travel abroad by car

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. citizens traveling abroad

Learn about visa requirements, Trusted Traveler Programs like Global Entry, emergencies, and more.

International driver’s license for U.S. citizens

If you are a U.S. citizen planning to drive while traveling abroad, find out if you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for the country you are visiting.

Do you need a passport to travel to or from U.S. territories or Freely Associated States?

Whether you need a passport as a U.S. citizen to travel to or from a U.S. territory or Freely Associated State depends on your destination.

Visa requirements for U.S. citizens traveling abroad

If you are a U.S. citizen planning to travel outside the U.S., you may need a visa to enter a foreign country. Learn how to find your destination's visa requirements.

See travel advisories and register in STEP

Find out about travel advisories abroad before you plan your trip. Learn about the benefits of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and how to register.

COVID-19 international travel advisories

If you plan to visit the U.S., you do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19.

Save time getting through airport security with Trusted Traveler Programs

Trusted Traveler Programs, like TSA Precheck and Global Entry, can help reduce airport security and border crossing wait times. Learn about applying for and managing memberships.

Emergency help for Americans abroad

Find out what to do in an emergency in another country, including assistance, money and more.

Authenticate an official document for use outside the U.S.

Apostilles and authentication certificates show U.S. documents are genuine. Learn when to use each.

• Our Heymondo Review - Why We Always Get Travel Insurance
• Our Favorite 10 Beaches from 20 Years of Travel
• How to Start Teaching Abroad: Tips from Expert Georgie from Teacher's Friend
• Sync.com for Travelers: Our Hands-on Review After 3 Years
• Hiking with Kids: Essential Gear for a Fun and Safe Adventure
• Discover Branson's Finest Hiking Trails
• Work With Us

What To Do With Your Vehicle When You Travel

When planning an extended trip, it seems there are always a million questions that need to be answered.

We’ve been there (multiple times) and have written in the past on preparing for a long trip, like  what to do with your stuff while you travel ,  what to do with your pets when you go on vacation,   preparation lists , and  how to sell your things online before leaving .

Over the years, we’ve been asked multiple times what we do with our vehicle when we travel, so we wrote this to give you some ideas and their pros and cons. Just realize that everyone’s situation is unique and what works for us might not be the best for you.

Wondering  where to leave your car when on vacation ? The first question you have to ask is how long do you plan to be away?

Short term vehicle storage

If you’re only leaving for a few weeks then you can simply leave your car in your garage, driveway or parking lot and get a friend or a taxi to drive you to the airport. You can also leave your vehicle at the airport or, even better, an off the airport lot that provides free shuttle service to the airport. Off-airport parking lots are usually half the price of leaving your vehicle at the airport directly and only cost an extra 15 to 20 minutes.

Looking for an airport shuttle? Click here to get prices with GO Airport Shuttle now .

If you have a good friend who lives much closer to the airport, leave your vehicle at their place and get a much cheaper taxi ride the rest of the way.

Tip: If your friend doesn’t have a dedicated parking space for you, be careful that long term parking (a few weeks) is allowed on their road and that the neighborhood is safe enough to do so. A broken window or stolen vehicle will cost you a lot more than the price of leaving your car in a secure lot. Depending on your trust level, leaving the keys with your buddy can help alleviate any unforeseen problems and allow them to move it if needed.

Can you leave your car at the airport?

The short answer is yes, you can leave your car at the airport, since most airports have long term parking.

Tip! Generally, it’s cheaper to park at an off-airport lot than at the airport itself, but not always.

Wondering what it costs to park at your airport?

Check out this site – AirportParkingReservations.com – they often have some good deals on airport parking, and cover many airports in Canada and the USA.

Even better, they list off-airport parking lots, and also some local hotels that offer airport parking to non-guests. You can even grab a hotel and parking deal if you need to stay overnight.

See what it costs to leave your car at the airport here.

Two weeks to a few months

If you plan to be away for a few weeks to a few months and can’t leave your vehicle at home, ask about long term rates before leaving your vehicle with any lot. Even those airport shuttle places have better deals for long term travel if you discuss the rates with them before hand.

You might also reconsider leaving your vehicle on the road near a friends’ house for a long period of time. The chance of being towed or broken into rises with each extra day and since vehicles are a bit of an investment (if a declining one) you might not want to leave it so exposed.

A VPN for travel protects your privacy when on public Wi-Fi, and even let you stream your favorite shows from at home.

Long term vehicle storage

You’ll need a long term storage solution when you’re traveling for at least a few months up until a year and beyond. Unlike short term travelers, you might be renting your place out or putting your things into storage, so leaving your vehicle in the garage isn’t possible.

Contrary to what you might think, you actually have a lot of options for long term vehicle storage, depending on your comfort level, the value of your vehicle and how much you’re willing to spend.

Sell it now

The simplest thing to do might be to sell your vehicle. If you’re planning to be gone six months or more and your vehicle is new enough to still be rapidly declining in value every day, then the best solution might be to get rid of it and buy another vehicle if or when you return.

Not only will you not lose any further depreciation on it but you will also be able to cancel the insurance (which could mean money back if you’ve prepaid for the year) and it won’t cost you anything in storage fees.

Tip :  The money you save in depreciation and insurance should be weighed against the cost to sell your car. Depending on where you live, the taxes you would need to pay (on selling your current vehicle or buying a new one) or the cost of paying out any loans could offset any potential gain. There’s also no guarantee that the replacement car or truck you purchase on your return will be as good as what you had.

This year we decided to sell our car right before leaving and keep our small SUV. The car was paid off and we didn’t expect to need two vehicles when we returned. Though we loved that car, it made more sense to keep the SUV since it was older (and was depreciating slower) and also because it can carry so much more than the car. The car is also a very popular make so there are lots for sale at any time in case we want to buy another one down the road.

Unfortunately, selling isn’t an option for those who lease their vehicles and owe more than it’s worth. For those that want to hold onto their car there are still plenty of choices.

Rural and cheap on the farm storage

Years ago, we left our vehicles at Micki’s parents’ place. They lived far outside the city and had a lot of land. Leaving it there wasn’t a problem and the fact that it didn’t cost us anything was a nice plus. The problem was that they lived hours from the airport and we’ve found that the cost and hassle of renting a car right before flying out and then again when we got back was greater than just storing it somewhere close to the airport.

There was also the issue of mice. Since they lived in a very rural setting, all three times we left a vehicle on the farm we had problems with mice getting in. This might not be a problem where you live, but leaving a vehicle on the grass for extended periods of time in Canada is just asking for trouble. There are a lot of products out there that are designed to help keep mice out of a stored car, but we’ve tried a bunch all to no avail.

That said, leaving your vehicle on a farm, on a large lot or anyplace with cheap or even better, free parking, can be a great deal. If you have friends, family or even know someone who knows someone who has access to a lot of land this can be the cheapest option.

Interior storage

If you’re worried about the elements or rodents, another option might be inside storage. This can range from large facilities that specialize in storage to renting someone’s garage.

When looking into large complexes , we’ve found that the cost for interior storage is around twice the going rate for exterior storage. Some places the temperature and security is constantly monitored, but some places it’s not. Make sure you ask beforehand and keep that in mind when comparing them.

Tip: When looking into interior storage complexes, look for companies targeting classic car owners and boat storage as they’ll likely have rodent control measures and good security. Depending on where you live, a climate controlled building is probably not required and will save you money.

Personal garages for rent are popular, with owners choosing to make a few extra dollars rather than using the space themselves. We rented a private garage on one of our trips and it worked out well. The downside was that no one was really watching over the garage and we convinced some friends to check it every week for us while we were gone. We also had our belongings in the same garage so that might have added to our extra worry. The price for storing both was far less than other options so it was a good choice regardless of the security concerns. If the owner had lived nearby it wouldn’t have been a concern.

Tip: Personal garages for rent are usually found through a friend or an ad on Craigslist, Kijiji or something similar. Mechanics may also be able to help you find a garage for rent so make sure to ask around.

Another option for inside storage is underground parking . The downside is that not many people list their parking spaces as available to rent. They can also be open to a lot of traffic and the chance of a break in could be higher than the other options..

Tip:  With a lot of older people no longer able to drive, their need for a parking spot decreases. Condos, apartments and townhouses designed for the 60 plus age group are a great place to start looking if you want to go this route. If you can talk to the building manager you can probably quickly find out if anyone has a space they don’t need. You can also talk to any friends or family who live in a building with underground parking and see if anything is available there. Even if their parking spot is taken, there might be others available to rent.

Outside long term vehicle storage

These days, we’ve found that in-city long term vehicle storage is the way to go for us. These spaces are usually marketed for RV and boat owners who don’t have the space to park their vehicle for the winter. Because the average car, truck or SUV is much smaller than the typical motorhome or trailer, the price is usually far less as well.

Tip:   We look for a place close enough to the airport that either a taxi ride won’t break the bank or a friend won’t disown us for asking for a ride. We also look for someplace secure that is gated and has secure access. In the past few years we’ve also ensured that the RV storage lot has a gravel or paved lot to minimize rodent issues. We also ensure that the car is spotlessly clean inside before we leave (again to minimize rodent issues) and we try to wash the vehicle right before we drop it off (to minimize rusting). This year we also unhooked the battery since last year we got back to a dead battery and had to have someone jump start our car. We’ve never bothered to cover our vehicle since I’d rather deal with fading than other issues like a tarp rubbing in the wind. Since we won’t be around to look after it we leave someone in town as the contact point.

Storage insurance

One thing we also do is change our insurance on the vehicle to storage or parking insurance. Storage insurance usually costs only a fraction of our normal insurance  and still protects us in case of theft, vandalism or fire. It’s also a must if you can’t have a gap in your insurance (some places will charge a hefty premium if you have a time gap in your insurance coverage) so be mindful that your province/state/country doesn’t have that as well.

Final thoughts

When you leave for an extended trip one of the hardest hurdles is dealing with your things. Sometimes I think people use their stuff as an excuse to put off that big trip they’ve always dreamed about.

Hopefully this post gives you some ideas on what to do with one of your largest things, your vehicle. Whether you sell your home and put your remaining items into storage or rent your place out for the time you’re gone you’ll have to decide what to do with your ride. Depending on who you are, what shape your vehicle is in and your budget, know that there is a solution for you.

Good overview of options. We knew we would be gone for over a year, and our cars were old, so we sold them. Now that we’re back from our RTW we’re still nomadic, so we try to stay places where we won’t need a vehicle. If we do need one, we find the cheapest rental we can get.

Interestingly, we used to be into what type of car we drove. Now that we’ve traveled, we’re more interested in getting places.

Larissa, we’ve always found it nice to have a vehicle to come back to. With family living in 3 different provinces whenever we get back from a long trip it seems a road trip soon follows. We take good care of our vehicles, never buy anything too new or that will depreciate a lot in value while we’re gone and park it someplace that won’t kill the bank. In Canada, especially outside any of the major centers, being without a vehicle isn’t really viable with two young kids.

That being said, we did sell one of our cars this trip and my nice utility trailer, which for some reason still saddens me. There are definite pro’s and cons to keeping versus just getting rid of them. Until Canada is no longer considered our home base I would imagine we’ll always have a vehicle waiting for us when we get back.

Thanks for sharing!

What fantastic tips – my parents live on a farm, so we go that route, too.

Been battling with this myself. My car (really nice car that I’m in love with) is paid off and my mom is kind enough to be caring for it while I’m gone. I won’t be back until almost a year after I left. Then, taking off again. I think it’ll be time to sell it when I’m home… it’ll pain me. Love that thing.

My dad sold my car the day I got on the plane to travel! And I’m just now getting my European driver’s license five years later!

I left my car with my brother and his wife. They have 4 kids now, so they were more than happy to have a second car.

Sell it! Who wants ties to back home 😉

It’s a big decision, but if you are going for 6 months or more selling is your best bet.

Wow, I had no idea there were so many options for long-term car storage. I am really glad that you mentioned your parents-in-law’s place, because I had never thought of doing something like that. I have a handful of close relatives that own larger pieces of property, I may have to look into storing my car there. Thanks so much for writing!

Thanks for the tips about short term vehicle storage. I like to go on vacation a couple of times a year, and the time adds up. I would like to get a place to store my RV. I’m going to check on an RV storage place near me!

I agree that you should consider storing your vehicle while on your trip. This will allow you to access good prices on transportation services. You may find that it’s less expensive than bringing your vehicle, and that it’s less of a hassle.

Hi, Charles! For my next trips, I also want to know what to do with my vehicle when I travel

If I ever had to leave my car for a long time, I’d probably opt for interior storage of some sort. You mentioned that interior storage can be about twice as expensive as its exterior counterparts, but I think the protection from theft and the elements would be worth the price. Do you know if any of these facilities are willing to run your car every few days so the battery doesn’t die while in storage? Thanks.

Did you find a place that was willing to run your car every few days?

Great article. Its really nice to read such article.Travelers put their cars to almost every use imaginable: as a place to eat meals, hide things, take shelter from the elements and even live (on a trip to Pamplona several years ago, the smallest guy in our traveling party slept in the trunk). Since your car can be almost your home away from home while traveling, you will want to take some precautions to protect it and the things inside it. Ideally, you wouldn’t leave anything valuable at all in your car, but the reality of travel is that your car is going to serve as much like a safe deposit box or luggage storage closet as transportation — especially during the day when you’re between hotels.

Keep posting such article. Have a great day.

Traveling on a business trip can get very hectic. You have a tight schedule filled with meetings, appointments and luncheons. You only have a few days to complete all your tasks so it is essential that you value every minute. You have to be punctual to your meetings and appointments. Driving a rental car is out of the question. This is a waste of time and will only add to the stress you are already under. A convenient and stress-free way to get around on your business trip is by using the services of a luxury town car transportation company. Thank you so much for great sharing.

How about renting or subleasing your car to a friend or business traveler in the city for the time you’d be away. Has anybody tried that? Seems silly to keep the car in storage when it could be used while paying for itself… What do you guys think…

That’s a definite possibility Teo and we’ve known people who have done it. There are definitely pros and cons to renting or subleasing your vehicle.

First is insurance. Whether you are keeping your vehicle under your insurance or transferring it into their name there will be a cost for both options. Since it’s doubtful you can use your current insurance you’ll have to get extra. If you transfer it into their name then there will be a cost when you get back transferring it back to you. Depending on where you live in the world, it can be hard to transfer insurance when they’re not the “owners”.

Second is vehicle liability. If they get into an accident, who’s going to pay for it? You need a strong legal document to guarantee your investment and guarantee that you’ll get reimbursed if your vehicle gets smashed up or stolen.

Third is upkeep. Are they going to take as good care of your car as you will? Will they change the oil, rotate the tires, wash it if it gets full of sap or tar? Who’s responsible for the costs? Do winter tires need to be put on at a certain time? When do they need to be taken off?

Fourth is peace of mind. A vehicle can be a significant investment (typically decreasing investment but still an investment) and you can’t guarantee it’s being taken care of the way you do. You also don’t know if they’ll beat it up and put 100,000 km on it while you’re gone and decrease the trade in value down the road. That can easily eat into any savings you’ve made leasing it out.

Now that all said, if the legalese was solid and the compensation was enough and you aren’t too particular about your vehicle then subleasing or renting your own vehicle might be worth pursuing.

For us, if we were traveling long enough, I would rather just sell the car and buy another one when I got back. Newer vehicles tend to drop in value at an alarming rate and unless it was an older model, I’m not sure the wear and tear would be worth it.

I’ve known people that included their vehicle in house swaps and even one that was including it as part of their AirBnB rentals and I can tell you that none of them are doing it anymore because they all got burned. Too much risk and too little gain and trying to get people to pay for minor vehicle damage (especially if they’re from another country) is fruitless at best.

That said, if you have a friend or family member you trust and you aren’t particularly attached to your vehicle then maybe it could work. Maybe.

This is some really good information about vehicle storage. It is good to know that you should consider the type of car you have, and how much you want to spend on the storage. My parents are going on a long vacation later this year. They have a nice car so having a to storage unit would be smart.

It is very useful post for your vehicle while you travel. Thank you

Hey Charles, Great collection of options for vehicle storage will definitely consider some of them when I’m going for a long vacation.Thanks for sharing the tips.Great Job!

It’s a really amazing information about vehicle storage. Your tips are very helpful for travel. Thank you for share such post.

That’s amazing .You solved my all the queries. I am glad that I came across your article.I won’t be worrying now about my car.I was thinking to keep it with my relatives but you can’t trust anyone nowadays and I am very attached to my car.Thanks for the ideas and tips.

Yes, that’s an interesting question. I am also very fond of traveling and I like to drive my car on the roads I go through, it gives me a very interesting experience. Over time, cars are getting old and weak and I like your advice on how to preserve them. It will make my next trip more interesting. Thanks for sharing it and keep writing

This is some really good information about a private car. It is good to know that it would be smart to consider long time underground storage. It is good to know to know that doing some can help keep it in great condition. That does seem like a good thing to do with a private car when it isn’t in use.

I am agreed with you. I also think that it’s a really amazing information about vehicle storage. Your tips are very helpful for travel. It is good to know that you should consider the type of car you have, and how much you want to spend on the storage? If you had more insight i will greatly appreciate it. Thanks for the sharing such a helpful article.

Great article, I usually do all the things necessary for the trip before the trip starts like checking the engine of the car, tires, brakes, car oil … all this will ensure safe for my family trip. Today I have more new things from your blog for car care and inspection. Thanks for the information you shared

It’s great to have the necessary things done for the car to make the trip safer and more enjoyable. They are really helpful to everyone. Thanks for sharing

Wow, that’s amazing tips. I love your all these tips. I read so many essential thinks about your article. I enjoy reading it. Basically, I love your long-term vehicle storage. I love to travel with my family. Seriously, thanks for all these awesomeness. Keep it up and more share.

I was very surpsrised to learn how affordable storage insurance can be for storing vehicles. I am planning a trip for this weekend with my wife and recently bought a new truck, so I wasn’t sure how I would be able to keep my truck in a good condition while I was gone. I will be sure to look into storage insurance as an option for keeping my new truck in its pristine condition!

It’s good to know that I should look into long-term vehicle storage if I’m going to be a gone a couple of months. My wife and I are looking into doing a service trip to a foreign country next year, and we’ll likely be gone fore a few months. We’ll budget out long term parking for a vehicle while we are away.

This article is very helpful to me as I’m heading out for a trip myself and wasn’t sure what to do with my car when I travel.

Lovely post !! Thank you so much for sharing what to do with your car when you travel. It helped me with finding storage for when I go.

My dad will be going on a long vacation and he wants to make sure that his cars will be properly kept. It was discussed here that he will be needing insurance when planning to try auto storage. Furthermore, it’s recommended to consult professionals for quality auto storage.

I really appreciate to your post provides valuable information regarding parking . It is very helpful blog post for everyone. your post is amazing thanks for sharing.

I love what you said about using long-term vehicle storage. I believe that airport shuttles are convenient when it comes to travel. Next time I travel, I’ll make sure to consider finding an airport shuttle service.

I had never considered parking my car at a friends house if I am ever traveling for a few weeks or months. My wife and I are going to be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary next month, and we want to travel somewhere we have never been before. We have both expressed interest in visiting Canada, so it would be great if we could find a blog or a website that can give us an idea of what to expect while we are there.

