
Rules of the road and safety
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European road laws are, unsurprisingly, different to those in the UK, meaning some quick research on speed limits, road signs, laws and general driving etiquette is well worth undertaking. Simply typing your chosen destination and ‘driving laws’ into Google will return plenty of handy results.
That said, there are a number of safety items that must be carried by all motorists, according to European law. Reflective or high-vis jackets, a warning triangle, a UK or GB car sticker, a first aid kit and breathalysers are mandatory in many countries.
Thankfully, these can often be purchased as kits that pack down into a handy carry case, which can then be stored in the boot of the car. Pro tip: avoid buying them on the ferry or LeShuttle, as they will almost certainly be more expensive.
Fly and hire
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Although it doesn’t seem logical, flying to a far-flung European destination and renting a car can often be the most cost-effective solution. Granted, you miss out on the previously mentioned romantic scenery, but it takes the heavy lifting out of covering longer distances, avoids the traffic and can often cost less than fuel.
The likes of Enterprise Rent-a-Car and Holiday Autos (two of many Boundless hire car partners) offer a wide array of vehicles that can often be collected directly from an airport terminal and hired for just a few hours or several months, depending on your plans.
For the more adventurous, Swift Go Motorhome Hire offers a range of camper vans and motorhomes that take care of both transport and accommodation.
Read on to discover how one family enjoyed a motorhome road trip adventure in Northern Ireland with Swift Go.
The beauty of hiring is that insurance and breakdown assistance are often included in the overall rental package, while the local nature of the vehicles ensures they are prepared for the roads they will be travelling on.
Whichever option you choose, exploring new places by car remains the ultimate expression of freedom – allowing you to choose when and where you go, with Boundless here to offer inspiration and a helping hand along the way.
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Do more with Boundless
Not yet a member? If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus. Enjoy unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more.
With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to The Ramblers' extensive walking community, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by Britannia Rescue.
Driving
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