I love your tips about looking into large complexes. That makes sense considering you want to make sure that your car is well taken care of. I’ll have to consider your tips so that I don’t get a dent in the car.

Thank you for your trip about needing to find a long term storage option if you are going to be away for at least a few months. I will be flying to my sister on the other side of the country to help her recover from an accident soon, so this advice was appreciated. I will also need to look into a service that can take me from the airport since I won’t have my car and she won’t be able to pick me up, unfortunately.

I love your tip about how some establishments have short term parking centers offsite. My car is a little too big to fit in a standard parking lot. I’ll have to consider just using a valet service so I can go in.

So nicely you have mentioned about an important fact that how should we careful to our Vehicle during travel to any place. This fact will be more useful for new travellers. Well, I know that every journey has created with proper planning which people made this for their comfort. But first we should be aware that if we have any vehicle, then there should be a proper planning for parking place especially in an airport.

I really appreciate all of your different suggestions about finding parking. It makes sense to look into an underground parking facility. I will be sure to find the right one for my upcoming vacation.

You make some good points on how to find a good parking service. I agree that you want to find a place to leave something long term that will be secure. My husband and I are looking for an auto parking service, so we’ll have to check how secure it is.

Really lovely tips about what should we do with the vehicle when traveling. I like your idea. Thanks for writing such a great post.

I have always wanted to travel around the world. Currently, I am not very happy with my job and felt that it has become stagnant.

This blog is really helpful. On my business trips I am always worry about my car. Ideas in this post really help to park my car safe during my trips.

I love that you talked about long term vehicle storage and how you can use it for when you are moving or don’t have a place for your car. My husband and I are looking for a private car transportation service when we travel next week, but we also wanted to find a place to put our car before we get on the plane. We will keep these tips in mind in addition to finding a professional service that can help us when we get to our destination.

Great tips! It’s very important to never leave your car where its directly under the sun for a long time or surrounded by harsh environment if you’re overseas. That’s one way for you to prolong your car’s longevity. When I travel, I just lend my car to my brother so it gets started and cleaned once in a while.

Thanks for explaining that it would be smart to consider looking into renting a private garage for a private trip. That does seem like it would be helpful to use when it comes to storing a car with problems. My grandfather’s old truck hasn’t been working well. It does seem like it would be smart to get an expert to help with towing his truck to a garage where it can be stored for a bit.

You make some really wonderful points to make peoples understand, It will help a lot of people to gather information about their cars. Thank for sharing such an amazing article.

You can also try local RV parks. Some do not mind and some will not let you. Call and see!

I have recently discovered airport parking experience. now I always book my parking with my air ticket. that’s how I never have to bother renting a car or using local transport. there are few airport parking near the Newark airport terminal which are safe to park and the price range is a lot cheaper than the actual airport parking rates. so next time you want to leave your car for a week or overnight. try this offsite parking option.

Great share! This post is very useful. keep sharing love you.

Thanks for pointing out that dealing with our things is one of the challenges that we face when leaving for a trip. My husband and I are going on a one-month vacation to relax and unwind. We are hoping to find a custom van builder on Monday who can provide us with a vehicle that can accommodate all our things, including a camping tent and a large coffee table.

I plan on going overseas for a couple of months starting in October. So I need a place to leave my car and my RV. I was going to look for a garage but that won’t be possible so I’ll look for a long-term vehicle storage center.

Thanks for pointing out that long-term vehicle storage would be used for RV and boat owners who don’t have the space in their property. I will definitely look for RV storage services now that we have bought one and currently using it these past few weeks. We should definitely store it in a facility when the winter season comes, since we want it to be protected and not exposed in our backyard to make it last for a long time.

I loved it when you said that if you’re only leaving for a few weeks then you can simply leave your car in your garage, driveway, or parking lot and get a friend or a taxi to drive you to the airport. I will be going to an out-of-country conference. I would love to find airline parking to take care of my car while I am away from the country. Very useful post.

Thanks for pointing out that there are airport shuttle services that can be offered freely when you park your car on their property. would love to find a parking space like that and book an online airport shuttle reservation early when I go to my parents’ place next year. It would definitely save me a lot of money since I have a limited budget at the moment.

I like how you mentioned that it is important to plan early if you are planning to leave your car. My uncle mentioned to me that his friend is hoping to find indoor car storage for his vintage car and asked if I have any idea what is the best option to do. Thanks to this informative article and I’ll be sure to tell him that they can consult a well-known indoor car storage service as they can answer all their inquiries.

I plan on going overseas for a couple of months starting in September. So I need a place to leave my caravan. I was going to look for a garage but that won’t be possible so I ’ll look for a long- term vehicle storehouse center.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Driving abroad

Driving abroad on holiday.

You need to take your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence with you to drive abroad. Check yours is still valid and renew your driving licence online if it’s expired or about to expire.

If your driving licence has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, you’ll need to get a new one before you can drive abroad .

If you apply online, you should receive your new driving licence within 5 days. If you apply by post, it will take longer.

If you’re taking your own vehicle, you also need to take your log book (V5C) and your insurance certificate.

If you’re taking a vehicle abroad that you’ve hired or leased in the UK, you’ll need a VE103 certificate .

Check if you need an international driving permit ( IDP )

You might need an international driving permit ( IDP ) to drive in some countries. Check if you need an international driving permit ( IDP ) .

You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint . You might need one for each country you’re visiting.

Do not apply for an IDP if you’re moving abroad. You’ll need to either exchange your UK licence or apply for a new one in the country you’re moving to .

Check the overseas driving rules

Make sure you follow overseas driving rules, including local speed limits and drink driving laws. You may be breaking the law and get a fine if you do not.

Depending on the country you’re visiting you may need:

• extra equipment - for example, you need a reflective jacket and a warning triangle in many countries
• emission stickers (permits) in some European cities - you may need to buy these weeks before you go abroad
• headlight converter stickers
• a UK sticker

If you’re hiring a car, it’s your responsibility to check you have the equipment you need.

Check what you need to do if you’re driving in the EU .

Check the travel advice for all countries .

If you’re taking your own vehicle

You’ll need to check if you have the right vehicle insurance for the countries you’re driving through and what proof you need to carry.

Find out more about vehicle insurance when you’re driving abroad .

Towing your trailer or caravan abroad

Before towing your trailer abroad, check if you need to:

• get category BE added to your driving licence
• register your trailer
• carry a green card or additional insurance

Get category BE added to your driving licence

If you want to tow a trailer over 750kg abroad, update your licence to show that you can drive category BE . You do not need to do this if your licence already shows you can drive category BE.

You need to complete the D1 application form and send it to DVLA with:

• a letter to say you are travelling abroad and you need BE added to your licence
• your driving licence

It’s free to do this.

Check if you need to register your trailer

Check if you need to register your trailer before you can take it abroad.

Check if you need a green card or additional insurance

Before driving your vehicle, trailer or caravan abroad, check if you need a green card or additional insurance for the country you’re going to.

Hiring a car abroad

Your hire company may ask to see your driving licence information when you pick up the car. You can share this by getting a licence ‘check code’ . You can do this up to 21 days before your trip.

If you’re hiring a car, insurance is included. Check what you’re covered for with the hire company.

Part of Drive abroad: step by step

Step 1 : check where you can use your licence.

• You are currently viewing: Check the rules for using your driving licence abroad

You may need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive outside the UK.

• Check if you need an IDP

Step 2 : Apply for an international driving permit (IDP)

• Get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint £5.50

Step 3 : Get insurance

• Check if your vehicle insurance covers you for the countries you're driving through

Check this with your car hire company if you’re hiring a vehicle.

Step 4 : Prepare the documents you need to take with you

• Check what documents you need to take a vehicle out of the UK

If you're hiring a car you may need to share your driving licence information with the hire company.

• Get a 'check code' to share your driving licence information

If you got your licence in Northern Ireland, you’ll need to show the rental company your paper counterpart instead.

Step 5 : Check the rules for the country you're travelling to

The rules for driving may be different in the country you're going to. For example, drink-driving rules might be different or you might need to carry extra equipment in your car.

• Check if you need to display a country sticker on your vehicle
• Check what you need to do if you’re driving in the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway
• Check the travel advice for all countries

When you have your documents, insurance and any extra equipment you need you can drive abroad.

Is this page useful?

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

• Help and Support

Driving in Europe: everything you need to know

Article contents.

Emily Bater

6 February 2023 | Updated 7 May 2024 | 5 minute read

While the open road brings freedom and excitement, you could get stuck if you don’t prepare properly. This is especially true when you drive abroad. 

You need car insurance to drive in the European Union (EU). The financial risk of getting in an accident outside of the UK is higher as you may need to pay to take your car home. Without insurance, these fees can significantly inflate costs. 

Does your car insurance cover you for driving in Europe?

All UK insurers offer the minimum third party cover to drive in the following countries:

• the EU (including Ireland)
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Liechtenstein
• Switzerland

However, make sure you have the right cover level as some policies don't cover you for your holiday’s duration or other things like damage and theft.

As always, check your policy book carefully.

What car insurance do I need?

You don’t need specialist cover; you just need to check your car insurance policy covers driving abroad.

All our car insurance tiers come with 90-day European cover as standard except from Essential.

All named drivers on your policy benefit from the cover, but we recommend taking your Certificate of Motor Insurance, although you can access it on MyAccount. It covers you up to a maximum of 90 days in a year. 

Contact us if you need to exceed this limit.

What happens if I have an accident?

If you can't safely drive your vehicle from the accident, you may need to call a recovery vehicle which we'll reimburse once the claim is validated, and any invoices or receipts are submitted.

In most cases, we'll pay a cash sum to replace your undriveable vehicle or the item you're claiming for. We recommended you take your V5 or VE103b document with you to help us process your claim.

If your vehicle is driveable, we'll work on your claim once you're back in the UK. 

Do I need a Green Card to drive in Europe?

Green Cards are no longer required to drive in:

• the European Economic Area (EEA)
• Bosnia & Herzegovina

We don’t supply Green Cards for any other country.

European driving laws

Most European driving laws are the same as the UK. 

Crimes like driving under the influence, driving using a mobile device and speeding are universal, and many European countries have stricter limits than the UK.

You can check the European drink driving limits here , and make sure you visit the UK Government’s advice for driving abroad for the latest laws and regulations. 

European driving checklist

In some countries, you’re required to carry certain safety accessories:

• a red triangle
• a reflective vest
• a first-aid kid
• spare bulbs
• snow chains and winter tyres if it’s cold
• UK stickers or identifiers on your number plate 

As of 2021, British motorists driving outside the UK must remove old-style GB stickers or cover them up. 

Instead, display a UK sticker or have the UK identifier on your number plate.

You’ll also need specific documents: 

• Certificate of Motor Insurance – this acts as evidence that your car is insured
• a full driving licence – keep this on hand whenever you’re driving
• International Driving Permit (IDP) – this is for driving in non-EU countries, like Belarus
• vehicle registration document – this is either the V5 logbook or a VE103 Vehicle on Hire Certificate

Some insurers may also ask you to fill out a European Accident Statement (EAS) form, which allows you to note down all the relevant information if you’re involved in an accident abroad.

If you get in a car accident abroad

The process for collecting details is the same: note the vehicle registration and get the other driver’s details. 

The EAS form covers most of this and provides an agreed statement of facts about the incident. 

Some other things you may need to cover include: 

• photos of the incident, the third party’s registration and the damage
• whether the emergency services attended the scene and, if so, their contact details 
• copies of your travel documents, tickets and/or proof of travel 
• registration number of the cab or trailer if the accident involves a truck 

How to stay safe when driving abroad

Be careful if someone pulls you over.

Criminals can target foreign cars in Europe, often stealing the car after impersonating traffic police or pretending their car is damaged. 

Only stop in well-lit, public areas. Ask for the driver’s ID if they want to see your possessions. 

Theft or other incidents

Follow the same process as you would in the UK to prevent car theft: store away valuables and park in well-lit areas. 

Heed any Foreign Office guidance and read our advice on preventing car theft .

Emergency cash

Having emergency cash doesn’t hurt, but don’t carry too much, and make sure you keep it in a safe, concealed place.

The best places to drive in Europe

Not sure where you’re going yet? No worries - we’ve got you. 

Iceland Ring Road

Iceland’s Ring Road circles the country – it’s just over 1300 kilometres long and meanders through unspoilt views and natural wonders.

It’s a bonus that the drive is relatively easy-going and the roads are well-maintained. You can start in Reykjavik, but most people start the trip near the Golden Circle. 

If you’re visiting Iceland and want an opportunity to take pictures of anything and everything, this is the road trip for you.

The Romantic Road, Germany

Fancy driving through a fairy tale? 

Germany’s Romantic Road is 220 miles of castles, old towns and tucked-away monasteries through Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. 

There are loads of walking trails through the Tauber valley, so it’s good for hikers and those who want a taste of traditional, pastoral German life. 

Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast has become a tourist hotspot, and it’s easy to see why: a stunning coastline, rows of pastel-coloured buildings and steep, soaring cliffs that meet bright blue water. 

However, the roads are very narrow, and the area’s popularity makes it hard to park. If you start Sorrento, it has easy connections to Rome. After Sorrento, head to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.

It’s a road steeped in history, and you can even stop at Pompei.

Dubrovnik to Pala, Croatia

Croatia is very popular now, but that doesn’t mean you should skip it.

Dubrovnik to Pala highlights everything that makes Croatia appealing: the Dalmatian Coast, numerous eating spots and the country’s unforgettable beaches.

Pick up a hire car in Dubrovnik, then head to Brac, then Split and end in Zagreb.

Atlantic Road, Norway

The Atlantic Road — a short-but-beautiful drive that hugs the Norwegian coastline — is applauded for its engineering more than its eye-catching Nordic views. 

It was voted Norway’s Engineering Feat of the Century in 2005, and it’s easy to see why – its most picturesque moment is the Storseisundet Bridge, a curving bit of road over numerous small islands.

If you want some natural, sea views with a splash of impressive engineering, this five-mile journey is for you.

Share with your friends...

Check out our related articles.

22 Jun 2022

How do penalty points affect your insurance?

10 Nov 2015

What is car insurance excess?

Great car insurance options for the whole family.

https://admiral.com/magazine/guides/motor/driving-in-europe

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• For U.S. Citizens/Lawful Permanent Residents
• Know Before You Go

Before Your Trip

Booking your tickets.

Match Names on Tickets and Documents

Purchase your travel tickets in the exact same name that appears on your passport or official ID. Ensure that all travel documents match that name precisely.

If the names don't match, your travel carrier or the Transportation Security Administration may require additional documents to verify your identity before allowing you to board.

Each Country is Different

Learn the required travel documents for each country you will visit. Find out about specific travel warnings, U.S. import restrictions, and other rules that apply to the countries on your itinerary by visiting www.state.gov/travelers .

Find the latest on making your return to the United States problem free - go to www.cbp.gov/travel .

Documents You Will Need

Carry - do not pack - all travel documents.

• All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section.
• Green card (Form I-551), or document for lawful permanent residents, or advance parole (Form I-512) if your Form I-551 is pending.
• A visa or other entry document for the countries you will visit.
• Receipts or registration ( CBP Form 4457 ) for new electronics, such as a camera or laptop, that you are taking abroad. (Only suggested if the goods are less than six months old.)
• Proof of rabies vaccination for dogs traveling abroad. Check the requirements for other pets at www.aphis.usda.gov .
• Valid license for driving overseas and for use as a second form of photo ID.
• Permits and/or certificates if bringing restricted animal or plant products - go to www.aphis.usda.gov .
• Medications in their original packages. Bring only the amount of medication you will need. Prescription medications have to be under the traveler's name.
• Envelope to hold the receipts of your purchases abroad.

Traveling with Children

When U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 arrive by land or sea from Canada or Mexico they may present an original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate.

Groups of Children: U.S. citizen children under the age of 19 arriving by land or sea from Canada or Mexico and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization or sports team, may present an original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate. The group should have a letter on organizational letterhead with:

• The name of the group and supervising adult(s).
• The names of the children on the trip and their primary address, phone number, date and place of birth, and name of at least one parent or legal guardian for each child.
• A written and signed statement of the supervising adult certifying that he or she has parental or legal guardian consent for each child.

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents, before you go.

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Crisis and Disaster Abroad: Be Ready

What the Department of State Can and Can't Do in a Crisis

Information for U.S. Citizens about a U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuation

Traveler's Checklist

Safety and Security Messaging

Best Practices for Traveler Safety

Staying Connected

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Traveler Information

LGBTQI+ Travelers

Adventure Travel

High-Risk Area Travelers

Travelers with Dual Nationality

Journalist Travelers

Faith-Based Travelers

Pilgrimage Travelers (Hajj and Umrah)

U.S. Students Abroad

Cruise Ship Passengers

Women Travelers

Travelers with Disabilities

Older Travelers

U.S. Volunteers Abroad

Travelers with Pets

Travelers With Firearms

Travel Agents

Travel Safety - Race and Ethnicity

U.S. Travelers in Europe's Schengen Area

Your Health Abroad

Insurance Coverage Overseas

Driving and Road Safety Abroad

Customs and Import Restrictions

Information for U.S. Citizens in Russia – Travel Options Out of Russia

Lodging Safety

Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics

DHS Trusted Traveler Programs

Learn about your destination

Making plans to travel abroad? Read our Traveler’s Checklist , to find out:

• Specific information about your destination
• What documents you will need
• How to get overseas insurance coverage
• Where to sign up for our free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

Sometimes – in spite of good planning – things can still go wrong. Prepare for the unexpected by reading about how to plan for a crisis overseas.

Additional Tips for Traveling Abroad

Downloadable Traveler’s Checklist PDF card

Travelers with Special Considerations

Enroll in STEP

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

You are about to leave geico.com

When you click "Continue" you will be taken to a site owned by , not GEICO. GEICO has no control over their privacy practices and assumes no responsibility in connection with your use of their website. Any information that you provide directly to them is subject to the privacy policy posted on their website.

Overseas Insurance

Moving overseas? Get an overseas insurance quote.

Select a country:, products available in belgium:.

• Marine Transit (Car Shipping)
• Personal Property (Renter's)

Start your overseas insurance quote:

By clicking "START QUOTE" you're leaving geico.com and cruising over to our partner's website.

Driving to Canada? Learn more about car insurance coverage in Canada .

Products available in germany:.

• ADAC Roadside Assistance

Products available in Ireland:

Products available in italy:, products available in mexico:, products available in spain:.

Please include "Spain" and your destination city in the message to get a free quote.

Products available in the United Kingdom:

• Personal Property (Renter's)

Products available:

• Auto (Physical Damage including Transit Coverage)

To manage an existing policy you can:

Call an agent in your country

Email [email protected]

Call (800) 248-4998 from the US. Calls are forwarded to our European office, please call Mon – Fri 2:30 AM – 11:00 AM (Eastern Time).

From outside the US, call +49 631-414-63100 . Hours are Mon – Fri 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (CET).

Need an overseas insurance quote?

Existing policyholder?

What is overseas insurance?

Overseas insurance is an easy way to protect your car, motorcycle, or personal property when you move to a different country. Please note that overseas insurance isn't travel insurance and doesn't include health insurance.

If you're moving abroad, whether with the military, government, or as an expat, GEICO Financial Services GmbH (a GEICO affiliate) can help take the hassle out of getting international car insurance, motorcycle insurance, and personal property insurance coverage. If you're shipping your car, they can help arrange international marine transit insurance. GEICO GmbH can connect you with the international insurance you need.

Who may need overseas insurance coverage?

People who are often looking for an overseas insurance policy are:

• Military personnel
• Government employees
• Expatriates

What does overseas insurance cover?

Depending on your country, GEICO GmbH may be able to assist with international insurance for cars, motorcycles, personal property (renters), and marine transit.

For your specific location, please contact us. We're here to help!

Getting international car insurance

Driving your car.

If you plan to drive your car outside of the United States, it's important to make sure you have proper auto insurance coverage before hitting the road. Our auto insurance policies do not extend to cover you in foreign countries, so it's important to research and obtain additional coverage. Check the specific insurance requirements for the country you'll be driving in, as they can vary widely. It's recommended to plan ahead and purchase coverage well in advance of your trip to ensure that you're protected while driving abroad.

International rental car insurance

You should consider purchasing international rental car insurance when renting a car abroad to protect yourself from potential damages or accidents. There are many credit card companies and rental car agencies that offer insurance coverage, but you should read the terms and conditions carefully to make sure you're adequately covered. You should contact your credit card company with questions about coverage and compliance with international auto insurance policies.

Before you drive or rent a car in a foreign country, make sure you know the specific insurance requirements and laws. Some countries may require you to purchase certain types of coverage or provide proof of insurance before you're allowed to drive on their roads. It's also important to note that insurance coverage may vary widely depending on the country, so it's important to do your research in advance.

Be sure to carefully review the international rental car insurance policy before purchasing it to ensure you know what is covered. Some policies may have exclusions or limitations that could leave you vulnerable in certain situations. Also, be aware of any deductibles or out-of-pocket expenses that may apply if the rental car is damaged or in an accident. By doing your research and carefully reviewing your options, you can ensure that you're adequately protected while driving a rental car abroad.

International Insurance for Cars, Motorcycles, and Personal Property

GEICO GmbH can help you with your international insurance needs when you're moving to Europe. From arranging marine transit insurance to cover your vehicle while it's being shipped overseas to finding the coverages you need when you get there. They'll work with you to help you get the coverage you need so you can spend more time getting used to your new home.

International Motorcycle Insurance

Riding your motorcycle in other countries can be different than in the US. However, like the US each country has their own laws, so be sure to check for things like:

• Helmet laws
• Special license plate tags
• Special insurance requirements

International Property Insurance

GEICO GmbH can help you protect your personal belongings even when you're abroad. Typical things that can be covered are:

• Smoke damage
• Theft and more

Help with overseas insurance when you move abroad.

Country-specific agents.

Around the corner, even halfway around the world. Stop in, call, or email the right overseas contact to speak with someone who knows the ins and outs of international insurance coverage in your area.

Easy Payment Methods

With flexible payment plans, choose a plan that works for you. For more information, contact your overseas insurance agent .

Other International Insurance Options

Travel or short-term insurance.

If you're taking a vacation, going home for the holidays, or visiting friends, travel insurance can help protect your trip. The last thing you want to think about is something going wrong. GEICO can get you a quote for travel insurance for additional peace of mind.

Mexico Auto Insurance

If you drive your car into Mexico, your US auto insurance policy can't come with you. Driving your car in Mexico requires a separate international auto insurance policy. But don't worry. GEICO can help you get a Mexico auto insurance quote .

Canada Auto Insurance

Driving your car into Canada? Learn more about car insurance coverage in Canada or contact a GEICO licensed agent for additional information.

Overseas Insurance: Get the answers you're looking for.

• What type of policy options are available overseas? Coverage options vary by location, but in many countries, we can help you with auto, motorycle, personal property (renter's), and marine transit (car shipping) coverages. For more information contact us .
• What information do I need before I move? Moving overseas can be a challenge – but we can help! Determine what coverages you'll need if you're storing your vehicle in the USA, or shipping it across the ocean and registering it in a foreign country. Learn more before you go !
• Does GEICO offer other services for members of the military? GEICO has been proudly serving our military personnel since we opened in 1936. Our military team is composed of veterans who understand the unique circumstances of our servicemen and women. For more information on military services .
• Does an overseas policy cover my US-registered vehicle if I'm using it to drive on holidays? Generally, our overseas auto policies are only available to customers who will be living in and registering their vehicle in their new country. Please contact an overseas agent .
• Does GEICO offer other services for government employees? In 1936, Leo and Lillian Goodwin started an insurance company to serve federal government employees. That company was Government Employees Insurance Company, or GEICO. We continue to support federal employees as we share a special history together.
• How do I maintain my overseas insurance? GEICO Financial Services GmbH , our affiliate in Germany, can help you find insurance coverage while you are overseas and has local agents in Europe to assist you. GEICO also has storage options for your vehicle if you're leaving it behind in the US.
• Does my overseas insurance policy extend coverage to driving in the United States? No. A U.S. auto insurance policy is required to drive in the United States.

Please note:

The above is meant as general information and as general policy descriptions to help you understand the different types of coverages. These descriptions do not refer to any specific contract of insurance and they do not modify any definitions, exclusions or any other provision expressly stated in any contracts of insurance. Flexible payment plans may not be available for all products. We encourage you to speak to your insurance representative and to read your policy contract to fully understand your coverages.

Overseas coverages are provided by non-affiliated companies through GEICO Financial Services GmbH, a GEICO affiliate, representing Mirascon Versicherungsagentur GmbH in Belgium and Germany, representing Clements Worldwide in England and Wales and the European Union, and representing Patria Hispana, S.A. de Seguros y Reaseguros in Spain. Overseas offices other than Kaiserslautern are operated by independent contractors.

When you select Belgium or Germany and click on the "START QUOTE" button, you will be taken to a site owned by Mirascon Insurance Solutions, not GEICO. When you select United Kingdom, Italy, or Other and click on the “START QUOTE” button you will be taken to a site owned by Clements Worldwide, not GEICO. GEICO has no control over the privacy practices of the companies mentioned above and assumes no responsibility in connection with your use of their website. Any information that you provide directly to them is subject to the privacy policy posted on their website.

GEICO Financial Services GmbH is an appointed representative of Clements Europe Ltd which is registered in England and Wales under registration number 06918946 and is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to conduct insurance mediation activities. When you select Mexico and click on the "START QUOTE", button you will be taken to the International Insurance Group, Inc. website. This site is not owned by GEICO. Any information that you provide directly to International Insurance Group, Inc. on its website is subject to the privacy policy posted on their website, which you should read before proceeding. GEICO assumes no responsibility for their privacy practices or the use of their website.

Mexico Tourist Auto Insurance and Mexico Watercraft Liability Insurance coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through GEICO Insurance Agency, LLC.

By continuing to use our website, you agree to our cookie policy and privacy policy .

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

International Car Rental Tips

Independent Traveler

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Need wheels for your next trip abroad? There’s more to consider than driving on the “other” side of the road. From international driving permits to liability insurance, renting a car abroad can be a bit more complicated than renting one at home. Our international car rental tips will help you get a great deal, make sure you have the right documentation and drive safely while abroad.

Booking Your Car

Book in advance. Rental rates are almost always higher at the counter than they will be over the phone or online, even just 24 hours before pickup. If you have time, comparison shop. Visit the websites of several rental agencies and search for identical cars on your travel dates.

Whenever possible, make all car rental arrangements, from booking to payment, before you leave your home country. Doing it this way generally makes the process cheaper, easier, safer and less likely to include hidden clauses. Once you are overseas, shifting exchange rates , unfamiliar rental specs, language barriers and other cultural differences can cause unexpected problems.

Ask about weekend specials, late penalties and gas charges. Many unadvertised discounts and hidden costs will not be explained at the time of rental, and it may be too late by the time you’ve discovered them.

Ask what time a car is expected for drop-off. Many rental agencies begin charging for each 24-hour-period from the time of rental, and will bill a full day for cars returned after another 24-hour period begins.

Be aware that many countries have a minimum and maximum age for renters. Drivers under the age of 25 or over the age of 70 may face surcharges or not be permitted to rent at all.

Do a Google search for special discounts and promo codes; these may not be well advertised on the car rental company’s own site.

Always ask about senior citizen, AAA, credit card and frequent flier program discounts or add-on offers.

When making reservations for car rental pickups at an airport, choose a smaller car than you would typically desire. Airport fleets are often stocked with larger cars, as they are primarily used by business travelers, and you might receive a free or inexpensive upgrade from a subcompact booking. Be aware, however, that European cars tend to be smaller than their American counterparts; while this might be useful if you’re planning on driving on narrow country roads, it’s not so great for those who are extra tall, carrying a lot of luggage, or traveling with a family or large group. In these cases, don’t take a risk — be sure to order the size you need just in case you don’t get an upgrade.

In many countries, manual transmissions are the norm, and you’ll have to pay a premium for an automatic. If you can drive a stick shift, it could save you money and hassle. Driving overseas can often be more strenuous than what you’re used to at home; roads may be poorly paved, winding, or precariously placed on a mountainside or ocean cliff. For this reason, it’s often a good idea to divide up the driving — so if not everyone can drive a manual transmission, consider looking for an automatic. Also, if you’re going to a country where they drive on the opposite side than you’re used to, be sure everyone is comfortable with that; it can be challenging!

International Driving Permits

If you’re traveling to an English-speaking country, chances are you’ll be able to get by with an American or Canadian driver’s license. However, many other countries will ask that you also obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is basically just a piece of paper that translates your information into 10 different languages and is recognized by more than 100 countries. If you are planning to rent a car abroad, you may be asked to present one along with your regular license from home. You must be at least 18 years old to get an IDP.

There are only two agencies in the U.S. authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance. In Canada, you must consult the Canadian Automobile Association. Be warned that IDPs from any other website are fakes — don’t be fooled.

Be sure to get your IDP before leaving home, as it must be issued in your home country. An IDP is not a license itself, merely a translation of the license issued in your country of residence. If you are stopped by law enforcement officials abroad, you must present both your IDP and your home country’s license. The only driving record you have, therefore, is within your home country, so obey the local driving rules! Any infraction or citation issued abroad will be waiting for you when you return home.

Check with the consulate or embassy of the country you’re visiting to find out its policies on international drivers.

Know Before You Go

Make sure you have a realistic idea of how much you’ll pay to fuel your car in the country you’re visiting. Generally, drivers in the U.S. pay less at the pump than drivers in most other nations. Leave plenty of room in your budget for gas expenses .

Familiarize yourself with the local rules of the road well before you actually get into the car. Study up on such details as which side of the road to drive on, who has the right of way in a traffic circle and whether you’re permitted to turn right (or left, in some countries) on a red light. The best sources for this type of information are the country’s consulate or embassy, or an up-to-date guidebook.

Check with your auto insurance company to see whether a rental car abroad would be covered under your current policy. In most cases you won’t be covered in foreign countries, so you’ll need to purchase insurance from your rental car company at the time of booking or rely on coverage provided by the credit card you use to pay for the rental. Be sure that your coverage, whatever the source, meets the foreign country’s minimum coverage requirements.

Don’t forget your map! Most of us rely on our favorite smartphone mapping app when navigating, but this can get expensive in foreign countries, depending on your cell phone plan. Also, coverage can be spotty in remote parts of the world. We always recommend having a paper road map as a backup. Renting a GPS unit from your rental car company is another option; make sure the staff sets it to speak to you in English if you don’t know the local language.

You May Also Like Top 20 Safe Driving Tips Car Rental Hidden Costs 10 Things Not to Do When Renting a Car

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

Germany: 8-Night Christmas Markets Tour w/Daily...

TripCompanion Tours

Poconos: 2-Nt, All-Incl. Stay at Upscale...

ResortsAndLodges.com

10-Night Mediterranean Cruise From Barcelona to...

Norwegian Cruise Line

Trending on SmarterTravel

30 Things to Do Before Traveling Abroad + Printable Checklist

We use affiliate links, and receive a small commission if you make purchases through them. Find out more here .

Everyone knows how stressful the last few days before the vacation usually are. Your responsible inner voice always manages to creep in and whisper, “ What if someone robs my house while I’m away? What if I forget to turn off the stove and the house burns down?”

The ‘ What if’ is your enemy, and you need to get rid of it. And do you know what’s the best remedy for the ‘ what if’ syndrome? It’s to make sure that you’re prepared. You NEED to confirm that you’ve gone through, at least, the most critical stuff. And there’s no better way of doing this than by going through a checklist and marking off the empty boxes one by one.

So go ahead and grab your printable PDF checklist of 30 things to do before traveling abroad and start ticking those boxes! If you want a more detailed version, continue reading down below.

1. Check the Expiry Date of Your Documents

Ensure that your passport , ID card, driver’s license, bank cards, and other documents aren’t about to expire. Most countries won’t let you in if your passport expires in less than six months.

Remember that documents take a few weeks to renew, so do that at least a month before you depart.

Read Next: You Bought Airline Tickets Online. Now What? (Guide)

2. Email and Print the Most Important Documents

Scan your documents (passport, visa, driver’s license, ID card), email them yourself, and print copies. In case they get stolen, the renewal process will go faster if you have copies on hand or in your inbox. Also, keep them separate from the original copies.

Tip: Get an RFID-Blocking organizer for all of your documents and keep all of them in a safe place.

3. Get Your Visa Ready

First of all, get a visa (if required) and check if the dates are correct. You’ll find which countries need a permit at the official U.S. embassy’s website .

4. If Traveling with Children, Get a Child Consent

A lot of people forget about child consent. If a child is less than 18 years old isn’t traveling with both parents, you’ll need written permission from the other parent.

5. Don’t Forget to Print and Screenshot Check-Ins, Accommodations, and Tickets

It’s a good idea to print or send to your phone all bookings, check-ins, airline tickets, tickets for attractions, and tickets for buses, trains, and metros.

6. Check If You Need an International Drivers License

You should get an International Drivers License (IDL), also known as International Driving Permit (IDP), which will allow you to drive in most countries. Though IDPs aren’t required everywhere – you’ll find a map that shows which countries require them over here . If you’re living in the U.S., you can get them through the American Automobile Association , and they cost only a few bucks. You can fill the application online and later print a valid license.

7. Get Travel Insurance

First, check if your credit card already comes with travel insurance. If not, you should buy one. Ensure that it covers medical and juridical expenses, theft and robbery, lost luggage , and missed or canceled flights.

8. Get Vaccinated

Find out if you need any vaccines by visiting the official World Health Organization’s website. The most common required ones are yellow fever, malaria, meningococcal disease, and polio. You can also call a local travel vaccination center, and they’ll tell you which ones you need.

Remember that some vaccines have to be made a few weeks before your trip. Also, often you need to take multiple shots with some days between them. So you should get vaccinated early.

9. Pack Important Medicine

Most medications  can be carried on board , according to TSA. Though you should make certain that your medicine is in its original packaging and in adequate quantities. Pack something to bring down the temperature, painkillers, bandages, a digital thermometer, pills against diarrhea, and something for sunburns.

10. Don’t Forget the Prescriptions for Your Medications

If you use prescribed medicine, you should get your prescriptions before you go. TSA requires you to have them on board, and you’ll need them if you run out.

11. Plan for Day Trips and Activities

Some like to keep their trips spontaneous, but it’s often a good idea to book at least some activities in advance. Sometimes, you won’t get the tickets on the spot because they’re booked.

For instance, one of our staff members has an upcoming trip to Spain in two months, and he wants to visit the El Caminito del Rey, other known as “The world’s most dangerous hike.” He was shocked to find out that the tickets sold out months ago, and he was lucky to get a spot. So be like me and book the most important activities a few months early.

12. Check for Travel Warnings and Register with the Embassy

A few weeks before you go, keep an eye on the official U.S. Travel Advisories  because they’ll give out warnings for potentially dangerous countries and warzones. It would be a good idea to register with the local U.S. embassy before going, so they can give instructions to you if something goes wrong.

13. Inform Your Bank When and Where You’re Going

If you’re living in Ohio and your bank sees purchases from a different country, they’ll think that someone has stolen your card. To prevent this, inform them when and where you’ll be going.

14. Pay Your Bills in Advance or Set up Automatic Payments

This tip is an obvious one. You don’t want to come back only to find out that you’re in debt. I usually pay two months in advance to avoid nasty surprises.

15. Check the Exchange Rates, Atm Fees, and Exchange Some Cash

Learn what currency they’re using and the exchange rate so you don’t get ripped off. Also, visit your bank’s website and write down the abroad fees for transactions and ATM withdrawals. It’s usually cheaper to exchange roughly a hundred bucks before you go and withdraw the rest through the ATM once you’re there.

16. Hold Your Mail and Set up Email Autoresponder

For your regular mail, you can ask the post office to hold your letters for a few weeks or ask your neighbors to pick them up. Also, don’t forget to set up an autoresponder on Gmail , so your clients and colleagues know that you’re away.

17. Check Your Phone Fees, and Maybe Get a Cheap Sim Card Abroad

Often it’s a bad idea to use your phone abroad. You may receive charges even for incoming calls and messages, so instead, get a cheap SIM once you’re there. To use SIM cards in other countries, you’ll first need to open your phone,’ which you can do at most mobile stores for a small fee. If you are using your own SIM, check the abroad fees, so you have a good idea of what to expect.

18. Find Someone to Take Care of Your Pets

If you have pets, arrange for your relatives, friends, or neighbors to take care of them or purchase pet sitting services.

19. Look at the Weather Forecasts

By finding out what the weather will be like, you’ll be able to pack accordingly. Also, learn about potential hurricanes, flash floods, thunderstorms, tsunamis, e.t.c., and learn about what you should do in those situations.

20. Find out the Local Transportation Costs

Check the local costs for buses, trains, metros, and taxis – look for the average prices and discounts for specified-time tickets. Maybe opt-in for a rental instead? For instance, in most third world countries taxis are usually the best way of transportation, as they’re pretty cheap. But sometimes it’s even less expensive to rent a car.

21. Learn the Airline Luggage Restrictions

Don’t forget to check the restrictions before you start packing because you might exceed the weight or size limits. Also, don’t forget to go through ALL connecting flights as well. One time, our staff member forgot to purchase onboard luggage on a domestic flight and had to overpay at the airport!

22. Get Adapters and Check for Dual-Voltage on Your Devices

Find out if you’ll need an adapter and what voltage they use. For instance, the U.S. uses 110v, while the EU uses 220V. In this case, you would need to ensure that the voltage of your 110V electronics is also suitable for 220V.

Usually, you can see that in small letters on the charger ( 100-240V.) You can use voltage in that range; otherwise, your devices will fry.

Tip: Get a universal travel adapter , which works in most countries, so you don’t have to purchase and carry multiple ones.

23. Download Offline Versions of Google Maps

Did you know that you can download offline versions of Google Maps? Generally, a 100-200 mile radius takes up around 250MB. If you do that, your maps will work as usual, and you’ll be able to find anything you need at a glance. That’s especially handy if you’re planning on renting a vehicle.

24. Charge Electronics, Pack Memory Cards, and Chargers Delete Old Photos

TSA requires that your electronics have a full charge when you go through security , and they might ask you to turn them on. So charge your devices, don’t forget to pack your chargers, memory cards, and delete old photos from your last trip, so you have enough space for new ones.

25. Plan Your Drive to and from the Airport

Arrange a friend to take you to and from the airport because parking is often full or very expensive at airports. We use a taxi or public transport.

26. Let Your Neighbors Know That You’ll Be Away

If you’re close with your neighbors, it might be a good idea to let them know that you’ll be away. Tell them to contact the police if anyone comes snooping around or they see any activity in the house.

27. Unplug Electronics, Turn off the AC, and Turn down Water Heating

To save some utility costs, and potentially avoid electrical hazards, prepare your house before you leave. You should turn off your AC, or set it to low. Then, unplug all electronics and turn off your water heating or set it to a low temperature.

28. Clean Your Fridge of Fruits, Dairies, and Other Organics

You don’t want to come home to the scent of rotten food! So you should plan ahead and throw out all organics that could degrade.

29. Water the Plants, Set Timers for Lights, Close the Blinds and Take out the Trash

Before leaving, use this final list to make sure you’re all set to go:

• Water the plants
• If you have timers for lights, set your lights to go on at random times during the day to trick thieves
• Close the blinds
• Sweep the floors
• Take out the trash
• Change your bedsheets, because you’ll be too tired to do that when you’re back

30. Hide Your Valuables Someplace Safe

If you have valuables in your house, you should store them someplace safe. Hide your jewelry, silverware, and other valuables somewhere in your home, or, even better, rent a safe deposit box at the local bank.

The Bottom Line

There you go – your ‘ what if’  syndrome has been cured! If you’ve read all 30 items in this list and made sure to follow them, you should be all set to depart on your long-awaited trip.

Are you searching for more tips for your vacation? Check out these  80 packing tips for international travel  to make the most out of your luggage.

You Might Also Enjoy

One response to “30 Things to Do Before Traveling Abroad + Printable Checklist”

Oscar, your post really resonated with me! 🙌 The way you broke down the complexities of quantum physics was brilliant. I’m curious, though, how do you reconcile quantum entanglement with Einstein’s theory of relativity? Also, could you delve a bit deeper into the concept of superposition? I think it could offer some valuable insights. From my own experience as a physics teacher, I’ve found that real-life examples, such as the famous Schrödinger’s cat experiment, really help students grasp these abstract concepts. Keep up the good work! 👏

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Featured in

GET CONNECTED

Follow Clever Journey on social media for travel tips, packing hacks, and latest updates!

SUB TO NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest travel tips, packing hacks, gear reviews, and bargain deals straight to your inbox. We hate spam, so we’ll send only the most important stuff.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Renting a Car Abroad: Don’t Get Taken for a Ride

Hitting the open road can be a memorable way to explore a country, but it comes with potentially expensive hazards. Here’s how to navigate some of them.

By Eric A. Taub

“Throw the keys through the kiosk’s open window. We’ll get the car when we open later”: Those slightly unorthodox drop-off instructions I once received from a Hertz manager in Croatia illustrate some of the differences U.S. travelers might encounter when renting a car abroad.

It pays to familiarize yourself with the local policies and protocols ahead of time. Here’s what you need to know before you accept the keys.

You may need an international driver’s license

If you have a U.S. driver’s license, an international driving permit is officially required (along with your state-issued license) in Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Italy, Japan, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain and Thailand, although its use is not universally enforced. It’s also a good idea to carry an I.D.P., a booklet — slightly bigger than a passport — that translates a U.S. license into 10 languages, when renting a vehicle in a country whose language is not written in Roman letters.

An I.D.P. costs $20, is valid for one year and is issued to any applicant by a local AAA office (the only issuer in the United States authorized by the State Department). You must apply for one in the country that issued your regular driver’s license.

Familiar brands may be franchisees

Car rental brands familiar to Americans operate throughout the world; those include Alamo, Avis, Hertz, National, Sixt and others. You can reserve a vehicle through a company’s U.S. website or through a rental aggregator such as Autoeurope.com , to compare rates.

The overseas branches of U.S. companies may not always be owned by the parent company. The discussion boards on websites like Tripadvisor abound with commenters calling out franchise operations of major chains for not providing the service they expect from a U.S. operation.

Franchise or not, disputes with a foreign branch should always be directed to the U.S. customer service operation, according to Hertz and Autoeurope.

Check minimum (and maximum) age requirements

The minimum age to rent a car varies by country and company, and it’s indicated on each rental agency’s website. Most countries charge a “young driver” surcharge for renters under 25. Some countries, such as France and Germany, allow (but do not require) companies to rent to 18-year-olds, but 21 is the typical minimum rental age for most.

At the other end of the spectrum, Hertz won’t rent a vehicle in Northern Ireland to anyone older than 79; those from 75 to 79 must have a doctor’s letter stating that they are in good health, as well as a letter from their insurance company proving that they haven’t had an accident within the past five years.

Cut costs with a stick shift

Cars with manual transmissions are still popular in many European countries, so if you’re comfortable driving one, select that option. Renting a car with an automatic transmission can typically cost an additional 30 percent or more.

Check your credit card’s rental insurance coverage

Many U.S.-issued credit cards cover damage to your international rental car if you’re in an accident, as long as you charge the entire rental fee to the card. Some issuers also require that the same card be used to make the reservation for the insurance to be valid. That collision coverage is primary, unlike in the United States, where your personal vehicle insurance would cover the costs while your rental insurance would pay for any deductible amount. Even if your credit card covers damage to your rental vehicle, you will be responsible for the cost of damage to any other vehicle if the accident is deemed to be your fault.

Be warned that standard rental insurance for American Express cardholders is not available in Australia, Italy and New Zealand, and other cards may have different restrictions.

Familiarize yourself with local driving and parking laws

Before you go, learn each country’s rules , including the meaning of various road signs and markings. For instance, simply because you see other vehicles parked with their wheels on the sidewalk — common in European cities with narrow streets — that does not mean that it’s legal to do so.

Autoeurope.com has driving tips for dozens of countries, not all in Europe, and Britain’s Automobile Association lists road rules for six European countries. Don’t forget that many places besides Britain drive on the left (including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and numerous Caribbean islands). And if you get a ticket, don’t ignore it. The rental agency will eventually collect from you, along with an administrative fee .

Seatbelt laws are often strictly enforced, with a separate fine — sometimes issued on the spot — for each occupant not wearing one.

Finally, many European cities restrict driving in central or historic areas to residents only or those driving low-emission vehicles. Entering these limited-traffic zone areas can incur heavy fines, plus an added fee from your rental company. Watch for signs and gates (commonly marked “ZTL” in Italy ).

Know your fuels

Diesel engines are very common in other countries; putting diesel in a gas engine or vice versa can cause serious — and costly — damage .

While fuel pumps are color-coded to indicate what they dispense, those colors vary by country and region. Fuel requirements are listed on a sticker on the inside of the filler door.

In the United States, black indicates gasoline while green designates diesel. In Iceland and other European countries, it’s the opposite: green for gasoline and black for diesel.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Provincetown, Mass.:  Located at the tip of Cape Cod, P-town (as locals call it) has overlapping — and sometimes competing — identities : one of America’s oldest art colonies, nature preserve, thriving L.G.B.T.Q. resort and historic Portuguese fishing village.

Lake Como, Italy:  Stars like George Clooney frequent this scenic corner of northern Italy, but you might be surprised by how affordable it can be. Here’s an insider’s guide .

South of France:  Horses, bulls and birds of all types live among the pink marshes of the Camargue, a rugged landscape shaped  by the relentless push and pull of sea and river.

Disney Theme Parks:  As Disney has raised the cost of tickets and hotel rooms at its theme parks, and added pricey, difficult-to-navigate tools, even its most loyal fans are asking themselves  if they should rethink their vacations.

Helsinki, Finland:   Explore the stunning architecture  of the new central library, browse treasure-filled shops in the Design District, sweat in a wood-burning sauna, sip cocktails on a schooner and trek across islands in the surrounding archipelago.

• Should I drive abroad?
• Car Rental Advice
• Reduce Car Rental Costs
• Car rental insurance
• International driving permit
• Road trip planning
• Driving Abroad
• Car Rental for Under 21’s
• Renting with No Credit Card

Driving Your Own Vehicle Abroad

• Foreign Speeding and Parking Fines
• Driving in Snow,Mud,Sand and Water
• Long Term EU Visa for UK Motorhomers
• Countries A-Z
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Congo (Republic of Congo not DRC)
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea- Conakry (Republic of Guinea)
• Guinea-Bissau
• Ivory Coast
• Reunion Island
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Swaziland / Eswatini
• Afghanistan
• Burma/Myanmar
• East Timor And Timor-Leste
• North Korea
• Philippines
• South Korea
• Turkmenistan
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Republic
• Netherlands Antilles
• Puerto Rico
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• Virgin Islands (British)
• Virgin Islands (US)
• El Salvador
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Canary Islands
• Czech Republic
• Faroe Islands
• Great Britain
• Liechtenstein
• Macedonia/ North Macedonia
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• USA – United States of America
• Cook Islands
• Easter Island
• Federated States of Micronesia
• Kiribati and Kiritimati – Christmas Island
• Marshall Islands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Northern Mariana Islands/Saipan
• Papua New Guinea
• Pitcairn Island
• Samoa (Western Samoa)
• Samoa- (American Samoa)
• Solomon Islands
• Tahiti – French Polynesia
• Wallis and Futuna
• Ascension Island
• Falkland Islands
• French Guiana
• Tristan Da Cunha
• Kurdistan (Iraq)
• Palestinian Occupied Territories
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Left Hand And Right Hand Driving Countries
• Worlds Most Dangerous Roads
• Most Traffic Congested Cities
• Worlds Worst roads
• World Petrol Prices
• Worlds Busiest Roads
• Most Remote Car Rental Companies
• World Drink Drive Limits
• Strange Driving Laws
• California’s Pacific Coast Highway
• Driving the Garden Route
• Namibia’s Skeleton Coast
• African Self Drive Safari
• Australia by Campervan
• Backroads of America- Drive Route 66
• Star Wars Road Trip
• Drive the German Autobahn in a Performance Car
• Classic Cars in Cuba
• England’s Yorkshire Dales
• Driving The Silk Road
• Ecuador’s Spondylus Route
• Jamaica’s Pirate Coast
• Botswana – The World’s Wildest Drive?
• China – A Day Lost in Gang Tuo
• China- Wouldn’t that be something?
• India -Hit The Road
• Lesotho – The Roof of Africa
• South Africa- Driving the Garden Route
• USA – Driving California’s Pacific Coast Highway
• Worldwide- The Art of Being Lost
• Worldwide – Driving Yourself Crazy?

Driving your own vehicle abroad

Many drivers abroad opt to take their own vehicle, rather than rent a car in the countries they’re visiting. This is especially true of drivers of motor homes who may choose to take an extended tour of a number of countries for a lengthy period of time, which would make renting a car in each country very expensive.

There are different rules in force depending on – a)Your home country b) Which country(s) you want to drive your own vehicle in

It may be that you can be legally covered to the minimum level required by law in another country, via the International Motor Insurance Card System. This covers many regions of the world and allows drivers to visit other countries and be covered for 3rd party insurance by holding a valid card.

There a bewildering array of different coloured cards in operation across the world, with all serving much the same purpose – to ensure that the that victims of road traffic accidents do not suffer from the fact that injuries or damage sustained by them were caused by a foreign motorist . Generally, the system is a reciprocal agreement between insurance companies in neighbouring or nearby countries, meaning that if you are a holder of an International Motor Insurance card, you will be covered by at least 3rd party insurance when driving abroad. If you want to extend the full cover of your home policy, you will need to speak to your insurance company, who will levy an additional charge, depending on where you plan to take your vehicle.

There are multiple motor insurance systems around the world, established on regional basis. The first was the Green Card system established in 1949 in Europe, but later other regions followed suit. Most motor insurers will issue an International Motor Insurance Card to their policy holders, but have no obligation to do so. Even if your company say a green card isn’t needed, it’s useful to have one if your insurance certificate is only written in your own language. Some insurers do print on translations to the principal European languages on the reverse of their certificates, explaining that your certificate is evidence of the existence of the minimum cover required by law throughout the European Union.

Some countries of the world don’t recognise International Motor Insurance Cards at all, and some countries require drivers to have insurance via a local company. You do therefore need to plan for the specific countries you intend to take your vehicle to.

International Motor Insurance Card Systems

The Green Card system The Green Card system  is overseen by the Economic Commission for Europe, based in Geneva and is recognised in over 40 countries including all the countries in Europe and a number of neighbouring states.

It offers no insurance cover. It is proof that the minimum legal requirements for third party liability insurance in any country for which the Green Card is valid are covered by the insured’s own motor policy. If you want to extend the full cover you have on your policy in your own country, you will need to speak to your insurance company –obviously they will charge more for this.

A Green Card is not required by law to cross borders within the European Union and some other countries. This is because all EU countries and certain other countries comply with the first directive on motor insurance, which says that every insurance policy issued in the EU must provide the minimum insurance cover required by law in any other EU country.

Countries covered by the Insurance Green Card are –

Albania Andorra Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Iran Ireland Israel Italy Latvia Lichtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Malta Moldova Montenegro Morocco Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Tunisia Turkey Ukraine UK

The EU countries that don’t need a Green Card by law are : Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK

Orange card system The Orange card system is established between most of the members of the Arab League and is applicable primarily in the Middle East and North Africa.

Participants are: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco (also Green card member), Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia (also Green card member), United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Blue card system The Blue card system is established between the members of the ASEAN and is applicable in South East Asia.

Participants are: Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Pink card system The Pink card system is established between the members of the Economic Community of Central African States and is applicable in Central Africa.

Participants are: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Brown card system The Brown card system is established between most of the members of the Economic Community of West Africa States and is applicable in Western Africa.

Participants are: Benin, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.

Yellow card system The Yellow card system is established between most of the members of the Common Market of East Africa States and is applicable primarily in Eastern Africa. Participants are: Burundi, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The non-participating COMESA members are: Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt (Orange card member), Libya (Orange card member), Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sudan (Orange card member) and Swaziland.

White card system This is still at proposal stage and could include the following countries if they are deemed unable to join the green card scheme – Afghanistan, Azerbaijan (Green card candidate), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan ,Uzbekistan

International Car Insurance – Before you begin your search for an international car insurance policy, you should ask for some international car insurance quotes from your current insurance company. Sometimes a domestic company will offer this type of insurance, or if they don’t, they can give you some advice.

There are also a number of companies who specialise in International motor insurance –

Clements are probably the best known  company specialising in policies for ex-pats and others wanting to drive their vehicle abroad. www.clements.com/

GEICO are US Based but have many international offices. They work with international insurance underwriters to find a company who will provide cover in the region you’ll be taking your vehicle to. http://www.geico.com/information/aboutinsurance/overseas/

Esurance are a company who specialise in insurance for US Visitors wanting to take their own vehicle to Canada or Mexico http://www.esurance.com/international-insurance

Carnet de Passage

A Carnet de Passage is a customs document which allows drivers to temporarily import a vehicle into a country. i.e drive through a country.The personal tourist vehicle Carnet system is administered by the  Alliance Internationale de Tourisme in Switzerland. The Carnet document shows Customs officials that the vehicle owner has  posted a bond at least equal to the vehicle import duty of their country, and assures that the vehicle will be re-exported to its country of origin. The Automobile Associations of most countries can also arrange a CDP for vehicles registered in their country.

The following countries require a Carnet de Passage to temporarily import a vehicle (though be aware that rules change often so before planning a trip, get definitive advice from the embassies of the countries you plan to travel through)-

Burundi Cameroon Central African Republic Chad Democratic Republic of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Ethiopia Ghana Guinea-Bissau Kenya Lesotho Libya Nigeria Rwanda Senegal Sudan Swaziland Uganda

Asia / Middle East

Bangladesh India Iran Japan Jordan Kuwait Nepal Oman Pakistan Qatar Singapore (except for Peninsular Malaysia-registered and Thai registered vehicles) Sri Lanka Syria United Arab Emirates

Australia Indonesia New Zealand

South America

Argentina Bolivia Chile Colombia Ecuador Paraguay Peru Venezuela

Get your car ready to drive abroad –

Unlike renting a car, where the rental company will ensure your vehicle is equipped to drive in that region, you will need to take responsibility for this yourself and check out the legal requirements and any other considerations of driving in the country you’ll be visiting. This may include –

An international code sticker denoting the country your car is registered in.

Adjustments relating to driving on the wrong side of the road if that applies- eg adjusting the beam of your headlights so as not to dazzle oncoming drivers and fitting additional or changing existing mirror positions.

Ensuring you carry everything you need legally – in many countries you need to carry a red warning triangle and high visibility vests for all passengers. In France you also need to carry a breathalyser.

In many European countries its illegal to carry speed camera detection devices.

Snow tyres are compulsory in some countries in winter.

Some other points to consider –

Risk protection coverage is advisable in certain countries. This is for unusual incidents that can arise out of the level of lawlessness in certain countries. If you will be in one of these more dangerous countries it is advisable for you to purchase additional auto-related policies in case of things like kidnapping or extortion.Also, you will notice that many international car insurance policies have a provision for something called a “standard war exclusion”. This means that in case of war, the insurance provider can withhold payment to you.

Some policies will only cover your vehicle whilst you’re also in the country. Therefore if you take your car abroad, for instance for work, then fly home for a visit, leaving your car abroad, you should check it will be covered for the period you’re in a different country.

Check that your policy includes add-on coverage such as cover for towing and recovery as some won’t.

Check small print when selecting an international policy. Some policies, and some countries, require local adjusters/assessors if they have no agreement with local insurance companies and this can incur additional time and cost to settle a claim.

Ensure you have medical cover and that your policy includes cover for third party claims against you. In some countries its the law that accident victims are compensated and if you’re unable to fund this you could find yourself imprisoned until compensation is paid.

Ensure your policy protects you against currency fluctuations in countries which have volatile currencies.

Finally, if you’re considering an extended trip to more remote parts of the globe, you should think about how easy it will be to get your vehicle repaired if it breaks down or is involved in an accident. Mechanics in the developing world are ingenious with older vehicles and can usually get an old banger back on the road. Faced with a modern vehicle with computerised operating systems and diagnostics, they’re likely to be left scratching their heads. Check out whether spare parts are likely to be readily available for your vehicle too. Try a main dealer for your vehicle manufacturer and ask them if they have distribution networks in the area you’ll be visiting.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Share our content

10 Things to Know Before Renting a Car in Foreign Countries

Renting a car overseas can make getting around more convenient, but it’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations regarding car rentals in different countries.

If you’re planning a vacation abroad, renting a car can enhance your travel experience. From understanding local laws and insurance policies to knowing what documents you need to present, arming yourself with knowledge can help make your car rental go as smoothly as possible.

But before you sign the rental agreement, it’s important to know these ten key things about renting a car in a foreign country.

1.                Getting an International License

Typically, renting a car in foreign countries requires a valid driver’s license. However, depending on the country and local laws, it is possible you may also need an international license to be allowed to drive in that country.

An international driver’s license is different from the standard driver’s license; it allows drivers from one country to drive in other countries. A requirement is if your license adheres to certain forms of standardization put in place by international agencies. Make sure you visit the websites of local car rental companies for specific requirements before renting a car.

2.                Rent the Right Vehicle

When renting a car abroad, it’s important to be aware of the specific rental and traffic laws of the location you’re traveling to. For example, some countries have restrictions on certain types of vehicles, such as high-end luxury models or large SUVs.

Additionally, it is important to consider your needs for the duration of your trip when selecting a rental car – do you need enough space for luggage and other supplies? Are there any tight alleyways that require a smaller vehicle model? Confirm all features and specifications before signing any documents at the rental agency.

If you are traveling to Albania, you can try many services to rent a car in Tirana airport . But before that, make sure you follow this checklist.

3.                Secure Insurance

One of the most important steps you should take when renting a car abroad is to secure insurance. Be sure that the insurance you select covers all aspects of the rental, such as any supplemental coverage for damage to the vehicle or personal liability. Ensure that your policy meets all local regulations and laws for car rentals in your destination country.

4.                Review Rules of the Road

Before you rent a car in any foreign country, take the time to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and regulations. Driving right-handed or left-handed may be different in different countries.

Do some research in advance of your trip so that you understand how local drivers signal, where they stop at crosswalks, or how they use roundabouts. Utilizing map apps can also be beneficial so that you know where to turn when navigating through unfamiliar streets.

5.                Get Ready to Fuel Up

The fuel type and payment method for gas stations in another country should be known if you’re renting a car. In different countries, the type of fuel used can vary from gas to diesel.

To ensure that you are refueling with the online rental company’s approval, check out their guidelines first so that you don’t land into a problem on the way back. Some places can pay by card but be aware that sometimes cash may still be required.

6.                Protect Luggage and Valuables

Don’t leave any eye-catching items, such as cameras and other tech devices, in the car overnight or during extended stops. Always park the rental vehicle in a secure area, and make sure the car doors are locked when you leave the vehicle unattended.

Keep your luggage in a secure place if you intend to go sightseeing. It’s best to avoid leaving any valuables unattended in a rental car while traveling overseas.

7.                Stay Alert for Other Extra Costs

Before you rent, ask the rental car company if they have any additional costs, such as road tax, registration fees, and airport taxes. Additionally, if you plan on crossing country borders with the rental car, look into whether the company has any specific regulations or extra charges that apply.

Some companies may also require a surcharge for certain pickup and drop-off locations. Before heading out on your trip, inquire about these potential costs.

8.                Learn Some Local Laws Regarding Vehicles

Driving abroad involves many unfamiliar road rules, and not knowing them can be a safety risk. Before renting a car overseas, brush up on any local laws for the country or region you’re visiting.

This includes seatbelt regulations, speed limits, and what side of the road to drive on. Look into these regulations beforehand to feel confident driving during your trip.

9.                Book in Advance

Whether renting a car at home or abroad, always try to book in advance – this increases your chances of getting the car you want. Additionally, you have more time to compare different providers and find the best deal.

Be sure to look into rental companies at the destination you’ll be visiting and international companies that offer discounts for those traveling from overseas.

10.          Plan Ahead for Directions

Planning is key to successful overseas car rental. If you plan to drive to multiple cities or take a road trip, it’s important to have the directions and a GPS device ready.

You should also look into what automotive companies’ policy on fuel reimbursement is, as many will only cover full-to-empty petrol tanks at certain locations. Make sure you know your reimbursement options before signing any agreements with a car rental company.

Renting a car can be a great way to explore a foreign country, as long as you take the time to research and consider all the factors. Understand the rules and regulations associated with car rentals for foreigners, as well as traffic laws.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that your driver’s license is accepted in the country you are traveling to, and that you may need to acquire an International Driver’s Permit to drive around legally, in some countries. Also, check the best time to rent a car .

Related Posts

savvyglobetrotter

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Currently you have JavaScript disabled. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

International Travel with Car Seats: What Do You Really Do?

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: October 30, 2019

Share this!:

If you want to start the mommy wars all over again, start a conversation about car seats. I’ve learned from posting a guide to car seats and air travel that car seats can bring out the worst in millennial and Gen X parents. The judgment is real. Don’t keep your child rear facing until their teen years? Judgment. Have that chest clip a half-inch too low when you snapped a photo of the kiddo in a car seat? Judgment.

So lesson learned? No way! Here I am stepping in it all over again with an important discussion that I think needs to be had about car seats for those of us who travel abroad…. what do you really do about car seats when you are in international destinations where they aren’t the norm? It’s confession time.

(Trips With Tykes uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this post. See our full disclosure policy linked in the menu at the bottom of this site.)

The Challenge of Car Seats and International Travel 

The impetus for this post was a conversation I had with a friend and fellow family travel blogger As the Joe Flies . So I blame him for making me wade into these waters again. When it comes to child safety, both Joe and I are pretty conservative. We both use car seats religiously back home with our kids. We know how to install and use them safely. I kept my son rear facing until he was 3 and only just now switched him at age 6 from a convertible car seat to a booster at home. Joe and I both do more than what the American Academy of Pediatrics and the laws of our state require. We have schlepped car seats all over this great country on dozens of planes and in numerous rental cars to keep our kids safe.

But where have we let things slide? International trips. Joe has Hong Kong roots and confessed to me that his family there thinks he’s crazy when he uses a car seat with his kids when they visit. He’s gone without with his daughter on occasion when the logistics necessitated it. Sorry Joe, your secret is out.

Since I’ve tattled on a fellow traveling parent, here comes the time where I should tattle on myself. We also went without a car seat or booster for my daughter in Hong Kong when she was 5. More recently, I let my son ride in an Uber in Panama when he was 2 without a car seat. (That was the infamous Uber ride where my son threw up all over me , but that’s another story.) We used a car seat to and from the airport in Panama but there was just no way to carry one when taking shorter trips while touring the city. Public transit wasn’t really an option there with the time we had and the places we wanted to go. It was a Uber or taxi or nothing. 

That’s the challenge – logistics. The realities of international travel mean that bringing a car seat with you everywhere in a vehicle just isn’t possible. If you find yourself in a country where car seat use is not the norm, forget finding a car service that even has car seats. There’s no Uber Car Seat service in Hong Kong. Or Panama.

Of course, there are some international destinations where car seats are exceptionally easy. We had no trouble in Montreal renting a car seat for our son with our rental car when we visited when he was 9 months old. When we weren’t using the car, the city’s public transit system was more than adequate to get us everywhere we needed to go. The same is the case in many major European cities with extensive subways and transit systems. I didn’t even have issues in Cancun, Mexico! The tour company we hired to take us to Chichen Itza made a car seat available in our touring van. No doubt they are used to dealing with American tourists who demanded it.

In a lot of other corners of the world, however, the car seat question is much harder. Public transit isn’t always available, safe, or practical. If you do rent a car or use a taxi, the cars may not be made to even install a US car seat. A lot of cars don’t have LATCH elsewhere in the world and some even don’t have seat belts that lock off, making car seat installation problematic. Heck, plenty of places don’t even have cars with seat belts at all!

So, it’s confession time. I want to hear about your personal experiences with car seat use at international destinations. Have you gone without one with your kids? At what ages? Does being able to use a car seat (or not) shape the destinations you travel to with your kids when they are at peak car seat age? Do you have any clever workarounds to share? This is a judgment-free zone.

Tips for Safer International Travel with Kids – With & Without Car Seats

Even though a lot of us will admit to cutting car seat corners on some occasions, there are likely still ways you can make transportation with your kids safer in your international travels. So while we all make our confessions, let me share a few tips that I’ve picked up to help improve your odds:

1. Consider car seats when picking a travel destination.

Many leisure travels are optional, so consider car seats in choosing where you take your kids at various ages and stages. There are hundreds of places on my bucket list, so it has made sense to me to choose destinations with safer transport options the past few years when I had babies and toddlers in tow. Now that my youngest is 6, we can be a little more adventurous in where we go. To be sure, there are many times you won’t have a choice in where you travel. But when you do, consider picking destinations with safer options in the crucial car seat years.

2. Take public transit.

The easiest way to make your international travels safer with young kids of car seat age is not to get into the car with them at all. So many international destinations have amazing mass transit – much better than in many places in the United States. Look for opportunities to take subways, busses, and ferries instead of hopping in a taxi, rental car, or Uber. Just make sure that public transit doesn’t present other safety challenges, because it’s easy to be a target with young kids.

3. Bring and use travel-friendly car seats and boosters.

Although large convertible car seats are rarely a viable travel-friendly option, there are increasingly so many car seat and booster products on the market that are compact enough to take with you. The technological innovation in the past decade since my daughter was born is jaw-dropping. I now have a complete guide to the best car seats and boosters for air travel but here’s is also a quick guide to a few of our favorites:

• For infants: Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller combo
• For 2-5 year olds: WayB Pico folding car seat
• For 3+ year olds: Ride Safer Travel Vest
• For 4+ year olds: BubbleBum (see my complete BubbleBum review )

4. Take surface streets.

If you have to hop in a car without a car seat for a short trip, consider taking surface streets to your destination, even if it takes a little longer. Your kids will be relatively safer in slower moving non-highway traffic if you are, heaven forbid, in an accident without a car seat.

5. Think & plan ahead.

On some of the occasions I’ve have had to put my kids in a car without a car seat, there was an alternative that would have been safer. But because I had failed to think through the logistics in advance, I didn’t have the time or the supplies to take the safer way out. Before your trip, think through your overall itinerary so you can make sure to have the booster you need or enough time to take transit instead of an Uber.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Sunday 23rd of February 2020

Call today for same-day windshield repair & replacement service. And best of all, due to our windshield replacement san jose we can easily come to your home or business location.

Saturday 30th of November 2019

Nice article. Especially the tips are for all the age group children.

Thursday 26th of September 2019

Traveling to two islands in the Caribbean. Public transportation does not have seatbelts and the "taxi” is basically a pickup truck with a bench in the back- clearly no hooks up there for carseats. Ideas? Traveling with a 1& 4 yr old. Just put baby in ergo and hang on tight to toddler and pray??? Ugh, the thought of it only taking one time and the thought of traveling the island way of life is making me nuts. We want safety but how. Hum...

Monday 10th of June 2019

We are traveling to Europe and would book our 8-mo old baby a seat and bring her car seat BUT there are two problems: 1) The US car seat is not legal in Europe so we cannot use it there but still need to drag it around. 2) When we are out and about there all day long with a stroller, a car seat converted into a stroller isn’t very comfy (and lacks sun protection) so then we need to bring a car seat and a stroller somehow... Are there any alternative seat options for infants? (she is too young for the CARES system) Are there any light travel strollers that take a car seat but also have a normal seat and don’t coat a fortune?

Eric D Hendler

Thursday 28th of March 2019

Hi there, We are visiting Hong Kong and planning to bring an Immi Go with us but it needs a tether as well as side anchors. What are the chances that a hotel car service will have tethers and anchors?

Your Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Car Abroad

Hiring a car abroad can be daunting for many travelers, navigating unfamiliar rules and options. But there’s nothing like hitting the open road in a foreign country, exploring new spots on your terms and in your own time.

Our guide simplifies this process, offering you essential tips and tricks for a hassle-free experience.

Here is an overview:

Do You Really Need to Hire a Car Abroad?

Research and planning: preparing for hiring a car abroad, plan your route, selecting the perfect vehicle for your travel needs, booking a rental car abroad, booking in advance vs. on-the-spot rentals, choosing the right rental company, insurance options and understanding coverage policies, collision damage waiver (cdw):, theft protection coverage:, personal accident insurance (pai):, here’s an overview of each, along with their pros and cons:, make the booking, the car pickup process, locating the rental desk, showing your documents, reading through the rental contract, making extra payments, checking the car condition/defects, checking for emergency tools and extra tire, special car operations, driving abroad, driving rules and traffic signs in different countries, returning the car.

When considering whether you really need a rental car for your upcoming trip, it can be helpful to explore how others like you travel in your destination. Understanding the transportation options commonly used by travelers like yourself can provide valuable insights into the feasibility and convenience of renting a car.

By researching how others navigate the same destination, you can assess factors such as public transportation availability, ride-sharing services, walking distances, and local infrastructure . This information can help you decide whether a rental car is essential for your travel needs or if alternative modes of transportation may better suit your itinerary.

Related : Top Road Trips You Need to Make and the Cars to Make Them In

Before getting to the rental, you first need to do some research.

Planning your route is essential for a smooth and enjoyable journey when hiring a car abroad. Researching and planning your route can help you make the most of your trip and ensure you don’t miss out on any must-see attractions or scenic drives.

By planning the route, you can decide on the best pick-up and drop-off locations for your rental car. By “best,” I mean the most convenient place but also cost-effective. For instance, if your travel starts in a big city, you most likely won’t need a rental car for the first few days of your urban vacation and can use public transportation, taxis or other ride-sharing options. This way you can cut down the rental days and city parking costs. Later, you can also check whether renting from city locations is cheaper than renting at the airport and consider which is better for you.

Lastly, you should consider if you make a circular route, where you start and finish your rental at the same office or make a one-way rental and drop off your car at another location. It might incur additional costs (a one-way fee), but most rental agencies allow it as long as they have rental offices at both locations.

use the Paapm Paapm search to find the best rates

When renting a car, rental companies typically categorize vehicles into different types or groups based on size, features, and other characteristics. These categories help travelers choose a vehicle that best suits their needs.

Common car types and groups include:

• Economy Cars : Economy cars are small, fuel-efficient vehicles ideal for solo travelers or couples on a budget. They offer basic amenities and are typically easy to maneuver and park in urban areas. Examples include the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris, or Volkswagen Polo.
• Compact Cars : Compact cars are slightly larger than economy cars and offer more space for passengers and luggage. They are suitable for small families or groups of friends traveling short to medium distances. Examples include the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, or Hyundai Elantra.
• Midsize Cars : Midsize cars balance comfort, space, and fuel efficiency. They are suitable for families or groups requiring more room for passengers and luggage. Midsize cars are ideal for longer road trips or vacations. Examples include the Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, or Toyota Camry.
• Full-Size Cars : Full-size cars provide ample space for passengers and luggage, making them suitable for larger families or groups traveling long distances. They offer more comfort and amenities compared to smaller vehicle categories. Examples include the Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, or Toyota Avalon.
• SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) : SUVs are versatile, with increased ground clearance and cargo space, making them suitable for outdoor adventures or traveling in rugged terrain. They offer seating for five or more passengers in various sizes, from compact to full-size. Examples include the Ford Escape (Compact SUV), Toyota RAV4 (Midsize SUV), or Chevrolet Tahoe (Full-Size SUV).
• Minivans : Minivans are spacious vehicles with multiple rows of seating, making them ideal for large families or groups requiring extra passenger and cargo space. They offer sliding doors for easy access and are equipped with features for comfort and convenience. Examples include the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, or Toyota Sienna.
• Convertible Cars : Convertible cars feature a retractable roof that can be opened or closed, allowing passengers to enjoy the open air while driving. They are popular for leisurely drives in scenic locations or coastal areas. Examples include the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Ford Mustang Convertible, or BMW 4 Series Convertible.
• Luxury Cars : Luxury cars offer premium features, comfort, and performance, catering to travelers seeking a high-end driving experience. They are equipped with advanced technology and upscale amenities. Examples include the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, or Audi A6.

When choosing a car type, consider the number of passengers, amount of luggage, destination, driving preferences, and budget . It’s also essential to familiarize yourself with the ACRISS (Association of Car Rental Industry Systems Standards) codes used by rental companies to classify vehicles. These codes provide a standardized way to describe car categories and features.

Example of ACRISS Code:

• Compact Car: EDMR (e.g., Ford Focus)
• SUV (Intermediate): IFAR (e.g., Toyota RAV4)
• Luxury Car: LDAR (e.g., Mercedes-Benz C-Class)

Related : Tips For Hiring a Rental Car in Japan

Compare the different car rental prices here

There are a few ways to book your rental car abroad.

If your vacation depends on driving around, you should forget about renting On-the-Spot! You should only consider that if the car hire is optional and you have other means of transportation in hand.

If you don’t book upfront, you will most likely waste your time looking for car rental options and end up with a non-optimal car option or in the worst case, no cars will be available – which might be the case for high season peaks.

This one is the key to your experience. While some rental companies offer very low prices, you may pay extras at the rental desk during pickup or after car return due to made-up defects or other fees.

The key here is to spend some time researching. Consider reading through Google Maps reviews, which is an unfiltered platform where the agencies cannot pay or hide bad reviews. On the other hand, there might be some spammy reviews there, so read carefully and consider which comments and reviews are authentic.

Remember that every rental branch may offer a different level of service, so don’t automatically go with your favorite rental brand. You should consider both international brands and local, unknown brands.

search Here the leading car rental sites

Car rental insurance abroad can vary depending on the country and the rental company. It also varies based on where you are coming from. Let’s put it in order.

Damages or theft can happen when renting a car. In most cases the rental agency will not hold you liable to the full amount of the car value. They will include such coverage, which will limit your liability, so neither you nor they are at risk of the car’s total value. This excludes residents of the USA, where usually the offers they get online exclude those coverages, assuming they will use their car insurance (on domestic rentals) or their credit card insurance – for rentals abroad.

There are common types of insurance coverage you might encounter while booking online:

• CDW insurance covers damage to the rental vehicle in the event of a collision or accident.
• It typically waives the renter’s responsibility for paying for repairs or damages to the rental car, subject to certain terms and conditions.
• However, CDW often comes with a deductible, the amount the renter must pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in.
• CDW may exclude certain types of damage, such as damage to tires, windshield, or undercarriage, so reviewing the policy carefully is essential.
• It is usually included in the price you get online unless you’re using a booking platform for USA customers. In such case, you should make sure it is included in the price, or you will use your credit card’s rental insurance.
• Theft protection coverage, also known as Theft Waiver (TW), provides insurance coverage in case the rental car is stolen.
• Similar to CDW, theft protection coverage typically comes with a deductible that the renter is responsible for paying.
• It’s important to note that theft protection coverage may not apply if the rental car is stolen due to negligence, such as leaving the keys in the ignition or failing to lock the vehicle.
• The same goes here – it is usually included in the price but you need to check.
• PAI is insurance coverage that provides compensation for medical expenses and personal injuries sustained by the driver and passengers in the rental vehicle in the event of an accident.
• This coverage may include reimbursement for medical treatment, ambulance fees, and even death benefits in case of a fatal accident.
• PAI is optional and may duplicate coverage already provided by the renter’s health insurance or travel insurance, so reviewing existing policies before purchasing PAI from the rental company is essential. You most likely won’t need it if you pay for travel insurance.

There are a couple of two other terms you should be aware of:

Super CDW (SCDW) and Excess Refund Insurance. In summary, they offer renters options to reduce their financial liability in case of damage or theft to the rental vehicle. While they offer benefits such as peace of mind and simplified claims processes, they come with additional costs that renters should consider when making their rental decisions.

• Excess Refund Insurance, also known as Excess Waiver or Excess Reduction, is an optional insurance policy that reduces or eliminates the excess/deductible amount that the renter is responsible for paying in case of damage or theft to the rental vehicle.
• Reduces financial liability: Excess Refund Insurance can reduce or eliminate the out-of-pocket expenses for damages to the rental car, providing peace of mind to renters.
• Comprehensive coverage: it often provides broader coverage compared to standard CDW/SCDW, including coverage for damages to parts of the vehicle typically excluded, such as tires, windshield, and undercarriage.
• It is usually cheaper than opting-in to the SCDW option.
• Additional cost: Excess Refund Insurance typically comes at an extra cost, increasing the overall rental expense.
• Limited coverage: Some Excess Refund Insurance policies may have exclusions or limitations on coverage, so renters should carefully review the terms and conditions.
• There’s a claims process: After paying for the damages to the rental agency, you will need to file a claim to refund your excess. While today’s claims process is online and easy, it is an extra step you need to make to get your money back.
• SCDW is an enhanced version of Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) that further reduces or waives the renter’s financial liability in case of damage to the rental vehicle. It is sometimes called Zero Excess.
• Lower financial responsibility: SCDW reduces or eliminates the deductible/excess amount that the renter is responsible for paying, minimizing financial liability.
• VIP feeling: the rental agency will not bother you with scratches or dents made to the car during your rental. They will not ask you for a high deposit and sometimes waive the deposit completely.
• Higher cost: SCDW usually comes at a higher cost than standard CDW or Excess Refund Insurance, potentially increasing the overall rental expenses.
• Limited availability: Not all car rental companies may offer SCDW, and its availability may vary depending on the location and the rental company.

While there are different online options to book a car. We at the Travel Dudes recommend using our preferred car rental search engine PaapmPaapm (yes – it pronounced how the horn sounds, funny right?)

What we really like about it is that many of our considerations are visible during the search. We can filter for recommended agencies only – based on Google Reviews for the actual rental office (and not by ranking of the entire agency brand). We can also clearly see and filter by the included insurance options such as Zero Excess / SCDW or basic insurance for cheaper offers (if we plan on using another insurance of our credit card for instance). We can also filter by the cancellation options – such as a filter for Free Cancellation offers.

While they show a wide variety of offers, they are not a booking agent website. It means they will show your offers from other websites and let you find your way while highlighting any important considerations you should make with every offer.

Search for car rental offers here

• Upon arrival at the rental location, look for signs directing you to the rental car area or rental desk within the airport terminal or rental office.
• Approach the rental desk and be prepared to provide your reservation details or confirmation number to the rental agent.
• Present your valid driver’s license, passport, and any other required documents specified by the rental company and local regulations.
• Some countries may also require an international driving permit (IDP), so make sure to have this if necessary.
• Important! Most rental agencies require a valid credit card to take a deposit of. This credit card must be of the same person (have the same name) as the main driver on the booking. You might get rejected if the credit card is not with the same exact name or if you hold a debit card or a virtual / prepaid credit card.
• Take the time to carefully review the rental contract provided by the rental agent.
• Pay close attention to details such as rental duration, rates, insurance coverage, fuel policy, mileage limits, and any additional fees or charges.
• Ask the rental agent to clarify any terms or conditions that you don’t understand before signing the contract.
• Be prepared to make any required payments, such as the rental deposit, insurance fees, or any additional services or equipment you may have requested, such as GPS navigation or child seats.
• Ensure that you understand the accepted payment methods and any applicable currency exchange rates or fees.
• Before accepting the keys, thoroughly inspect the exterior and interior of the rental car for any existing damage or defects, such as scratches, dents, or broken components.
• Use your smartphone or camera to document any pre-existing damage by taking photos or videos from multiple angles.
• Note any damages on the rental agreement or inspection report provided by the rental company to avoid being held responsible for pre-existing issues upon return.
• Verify that the rental car is equipped with essential emergency tools, such as a spare tire, jack, tire iron, and warning triangle.
• Familiarize yourself with the location of these tools and how to use them in case of emergencies during your rental period.
• Ensure that the spare tire is inflated and in good condition before driving off.
• If the rental car has any special features or operations that you’re unfamiliar with, such as convertible tops, four-wheel drive systems, or automatic/manual transmission, ask the rental agent for instructions or demonstrations.
• Take the time to adjust mirrors, seats, and other settings to your comfort and preference before starting your journey.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free car pickup process when renting a car abroad, minimizing potential issues and maximizing your rental experience.

Here are a few more tips for driving a rental car abroad.

By carefully mapping out your route, you can optimize your travel time, budget for fuel costs, and schedule rest stops along the way. Planning ahead also allows you to anticipate any road closures, construction zones, or traffic delays that may impact your journey.

Most newer models include GPS navigation options, but sometimes the maps might be outdated, if the rental agency does not keep them in sync. The embedded GPS software might not have online traffic updates. This means you can still be able to navigate to your destination but not always in the most optimal way.

Consider using your preferred navigation app, with your language set in place and check whether you can download offline maps while you use the hotel Wifi (Google Maps app allows that). This will be handy in case you have a limited Cellular Data package or you expect to drive through areas with poor or not cellular coverage. Don’t forget to bring a mobile phone car mount and charger!

You must familiarize yourself with the driving rules, traffic signs, and road safety tips of the country or countries you’ll be visiting.

The following is worth considering for driving abroad:

• Driving Side : Determine which side of the road vehicles drive on in the country you’ll be visiting. Most countries drive on the right side, but some, like the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia, drive on the left.
• Speed Limits: Understand the speed limits for different types of roads, including highways, urban areas, and rural roads. Speed limits are either posted in kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hours (mph).
• Seatbelt Laws: Know the laws regarding seat belt usage for drivers and passengers. In many countries, wearing seatbelts is mandatory for all occupants of the vehicle.
• Alcohol Limits: Learn about the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving in the country you’re visiting. Many countries have strict laws against drinking and driving. You should basically avoid any alcohol while driving. Consider the insurance will not cover you if you are toxified.
• Mobile Phone Usage: In some countries, using a handheld phone while driving is illegal and in some – you are not allowed to touch the phone even while it is placed in a mount!
• Roundabouts and Intersections: Understand the rules for navigating roundabouts and intersections, including right-of-way and signaling etiquette.

It is always true to stay alert – pay close attention to your surroundings, including other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and road conditions. Be prepared for differences in driving habits and road infrastructure. Anticipate the actions of other drivers and be prepared to react accordingly. Be cautious at intersections, roundabouts, and merging lanes.

If you’re an American visiting Europe, you should consider some key differences such as the prevalence of roundabouts in Europe requires drivers to navigate traffic circles and yield to vehicles already in the circle, a feature less common in the USA.

Car return process when renting a car abroad is a key and final step in your rental experience.

To make it smooth your should plan ahead and follow these tips:

• Ensure that you return the rental car on or before the designated return time to avoid additional fees for late returns.
• Follow the rental company’s instructions regarding where to return the car, whether it’s at the rental office, a designated parking lot, or a specific drop-off point at the airport or train station.
• Take note of any specific instructions provided by the rental company regarding fuel levels, cleanliness, and key drop-off procedures.
• If you have a flight or other transportation to catch after returning the rental car, plan your return time accordingly to allow for any unforeseen delays or traffic.
• Factor in additional time for returning the car, completing paperwork, and arranging transportation to your next destination, especially if returning the car at an airport or train station.
• Before handing over the keys, thoroughly inspect the rental car’s exterior and interior for any damages, scratches, or defects.
• Use the photos or video you’ve taken during pickup if the agent raises any damages or issues not mentioned on the pickup inspection form.
• Request a signed copy of the inspection form from the rental agent as proof of the car’s condition at the time of return, which can help avoid disputes over damages later on.
• Review the final rental bill with the rental agent, including any additional charges for fuel, mileage overages, or optional extras.
• If a security deposit was collected at the start of the rental period, confirm with the rental agent that it will be refunded promptly and inquire about the timeframe for releasing the deposit hold on your credit card.
• Ensure that you receive a receipt for the final payment and a confirmation that the security deposit has been released.
• Share your rental experience by writing a review for the rental agency on Google Maps or other review platforms.
• Provide feedback on the customer service, vehicle condition, and overall rental process to help future renters make informed decisions.
• Mention any positive aspects of your experience as well as areas for improvement to contribute to the rental agency’s reputation and accountability.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free car return process when renting a car abroad, leaving you with a positive rental experience and peace of mind.

Car rental prices change frequently. Between your booking is made and until your travel start there might be a dozen of price changes. We monitor the price changes automatically and reduce the price of your next trip, even after you've made a booking.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Top tips for booking an african safari with an agent, independent travel: freedom over timeshares, internet on cruise ships: 6 tips to stay connected, follow us on instagram @/traveldudes/.

• Advertise and Media

• Getting Your Car Ready
• Preparing for the Weather
• 8 Helpful Apps for a Road Trip
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Taking a Road Trip With Kids
• Planning a Solo Road Trip
• How to Plan a Camping Road Trip
• Planning a Stargazing Road Trip
• 10 Helpful Budget Tips
• Calculating the Cost of Gas
• Budget for a 3-Day Road Trip
• Best Road Trip Route By Interest
• Mississippi River Road Trip
• Atlantic Coast Road Trip
• Southern US Road Trip
• Northern US Road Trip
• Pacific Coast Road Trip
• US Route 12
• Northeastern US Routes
• Rocky Mountain Destinations
• Warm-Weather Road Trip
• The Longest Highway in the US
• Car Rental Companies
• Best Audio Books
• Must-Have Emergency Supplies
• Family Road Trip Toys and Games
• Car Bike Racks
• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Trip Planning

The 7 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024

These top picks combine convenience and peace of mind

Jordi is a freelance contributor to TripSavvy. Her personal passions gravitate toward wellness and adventure, leading her to frequently plan trips that blend zen relaxation with urban and rugged exploration.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Final Verdict

• What to Look For

Frequently Asked Questions

Why trust tripsavvy.

Getty Images

Traveling with small children is a great way to make memories. You expose little ones to new experiences and see the world through their eyes. But there are still everyday tasks to worry about on the road, from meal times to naps. Safety is the top priority, of course, and this means ensuring your kids have a good car seat.

If you're flying with small children or frequently switching cars, the thought of lugging around the car seat you have perfectly installed in your vehicle can seem daunting. Luckily, many companies make travel car seats lighter and easier to install on the go. These models also emphasize portability and legroom for your child to grow into.

To find the best choice for you, we looked closely at the installation process, weight ratings, and certification status of some of the most popular options on the market today.

Best Overall

Cosco scenera next convertible car seat.

Easy to carry

Budget friendly

Sizing issues for older childen

The Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat receives excellent marks for lightness and simplicity. This affordable car seat is a great choice for those who already have a regular car seat but need a second option for traveling. Safety features include side-impact protection built into the headrest and a five-point harness that adjusts to accommodate your growing child. The car seat can be used rear-facing for kiddos 5 to 40 pounds and 19 to 40 inches tall or front-facing for those 22 to 40 pounds or 29 to 43 inches tall. The car seat will last from infancy through toddlerhood.

Use the LATCH connectors or a seat belt to secure the car seat in any rental car or taxi. It's also designed with air travel in mind: It's FAA-approved and lightweight at just 7 pounds. Additionally, its 17.5-inch width makes it a good fit for most airline seats. Other highlights include a removable, machine-washable, and dryer-safe car seat pad and a dishwasher-safe cup holder. Colors range from Moon Mist Grey to Ocean Breeze.

Dimensions: 17.6 x 15.8 x 30.3 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 40 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH

Best Lightweight

Wayb pico travel car seat.

Very compact

Includes a travel bag

Only for toddlers and older

Car seats are a hassle to travel with because they're bulky, heavy, and unwieldy. Luckily, this travel car seat by Wayb won't add much extra weight to your suitcase. Weighing under 8 pounds, the FAA-approved Pico Travel Car Seat is easy to transport everywhere you go. It's front-facing and can hold kids between 22 to 55 pounds or measuring 30 to 45 inches tall. It has an AeroWing aluminum frame that is durable yet lightweight, and the AstroKnit performance mesh lining will keep your kids comfortable throughout their journey. Best of all, this car seat folds into a small enough package to store in overhead bins and comes with a carrying bag that can slip onto your suitcase.

Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 20 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 50 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or car/airplane seat belt

Most Compact

Safety 1st guide 65 convertible car seat.

Supports a variety of sizes and ages

Sleek design

Machine-washable cover

Complaints about installation

Safety 1st's Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat weighs 14 pounds; it's sturdy enough for everyday use yet light enough for travel. This car seat's frame is so compact that you could place three in the back of your car, making it an excellent option for larger families or smaller European rental cars. Plus, it can accommodate a wide range of weights, making it a budget-friendly pick that can last for years. It's for children who weigh between 5 and 40 pounds to use in a rear-facing position and children 22 to 65 pounds to use in a front-facing position.

Side-impact protection and five harnesses that adjust in the center ensure your child stays secure throughout their ride and help deflect impact away from their head, neck, and spine in the event of an accident. Other safety features include three buckle locations and an adjustable headrest. This car seat also has a LATCH connector system, making it easy to take the seat in and out of the car quickly. Both the cushion and cup holder are removable for easy cleanup. It's available in multiple colors.

Dimensions: 27.3 x 18.5 x 20.3 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 65 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH

Best for Bigger Kids

Graco extend2fit convertible car seat.

Harness storage makes loading and unloading easy

Rigorously crash tested

Several customizable features

Most of the car seats on this list are appropriate for children up to 40 pounds, but the Graco Extend2Fit is rated for up to 65 pounds. It also allows children up to 50 pounds to ride rear-facing and provides an extra 5 inches of legroom. This, plus a headrest that can also be adjusted to 10 different positions, ensures the child is comfortable and secure as they grow.

Two integrated cup holders keep juice bottles within easy reach and help to prevent spills. While there are multiple ways to install this model, it is easy to remember after the first time. Although this seat is designed with car travel in mind , it is FAA-approved. If you're flying economy class, consider calling ahead to check that the restraint is compatible with the airline seat.

Dimensions: 21.5 x 19.5 x 23.5 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 65 pounds | Installation Type: InRight LATCH

Best Booster Combo

Cosco finale dx 2-in-1 booster car seat.

Can fit three across

Easy to clean

Accommodates older children

Durability complaints

If you're shopping for a child aged 12 months or older, the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat will last from toddlerhood until after they start school. It has a 10-year lifespan and can be used as a forward-facing car seat or as a high-back booster seat. As a car seat, it's appropriate for kids between 30 to 65 pounds and 32 to 49 inches in height. The five-point harness has three different height settings, and the LATCH connectors can be used until your child reaches 50 pounds. In addition, the FAA approves the Cosco Finale for aircraft use in its car seat capacity.

It suits kids between 40 to 100 pounds and 43 to 52 inches in height as a booster seat. Its 17-inch width and 9-pound weight make it ideal for quick transfers between rental cars, taxis, and family cars back home. Other useful features include a removable cup holder and a machine-washable cover in colors that range from gray to pale pink. Lastly, thrifty families will appreciate this seat's affordable price tag.

Dimensions: 18.3 x 19 x 29.8 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 100 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or seat belt

Most Innovative

Maxi-cosi pria max 3-in-1 convertible car seat.

Easy to buckle

Not the lightest pick

If you don't want to invest in multiple car seats, the Pria Max 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is your best bet. It can handle children from birth to 10 years old, making it one of the most versatile options on the market. Plus, the high-end brand makes each stage supremely comfortable for your child and easy for adults to use. It has a spring-assist harness system, so the straps don't get tangled; a one-hand magnetic chest clip; a simple integrated headrest and harness system, so you don't have to rethread as your tot grows; and machine-washable fabric. Keep in mind it comes with a hefty price tag and heavier weight.

Dimensions: 25.3 x 24 x 19.9 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 100 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or seat belt

Best For Road Trips

Chicco keyfit 35 cleartex infant car seat.

FAA-approved

Eco-friendly textiles

UPF 50+ canopy

Rear-facing only

This car seat is a great option for road trips —or as your primary car seat that occasionally travels—as the stay-in-car base is a breeze to install correctly and the carrier itself clicks into place in one motion. When it's time to stretch your legs and explore simply detach the seat and click it into any Chicco stroller base for a lightning-fast travel combo. The base has an anti-rebound bar for added stability and extra legroom for a rider up to 32 inches tall, and the headrest has five different positions to accommodate an infant's growth.

If your plans include air travel, this is still a solid pick. The best thing about this carrier is that it can be installed in an aircraft or rental vehicle without the base, using the European or American routing method. The base and carrier together weigh 18 pounds but you'll only have to manage 10 pounds if you go baseless. It comes with removable newborn positioners so little ones from 4 pounds are ready to roll.

Dimensions: 28 x 16.5 x 24 inches | Weight Rating: 4 to 35 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or seat belt

The Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat is light, FAA-approved, and supports young travelers up to 40 pounds. We love the accessible price point and easy-to-clean cover. If you're shopping for a toddler or older but still want to prioritize portability, go for the Wayb Pico Travel Car Seat .

What to Look For in Travel Car Seats

Installation.

All models on our list use LATCH systems and some can also be installed using the vehicle's seat belt, but you should never use both anchoring methods together. LATCH, also known as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, is an alternative way of securing the car seat to the vehicle without using the seat belt. Both the vehicle and the car seat must have LATCH parts to install the seat properly, but most car seats (and vehicles manufactured after 2002) will do so. The car seat has straps that come from the bottom and a tether at the top. These attach to the lower anchors in the car, found in the space between the rear back seat and seat cushion, and to the top anchor, which could be near the rear window or on the car ceiling. When in doubt, check the vehicle manual and seat instructions.

Weight Rating

Like their everyday counterparts, travel car seats include maximum weight ratings that must be adhered to. Additionally, your decision to install the car seat front- or rear-facing is based on the weight and height of your child. Most models can transition from rear- to front-facing as your tot grows, or even from front-facing to a booster seat like the Cosco Finale DX . Consider the kid's age, weight, height, and the manufacturer's notes to choose a travel seat that will give you the longest practical use.

Certification Status

Most importantly, the car seat you buy should meet all safety standards. If you're flying, look for an FAA-approved or similarly aircraft-approved seat.

"All legal car seats must meet the same crash test criteria, or safety standards, and be properly labeled," said Amie Durocher, a CPS Tech at SafeRide4Kids.com. "If you are worried about counterfeit car seats, check the label. Certified seats in the U.S. are required to have very specific language on the labels. Beware if it doesn't mention federal motor vehicle safety standards or FMVSS213 or if it lacks a model name or number or manufacture date."

Yes, you can travel with a car seat on the plane —and it's actually recommended. "We recommend that parents purchase a seat even for children under 2 who could be 'lap babies' and use the FAA-approved child restraint on the airplane," said Durocher. "This makes it safer for the child—and the parent—in case of an incident during takeoff or landing and in case of turbulence during the flight."

The hardest part of traveling with a car seat is figuring out the logistics through the airport. “Infant car seats that click onto a compatible stroller are easy, but travelers might need a car seat cart, luggage strap, or bungee cords to lug a convertible car seat through the airport,” said Michelle Pratt, founder and owner of Safe in the Seat. “Some people prefer to check their stroller with their luggage and use a car seat cart to get their child and seat through the airport easily. Others babywear or let their toddler walk and load up their stroller with all their gear, then gate check the stroller planeside.”

“Rear-facing is the safest way for kids to ride in the car, but it’s not always possible on planes due to the tighter space,” added Pratt. “If the car seat fits rear-facing on the plane, that’s best. But kids who rear-face in the car can forward-face on the plane if they are at least 1 year old and meet their car seat’s forward-facing requirements. Then they seamlessly go back to rear-facing in the car at the destination.”

Author Jordi Lippe-McGraw has researched and written about travel and lifestyle products for nearly a decade. She is also the mom of a 3-year-old. When making this list, she researched dozens of products, looking at key specs like dimensions and weight rating and the number of positive and negative reviews. While researching the best travel car seats, we spoke with Amie Durocher , a CPS Tech at SafeRide4Kids.com, and Michelle Pratt , founder and owner of Safe in the Seat.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. " Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) Restraint System ." Accessed Feb 6th, 2023.

Related Articles

More related articles.

10 Sneaky Travel Scams That Too Many People Fall For

Senior Reporter, HuffPost Life

There’s nothing like a scam to put a damper on your hard-earned vacation. In this day and age, the opportunities for people to swindle you out of cash or steal your data seem to be endless.

“Travel scams have been around for decades. However, it’s safe to assume that there has been an increase in recent years as technology continues to advance,” Julian Moro , senior vice president and regional security director at International SOS, told HuffPost.

“Because of such technological advances, travelers are easier targets from the booking and planning process, all the way through the end of a trip. While travel scams have increased, the frequency and sophistication of cyber scams has also increased, as has broader awareness and healthy skepticism.”

Indeed, Booking.com’s safety expert reported in June there had been “anywhere from a 500 to a 900% increase” in travel scams over the past 18 months, driven by the rise of artificial intelligence.

“With AI, cybercriminals can scale very easily and at low costs,” said Ally Armeson , executive director of programs at the Cybercrime Support Network. “What used to take them hours now takes seconds, which allows these criminal networks to produce a greater number of less detectable scams.”

Your likelihood of encountering a scam and the nature of the fraud can depend on where you travel as well.

“Scams vary by country, so popular scams in one region might be different from another,” noted travel writer Matthew Kepnes , aka Nomadic Matt. “Fortunately, most scams won’t put you in harm’s way, rather, they’ll just cost you a few bucks and some embarrassment. That said, there are lots of scams out there that can break the bank and lead to you losing your wallet, phone, or other valuables.”

To help vacationers avoid these scenarios, we asked experts to outline some of the most common travel scams and what to look out for.

Fake Travel Document Websites

“One that we saw after the pandemic and certainly still hear about today are the fake travel documents websites,” said Amy Nofziger , the director of victim support at the AARP Fraud Watch Network.

Since many people didn’t travel for a year or two, they let their passports and TSA pre-check status expire. Once bans were lifted and vaccines became readily available, there was a surge in travelers seeking to travel abroad again — and thus needing up-to-date passports and more.

“Many people went online and found look-alike websites that claim to help you renew or enroll in the TSA PreCheck or the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Global Entry program that speed you through airport security for a fee,” Nofziger explained. “But these sites are actually trying to con you out of money and personal information.”

Verify that you’re only using legitimate services if you want external assistance with your travel documents, and otherwise try to go directly to the official government source for your needs.

Taxi Overcharge

“Be aware of a common and longstanding scam ― the taxi overcharge ― where the driver claims the meter is broken and tries to set a flat rate that is well over the typical rate,” Moro warned.

Don’t continue with your ride if a taxi driver says the meter is broken but not to worry because they’ll keep the price low.

“When you get where you’re going, the charge is high and you’re stuck because you’re afraid to get out and not pay, especially when the cabbie says they’ll call the cops,” explained Ned S. Levi , a columnist and travel scam expert with Travelers United.

If you’ve arranged for a driver to pick you up at the airport, make sure you have a way to verify it’s the correct driver to avoid scammers.

Unsecured Wi-Fi And Hotspots

“Think about how much we rely on technology when we travel,” Armeson said. “Although it wasn’t a cyber attack, look at the impact the Crowdstrike software outage had on the entire airline industry this summer. On a more personal level, we all use technology to access our boarding pass, navigate new places, manage our trip budget and stay connected.”

Cybercriminals often take advantage of these opportunities to access sensitive information and data.

“For instance, hackers set up fake Wi-Fi networks in areas with free Wi-Fi, like airports or hotels,” Armeson explained. “When you try to connect, you see two networks with similar names and, without verifying which is correct, you might connect to the hacker’s network. Now that hacker can access your device and infect it with malware or intercept your data.”

Make an effort to avoid unsecured Wi-Fi networks. The same goes for hotspots.

“Be wary of any hotspot requesting credit card information and ensure you connect only to reputable networks,” Moro urged. “Scammers may set up fake hotspots and use them to hack into your phone to track passwords, identity information, and bank information.”

He also warned about “shoulder surfing” on your travels ― when scammers look over people’s shoulders (sometimes from a distance with binoculars or other aids) as they enter their usernames and passwords in a hotel lobby, airport or coffee shop. Use your hand to cover keypads, consider a screen protector and take advantage of two-factor authentication to avoid this situation.

Car Rental Scam

“We all want a good deal and try to do online searches for the best price of a rental car, and scammers know this,” Nofziger said. “They will set up phony customer service numbers online that look just like those of major rental-car companies indicating to ‘call for the best deal.’”

When you call, you’ll likely receive an offer for a huge discount but only if you pay ahead of time, and they’ll request payment in the form of prepaid gift card.

“This is so hard for travelers because oftentimes they only realize they have been a victim when they show up at their destination and there is no rental car for them,” Nofziger said. “Always verify that you’re calling the real customer service department, or that you’re on a legitimate rental-car-company website.”

Another car rental scam involves fake claims of damage. Be sure to take photos of your vehicle upon return.

“When you bring the car back, the rental company claims a week or more later that there was damage to the car such as a dent, a burn in the upholstery or smoking smell, and charges you to take care of the problem,” Levi said. “This happens sometimes with well-known rental companies.”

Emergency Calls

“Another scam involves robocallers who target travelers’ families, claiming an emergency and urging them to send money immediately,” Moro said. “This scam is especially effective against older travelers.”

To counter this scheme, he recommended talking to your family before you leave home and setting up a special code word that you would use only in cases of genuine emergencies.

“This can help family members distinguish between real emergencies and scams,” Moro noted.

‘Closed’ Tourist Attractions

“People may tell you an attraction is closed but they know a ‘better’ spot ― then proceed to drive you around to various shops that will pressure you into buying something,” Kepnes said.

Scammers might insist the site is closed for lunch or a local holiday, but be sure to verify this is the case.

When you arrive at a tourist attraction that appears to be closed, walk around to all entrances or sides of the building. Check the hours on the official website and social media pages.

If you arrive at an attraction without a ticket, avoid purchasing a counterfeit one outside.

“With so many tickets being printed online these days or in emails sent to smartphones, scammers create their own tickets and claim that their friend can’t go and they are selling their ticket outside the venue ― but the ticket is fake, of course,” Levi said.

Fake Customer Service

“Scammers use AI to mimic real customer service representatives through voice, video, or chat, leading to fraudulent transactions,” said Brittany Allen , a trust and safety architect at Sift. “It can even look like a legitimate phone number ― fraudsters have no problem spoofing a company’s name on caller ID.”

Stressed-out travelers dealing with cancelations and other disruptions are prime targets for this kind of scam.

“Cybercriminals are scouring social media looking for frustrated travelers,” Armeson explained. “Let’s say your flight is canceled, and you post your disappointment about it on social media, tagging the airline.”

She noted that scammers seek out these types of posts and are ready to pounce with fake airline profiles to help you “fix the issue.”

“In reality, they aren’t fixing anything at all,” Armeson added. “They are attempting to steal your credit card number or login credentials disguised as someone who can help you with a refund or rebooking.”

Strangers On The Street

Of course, travel is an opportunity to meet new people and explore the local culture, but you can still be friendly and have a nice time while keeping your guard up.

“Travelers are at risk for petty crime like pickpocketing,” Moro noted. “Always be cautious when accepting offers from unofficial tour services, as they may not be legitimate, and always stay alert to potential distractions that could be used to facilitate theft. An example of this is a stranger approaching you to ask for money or to engage in a friendly conversation. This can be used as a distraction while an accomplice pickpockets you. It’s important to always be alert and hyper-aware of your surroundings.”

He urged travelers to keep their belongings secure and never travel with more cash, cards, and documents than they need.

“People may ‘accidentally’ spill something on you and then apologize profusely while their accomplice picks your pocket,” Kepnes warned. “Or friendly locals ask you to sign a petition for a ‘worthy’ cause only to then extort you for money after you’ve signed.”

Don’t let a good street performance distract you from holding on to your belongings. And look out for what Levi calls “the ersatz cop scam.”

“A fake cop comes to a traveler on the street and asks to examine their wallet for counterfeit bills and steals their cash,” he explained. “Yes, people fall for it, particularly older travelers.”

“I advise travelers to exercise caution when using ATMs or card readers at restaurants, bars and other establishments while traveling,” Moro said. “These devices can capture card numbers and PINs, which scammers can then use to clone cards.”

He recommended withdrawing cash ahead of your trip and storing it securely. Whenever possible, be sure to use the “tap” option at checkout, rather than inserting your credit or debit card.

Fraudulent Booking Websites

“Cybercriminals can easily set up fake booking websites that look just like real ones, and use enticing travel deals to convince people to enter their credit card details,” Armeson noted.

Travelers use these to book nonexistent tickets, flights, accommodations and more before embarking on their journey, only to later discover the fraud.

“With the rise in popularity of rental properties, there has been an increase in fake listings as well as false information on listings,” Moro said. “Always use well-known, reputable booking platforms and avoid using third-party websites. When booking hotels, make sure that you are using their approved websites or a reputable booking site. Always make sure that any travel agencies are verified and have credible reviews, should you plan to use one.”

Many fraudsters use payment methods that are difficult to dispute, like wire transfers.

“Even more sophisticated fraudsters can use these fake travel websites as middlemen to collect victims’ personal and financial data while actually booking the requested flights or accommodations elsewhere, which means it may take even longer for victims to realize their data is compromised,” Allen noted. “The availability of generative AI has made these websites even more convincing.”

Travelers might also receive phishing emails that appear to be from legitimate travel companies and wind up giving sensitive information to scammers.

“Similarly to the fake booking sites, the more sophisticated fraudsters sometimes use these emails to pass the victim along to the legitimate company’s site to obfuscate their fraudulent activity,” Allen said. “And AI has made these emails even harder to spot.”

What To Do If You Suspect You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you’ve fallen for a scam, remember there are steps you can take to protect your data and money and recover lost funds.

“First, cut off all communication with the scammer and do not provide them with any more information,” Allen advised. “If you are communicating with them on a social media platform or messaging app, report the associated accounts. Alert your financial institutions and other relevant authorities, including your local police department.”

In addition to contacting your bank, she recommended reviewing and monitoring your bank accounts, credit card or other financial statements, credit reports, and any notifications you receive from banks, credit card companies, or government agencies. If you have a travel insurance policy, reach out to the provider to find out about next steps.

“It’s generally a good idea to freeze your credit with the three big reporting agencies ― Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax ― and even more so if you believe you’ve been the victim of a scam,” Allen added. “Look out for any new charges you did not make, or new opened accounts.”

Change your passwords for travel and financial accounts and enable two-factor authentication to avoid a takeover. Consider using a password manager. In situations where your devices were compromised, run a scan for malware and back up any important data. A factory reset can help as well.

“If you’re just out a few dollars, consider that the cost of the lesson learned,” Kepnes said. “I’ve been scammed more times than I can count over the years, but at the end of the day, losing a few bucks here and there won’t break the bank. Just make sure you pay more attention next time!”

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

More in life.

AAA Newsroom

Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information

Top Labor Day Travel Trends of 2024

Aaa booking data shows alaska cruises, european cities, and tourist attractions are most popular.

WASHINGTON, DC (Aug. 19, 2024) – This year’s record-breaking , blockbuster summer travel season comes to a close with many Americans exploring Alaska by cruise. According to AAA booking data, Seattle is the number one Labor Day weekend* destination, up nearly 30% from last year when it also topped the list. Anchorage and Juneau are also on the top ten list of Labor Day destinations.  

“This is the time of year to go on an Alaska cruise,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “There are fewer crowds compared to earlier in the summer, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of fall colors! It’s no surprise Alaska cruises are sold out this Labor Day weekend.”  

AAA travel experts say if you’re interested in going on an Alaska cruise next summer, the time to book is now to lock in the best rate and ensure you get the type of cabin you want.   

According to AAA booking data, o verall domestic travel over Labor Day weekend is up 9% compared to last year , while the cost to travel domestically is down 2%. Other top Labor Day destinations include Orlando, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco. For many families, Labor Day is the last hurrah before school begins. To make the most of those trips, AAA recommends identifying must-see sights and creating a flexible itinerary ahead of time. “ Trip Canvas is a great free resource for travelers in the planning phase,” Twidale said. “You can find free things to do in Denver or the best museums in New York City .”  

Travelers taking road trips should expect to pay less for gas compared to last year. The national average over Labor Day weekend in 2023 was $3.81. In recent weeks, gas prices have remained steady, hovering around $3.50. Despite the popularity of summer road trips, overall gas demand is down as daily driving habits have changed post-pandemic, preventing pump prices from spiking. Hurricanes hitting the Gulf and affecting regional refineries could cause gas prices to go up as the peak of the season approaches in September. For drivers taking road trips in their electric vehicles, AAA now offers information on the cost of Level 2 commercial EV charging and updates that data weekly .   

International travel over Labor Day weekend is down 4% compared to last year, per AAA booking numbers , while the cost to travel internationally is up 11%. Most of those travelers are heading to Europe. Eight out of the top ten international destinations booked through AAA are European cities. Travelers renting a car abroad should consider getting an International Driving Permit (IDP), which translates their driver’s license information into 10 languages. Some countries – including Italy and Spain – require it. AAA is the only entity in the U.S. authorized by the State Department to issue an IDP.   

  Top Labor Day Destinations  

  Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car over Labor Day Weekend   

INRIX , a provider of transportation data and insights, says car travelers should avoid the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday and Friday, as those times will be the most congested. Drivers should hit the road in the morning unless they’re leaving on Saturday when the best time to travel by car is in the afternoon. Travelers returning on Sunday and on Labor Day should leave as early as possible to avoid heavy traffic in the afternoon.    

“Drivers should expect the most severe traffic jams before the holiday weekend as commuters mix with travelers,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Monitoring traffic apps, local news stations, and 511 traveler information services may help drivers navigate around congestion and reduce driver frustration this Labor Day.”  

Source: INRIX  

*Labor Day Weekend   

AAA looked at booking data for Thursday, August 29 through Monday, September 2, and compared those numbers with booking data for that same five-day period in 2023.   

About AAA   

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA delivers exceptional roadside assistance, helps travelers plan their dream vacations and adventures, offers exclusive member discounts and benefits, and provides trusted financial and insurance services – all to enhance the life journey of our 64+ million members across North America, including over 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member, visit AAA.com.  

  About INRIX  

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.   

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

• Section 6 - Perspectives : Avoiding Poorly Regulated Medicines & Medical Products During Travel
• Section 7 - Pregnant Travelers

Medical Tourism

Cdc yellow book 2024.

Author(s): Matthew Crist, Grace Appiah, Laura Leidel, Rhett Stoney

• Categories Of Medical Tourism

The Pretravel Consultation

Risks & complications, risk mitigation, additional guidance for us health care providers.

Medical tourism is the term commonly used to describe international travel for the purpose of receiving medical care. Medical tourists pursue medical care abroad for a variety of reasons, including decreased cost, recommendations from friends or family, the opportunity to combine medical care with a vacation destination, a preference to receive care from a culturally similar provider, or a desire to receive a procedure or therapy not available in their country of residence.

Medical tourism is a worldwide, multibillion-dollar market that continues to grow with the rising globalization of health care. Surveillance data indicate that millions of US residents travel internationally for medical care each year. Medical tourism destinations for US residents include Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Germany, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Singapore, and Thailand. Categories of procedures that US medical tourists pursue include cancer treatment, dental care, fertility treatments, organ and tissue transplantation, and various forms of surgery, including bariatric, cosmetic, and non-cosmetic (e.g., orthopedic).

Most medical tourists pay for their care at time of service and often rely on private companies or medical concierge services to identify foreign health care facilities. Some US health insurance companies and large employers have alliances with health care facilities outside the United States to control costs.

Categories of Medical Tourism

Cosmetic tourism.

Cosmetic tourism, or travel abroad for aesthetic surgery, has become increasingly popular. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports that most cosmetic surgery patients are women 40–54 years old. The most common procedures sought by cosmetic tourists include abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, liposuction, and rhinoplasty. Popular destinations often are marketed to prospective medical tourists as low cost, all-inclusive cosmetic surgery vacations for elective procedures not typically covered by insurance. Complications, including infections and surgical revisions for unsatisfactory results, can compound initial costs.

Non-Cosmetic Medical Tourism

Cancer treatment.

Oncology, or cancer treatment, tourism often is pursued by people looking for alternative treatment options, better access to care, second opinions, or a combination of these. Oncology tourists are a vulnerable patient population because the fear caused by a cancer diagnosis can lead them to try potentially risky treatments or procedures. Often, the treatments or procedures used abroad have no established benefit, placing the oncology tourist at risk for harm due to complications (e.g., bleeding, infection) or by forgoing or delaying approved therapies in the United States.

Dental Care

Dental care is the most common form of medical tourism among US residents, in part due to the rising cost of dental care in the United States; a substantial proportion of people in the United States do not have dental insurance or are underinsured. Dentists in destination countries might not be subject to the same licensure oversight as their US counterparts, however. In addition, practitioners abroad might not adhere to standard infection-control practices used in the United States, placing dental tourists at a potential risk for infection due to bloodborne or waterborne pathogens.

Fertility Treatments

Fertility tourists are people who seek reproductive treatments in another country. Some do so to avoid associated barriers in their home country, including high costs, long waiting lists, and restrictive policies. Others believe they will receive higher quality care abroad. People traveling to other countries for fertility treatments often are in search of assisted reproductive technologies (e.g., artificial insemination by a donor, in vitro fertilization). Fertility tourists should be aware, however, that practices can vary in their level of clinical expertise, hygiene, and technique.

Physician-Assisted Suicide

The practice of a physician facilitating a patient’s desire to end their own life by providing either the information or the means (e.g., medications) for suicide is illegal in most countries. Some people consider physician-assisted suicide (PAS) tourism, also known as suicide travel or suicide tourism, as a possible option. Most PAS tourists have been diagnosed with a terminal illness or suffer from painful or debilitating medical conditions. PAS is legal in Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and New Zealand, making these the destinations selected by PAS travelers.

Rehab Tourism for Substance Use Disorders

Rehab tourism involves travel to another country for substance use disorder treatment and rehabilitation care. Travelers exploring this option might be seeking a greater range of treatment options at less expense than what is available domestically (see Sec. 3, Ch. 5, Substance Use & Substance Use Disorders , and Box 3-10 for pros and cons of rehab tourism).

Transplant Procedures

Transplant tourism refers to travel for receiving an organ, tissue, or stem cell transplant from an unrelated human donor. The practice can be motivated by reduced cost abroad or an effort to reduce the waiting time for organs. Xenotransplantation refers to receiving other biomaterial (e.g., cells, tissues) from nonhuman species, and xenotransplantation regulations vary from country to country. Many procedures involving injection of human or nonhuman cells have no scientific evidence to support a therapeutic benefit, and adverse events have been reported.

Depending on the location, organ or tissue donors might not be screened as thoroughly as they are in the United States; furthermore, organs and other tissues might be obtained using unethical means. In 2009, the World Health Organization released the revised Guiding Principles on Human Cell, Tissue, and Organ Transplantation, emphasizing that cells, tissues, and organs should be donated freely, in the absence of any form of financial incentive.

Studies have shown that transplant tourists can be at risk of receiving care that varies from practice standards in the United States. For instance, patients might receive fewer immunosuppressive drugs, increasing their risk for rejection, or they might not receive antimicrobial prophylaxis, increasing their risk for infection. Traveling after a procedure poses an additional risk for infection in someone who is immunocompromised.

Ideally, medical tourists will consult a travel medicine specialist for travel advice tailored to their specific health needs 4–6 weeks before travel. During the pretravel consultation, make certain travelers are up to date on all routine vaccinations, that they receive additional vaccines based on destination, and especially encourage hepatitis B virus immunization for unvaccinated travelers (see Sec. 2, Ch. 3, Vaccination & Immunoprophylaxis & General Principles , and Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 8, Hepatitis B ). Counsel medical tourists that participating in typical vacation activities (e.g., consuming alcohol, participating in strenuous activity or exercise, sunbathing, swimming, taking long tours) during the postoperative period can delay or impede healing.

Advise medical tourists to also meet with their primary care provider to discuss their plan to seek medical care outside the United States, to address any concerns they or their provider might have, to ensure current medical conditions are well controlled, and to ensure they have a sufficient supply of all regular medications to last the duration of their trip. In addition, medical tourists should be aware of instances in which US medical professionals have elected not to treat medical tourists presenting with complications resulting from recent surgery, treatment, or procedures received abroad. Thus, encourage medical tourists to work with their primary care provider to identify physicians in their home communities who are willing and available to provide follow-up or emergency care upon their return.

Remind medical tourists to request copies of their overseas medical records in English and to provide this information to any health care providers they see subsequently for follow-up. Encourage medical tourists to disclose their entire travel history, medical history, and information about all surgeries or medical treatments received during their trip.

All medical and surgical procedures carry some risk, and complications can occur regardless of where treatment is received. Advise medical tourists not to delay seeking medical care if they suspect any complication during travel or after returning home. Obtaining immediate care can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment and a better outcome.

Among medical tourists, the most common complications are infection related. Inadequate infection-control practices place people at increased risk for bloodborne infections, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV; bloodstream infections; donor-derived infections; and wound infections. Moreover, the risk of acquiring antibiotic-resistant infections might be greater in certain countries or regions; some highly resistant bacterial (e.g., carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales [CRE]) and fungal (e.g., Candida auris ) pathogens appear to be more common in some countries where US residents travel for medical tourism (see Sec. 11, Ch. 5, Antimicrobial Resistance ).

Several infectious disease outbreaks have been documented among medical tourists, including CRE infections in patients undergoing invasive medical procedures in Mexico, surgical site infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria in patients who underwent cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic, and Q fever in patients who received fetal sheep cell injections in Germany.

Noninfectious Complications

Medical tourists have the same risks for noninfectious complications as patients receiving medical care in the United States. Noninfectious complications include blood clots, contour abnormalities after cosmetic surgery, and surgical wound dehiscence.

Travel-Associated Risks

Traveling during the post-operative or post-procedure recovery period or when being treated for a medical condition could pose additional risks for patients. Air travel and surgery independently increase the risk for blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli (see Sec. 8, Ch. 3, Deep Vein Thrombosis & Pulmonary Embolism ). Travel after surgery further increases the risk of developing blood clots because travel can require medical tourists to remain seated for long periods while in a hypercoagulable state.

Commercial aircraft cabin pressures are roughly equivalent to the outside air pressure at 6,000–8,000 feet above sea level. Medical tourists should not fly for 10 days after chest or abdominal surgery to avoid risks associated with changes in atmospheric pressure. ASPS recommends that patients undergoing laser treatments or cosmetic procedures to the face, eyelids, or nose, wait 7–10 days after the procedure before flying. The Aerospace Medical Association published medical guidelines for air travel that provide useful information on the risks for travel with certain medical conditions.

Professional organizations have developed guidance, including template questions, that medical tourists can use when discussing what to expect with the facility providing the care, with the group facilitating the trip, and with their own domestic health care provider. For instance, the American Medical Association developed guiding principles on medical tourism for employers, insurance companies, and other entities that facilitate or incentivize medical care outside the United States ( Box 6-07 ). The American College of Surgeons (ACS) issued a similar statement on medical and surgical tourism, with the additional recommendation that travelers obtain a complete set of medical records before returning home to ensure that details of their care are available to providers in the United States, which can facilitate continuity of care and proper follow-up, if needed.

Box 6-07 American Medical Association’s guiding principles on medical tourism 1

• Employers, insurance companies, and other entities that facilitate or incentivize medical care outside the United States should adhere to the following principles:
• Receiving medical care outside the United States must be voluntary.
• Financial incentives to travel outside the United States for medical care should not inappropriately limit the diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives that are offered to patients or restrict treatment or referral options.
• Patients should only be referred for medical care to institutions that have been accredited by recognized international accrediting bodies (e.g., the Joint Commission International or the International Society for Quality in Health Care).
• Prior to travel, local follow-up care should be coordinated, and financing should be arranged to ensure continuity of care when patients return from medical care outside the United States.
• Coverage for travel outside the United States for medical care should include the costs of necessary follow-up care upon return to the United States.
• Patients should be informed of their rights and legal recourse before agreeing to travel outside the United States for medical care.
• Access to physician licensing and outcome data, as well as facility accreditation and outcomes data, should be arranged for patients seeking medical care outside the United States.
• The transfer of patient medical records to and from facilities outside the United States should be consistent with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Action (HIPAA) guidelines.
• Patients choosing to travel outside the United States for medical care should be provided with information about the potential risks of combining surgical procedures with long flights and vacation activities.

1 American Medical Association (AMA). New AMA Guidelines on Medical Tourism . Chicago: AMA; 2008.

Reviewing the Risks

Multiple resources are available for providers and medical tourists assessing medical tourism–related risks (see Table 6-02 ). When reviewing the risks associated with seeking health care abroad, encourage medical tourists to consider several factors besides the procedure; these include the destination, the facility or facilities where the procedure and recovery will take place, and the treating provider.

Make patients aware that medical tourism websites marketing directly to travelers might not include (or make available) comprehensive details on the accreditations, certifications, or qualifications of advertised facilities or providers. Local standards for facility accreditation and provider certification vary, and might not be the same as those in the United States; some facilities and providers abroad might lack accreditation or certification. In some locations, tracking patient outcome data or maintaining formal medical record privacy or security policies are not standard practices.

Medical tourists also should be aware that the drugs and medical products and devices used in other countries might not be subject to the same regulatory scrutiny and oversight as in the United States. In addition, some drugs could be counterfeit or otherwise ineffective because the medication expired, is contaminated, or was improperly stored (for more details, see the previous chapter in this section, . . . perspectives: Avoiding Poorly Regulated Medicines & Medical Products During Travel ).

Table 6-02 Online medical tourism resources

Checking credentials.

ACS recommends that medical tourists use internationally accredited facilities and seek care from providers certified in their specialties through a process equivalent to that established by the member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties. Advise medical tourists to do as much advance research as possible on the facility and health care provider they are considering using. Also, inform medical tourists that accreditation does not guarantee a good outcome.

Accrediting organizations (e.g., The Joint Commission International, Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care) maintain listings of accredited facilities outside of the United States. Encourage prospective medical tourists to review these sources before committing to having a procedure or receiving medical care abroad.

ACS, ASPS, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery all accredit physicians abroad. Medical tourists should check the credentials of health care providers with search tools provided by relevant professional organizations.

Travel Health Insurance

Before travel, medical tourists should check their domestic health insurance plan carefully to understand what services, if any, are covered outside the United States. Additionally, travelers might need to purchase supplemental medical insurance coverage, including medical evacuation insurance; this is particularly important for travelers going to remote destinations or places lacking medical facilities that meet the standards found in high-income countries (see Sec. 6, Ch. 1, Travel Insurance, Travel Health Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance ). Medical tourists also should be aware that if complications develop, they might not have the same legal recourse as they would if they received their care in the United States.

Planning for Follow-Up Care

Medical tourists and their domestic physicians should plan for follow-up care. Patients and clinicians should establish what care will be provided abroad, and what the patient will need upon return. Medical tourists should make sure they understand what services are included as part of the cost for their procedures; some overseas facilities and providers charge substantial fees for follow-up care in addition to the base cost. Travelers also should know whether follow-up care is scheduled to occur at the same facility as the procedure.

Health care facilities in the United States should have systems in place to assess patients at admission to determine whether they have received medical care in other countries. Clinicians should obtain an explicit travel history from patients, including any medical care received abroad. Patients who have had an overnight stay in a health care facility outside the United States within 6 months of presentation should be screened for CRE. Admission screening is available free of charge through the Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network .

Notify state and local public health as soon as medical tourism–associated infections are identified. Returning patients often present to hospitals close to their home, and communication with public health authorities can help facilitate outbreak recognition. Health care facilities should follow all disease reporting requirements for their jurisdiction. Health care facilities also should report suspected or confirmed cases of unusual antibiotic resistance (e.g., carbapenem-resistant organisms, C. auris ) to public health authorities to facilitate testing and infection-control measures to prevent further transmission. In addition to notifying the state or local health department, contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at [email protected] to report complications related to medical tourism.

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Isaac Benowitz, Joanna Gaines

Bibliography

Adabi K, Stern C, Weichman K, Garfein ES, Pothula A, Draper L, et al. Population health implications of medical tourism. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017;140(1):66–74.

Al-Shamsi, H, Al-Hajelli, M, Alrawi, S. Chasing the cure around the globe: medical tourism for cancer care from developing countries. J Glob Onc. 2018;4:1–3.

Kracalik I, Ham C, Smith AR, Vowles M, Kauber K, Zambrano M, et al. (2019). Notes from the field: Verona integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamase–producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in U.S. residents associated with invasive medical procedures in Mexico, 2015–2018. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2019;68(20):463–4.

Pavli A, Maltezou HC. Infectious complications related to medical tourism. J Travel Med. 2021;28(1):taaa210.

Pereira RT, Malone CM, Flaherty GT. Aesthetic journeys: a review of cosmetic surgery tourism. J Travel Med. 2018;25(1):tay042.

Robyn MP, Newman AP, Amato M, Walawander M, Kothe C, Nerone JD, et al. Q fever outbreak among travelers to Germany who received live cell therapy & United States and Canada, 2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2015;64(38):1071–3.

Salama M, Isachenko V, Isachenko E, Rahimi G, Mallmann P, Westphal LM, et al. Cross border reproductive care (CBRC): a growing global phenomenon with multidimensional implications (a systematic and critical review). J Assist Reprod Genet. 2018;35(7):1277–88.

Schnabel D, Esposito DH, Gaines J, Ridpath A, Barry MA, Feldman KA, et al. Multistate US outbreak of rapidly growing mycobacterial infections associated with medical tourism to the Dominican Republic, 2013–2014. Emerg Infect Dis. 2016;22(8):1340–7.

Stoney RJ, Kozarsky PE, Walker AT, Gaines JL. Population-based surveillance of medical tourism among US residents from 11 states and territories: findings from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2022;43(7):870–5.

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

When are the best and worst times to travel on Labor Day weekend? What to know before you go

As New Yorkers plan to take one last trip before sending the kids back to school, you may be wondering when the best and worst time to travel to and from your Labor Day weekend destination is.

Over this Labor Day weekend, AAA’s Labor Day travel trends report states overall domestic travel is up 9% compared to last year and the cost to travel domestically is down 2%. And if you're planning to drive, you'll probably be paying less for gas compared to last year as gas prices have been hovering around $3.50 versus $3.81 in 2023.

"For many families, Labor Day is the last hurrah before school begins," AAA says. "To make the most of those trips, AAA recommends identifying must-see sights and creating a flexible itinerary ahead of time."

Here's what to know.

Where are the most popular Labor Day destinations?

New York City ranked high on AAA’s list of the top 10 most popular Labor Day weekend destinations in the U.S. for 2024, in fourth place, behind Seattle, WA, Orlando, FL and Anchorage, AK.

Here’s AAA’s list of the top 10 most popular Labor Day weekend destinations in the U.S. this year:

• Seattle, Washington
• Orlando, Florida
• Anchorage, Alaska
• New York, New York
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Denver, Colorado
• Chicago, Illinois
• Juneau, Alaska
• San Francisco, California

What are the best and worst times to drive for Labor Day weekend 2024?

You should avoid traveling in the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday and Friday, according to transportation data and insights provider INRIX, but travel in the afternoon if you're planning to leave on Saturday.

If you're returning home on Sunday or Labor Day, it's best to leave as early as possible to avoid heavy afternoon traffic.

"Drivers should expect the most severe traffic jams before the holiday weekend as commuters mix with travelers," INRIX transportation analyst Bob Pishue says. "Monitoring traffic apps, local news stations and 511 traveler information services may help drivers navigate around congestion and reduce driver frustration this Labor Day."

Here are the best and worst times to travel by car this Labor Day weekend, according to AAA and INRIX:

Best times for departing

• Thursday, Aug. 29: Before 11 a.m.
• Friday, Aug. 30: Before noon, after 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 31: After noon

Worst times for departing

• Thursday, Aug. 29: 1-7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 30: 2-6 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 31: 8-11 a.m.

Best times for returning

• Sunday, Sept. 1: Before noon
• Monday, Sept. 2: Before 10 a.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 3: After 1 p.m.

Worst times for returning

• Sunday, Sept. 1: 2-8 p.m.
• Monday, Sept. 2: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 3: 8 a.m.-noon

When is Labor Day 2024?: Date, meaning, and why we celebrate

What days of the week are the best days to fly this Labor Day weekend?

Here are the best and worst days to fly on Labor Day weekend,  according to NerdWallet.com . This list is based on an average from the past four years. The days are listed in order, from the most to least busy travel days of the week of Labor Day.

• Friday before Labor Day (most crowded)
• Labor Day Monday
• Sunday after
• Thursday before
• Friday after
• Monday after
• Thursday after
• Monday before
• Tuesday after
• Sunday before
• Saturday before
• Wednesday before
• Wednesday after
• Saturday after
• Tuesday before (least crowded)

Contributing: USA TODAY Network-Florida reporter Lianna Norman

Emily Barnes is the New York State Team consumer advocate reporter for the USA TODAY Network.  Follow her on Twitter and Instagram  @byemilybarnes .  Get in touch at   [email protected] .

• Travel Resources
• Destination Inspiration
• Tips & Advice
• Did You Know?
• Conservation

Preparing for the Unexpected How to Plan for and Respond to Car Accidents While Traveling

• August 26, 2024

When traveling, the thrill of the journey can sometimes be overshadowed by the possibility of unexpected events, such as a car accident. Being involved in a vehicular collision can be a stressful and disorienting experience, which is why it’s crucial to be prepared. Understanding the necessary steps to take before, during, and after an accident can help mitigate anxiety and ensure a swift recovery. This guide aims to equip you with essential strategies and tips to plan ahead and effectively respond to the unexpected circumstances that arise from a car accident. From maintaining proper vehicle documentation and insurance details to knowing first aid procedures, being proactive can make a significant difference. Stay informed and prepared to navigate through the challenges that may come your way while traveling.

Photo by Yoel J Gonzalez on Unsplash

The Importance of Preparedness

When you’re on the road, especially in unfamiliar territories, the chances of being involved in a car accident can increase. Various factors, such as different traffic laws, road conditions, and unfamiliarity with the area, contribute to this heightened risk. Understanding the importance of preparedness is crucial. By taking proactive steps, you can minimize the impact of an accident and ensure your safety and that of your passengers.

Finding a Lawyer

In the unfortunate event of a car accident while traveling, finding a lawyer becomes a top priority. Legal professionals with expertise in car accidents can provide invaluable assistance, from navigating local laws to negotiating with insurance companies. Having a lawyer who specializes in car accidents will ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. It’s advisable to research and have contact information for a few reputable lawyers in the area you’ll be traveling to. This proactive step can save you a lot of stress and potential legal trouble in the aftermath of an accident.

Documenting the Scene

One of the first things you should do after ensuring everyone’s safety is to document the scene of the accident. This includes taking photographs of the vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. Detailed documentation can serve as crucial evidence when dealing with insurance claims and legal proceedings. Make sure to capture different angles and distances to provide a comprehensive view of the incident. Additionally, note down the time, date, and weather conditions, as these details can be important during investigations.

Contacting Emergency Services

Immediately after an accident, it’s important to contact emergency services. This includes calling the police and, if necessary, an ambulance. Police officers can help manage the scene, ensure everyone’s safety, and create an official accident report. This report is often required by insurance companies when filing a claim. In case of injuries, medical professionals can provide immediate care and document the injuries, which is crucial for any future legal actions. Never underestimate the importance of involving emergency services, even in minor accidents.

Exchanging Information

Exchanging information with the other party involved in the accident is a critical step. This includes sharing names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle registration numbers. Having all this information will make the process of filing insurance claims smoother and more efficient. It’s also a good practice to gather contact information from any witnesses present at the scene. Witness statements can be incredibly valuable when establishing the facts of the accident and supporting your case.

Understanding Local Laws

Being aware of local traffic laws and regulations is essential, especially when traveling to different states or countries. Each region may have specific laws regarding car accidents, and understanding these can help you respond appropriately. For instance, some places require you to immediately report accidents to the local authorities, while others have different procedures. Familiarizing yourself with these laws beforehand can prevent unnecessary complications and ensure that you comply with all legal requirements.

Staying Calm and Focused

Experiencing a car accident can be a highly stressful event, but it’s important to remain calm and focused. Panicking can lead to poor decision-making and worsen the situation. Take deep breaths and follow the planned steps methodically. Your ability to stay composed will not only help you handle the immediate aftermath of the accident more effectively but also ensure that you remember to document the scene, exchange information, and contact emergency services. Staying calm also sets a positive example for your passengers and helps keep the overall situation under control.

Reviewing Your Insurance Policy

Before embarking on your travels, it’s a good idea to review your car insurance policy. Ensure that you have adequate coverage, including provisions for accidents that occur while traveling . Some policies offer additional benefits such as roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and medical expenses. Understanding the extent of your coverage will help you make informed decisions if you find yourself in an accident. If necessary, consider upgrading your policy to include more comprehensive coverage for added peace of mind.

Planning for Roadside Assistance 

Having a robust roadside assistance plan is essential for any traveler. This service can provide you with emergency support in case of breakdowns, flat tires, or other vehicle-related issues. Many insurance companies offer roadside assistance as part of their policies, so it’s worth checking if yours does. Additionally, there are independent roadside assistance services available that you can subscribe to. Knowing that help is just a phone call away can significantly reduce the stress associated with vehicle troubles while on the road. Make sure to keep the contact number handy and inform all passengers about its availability, so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-crossing-road-220996

Being prepared for the unexpected, such as a car accident while traveling, is essential for ensuring your safety and minimizing stress. By understanding the necessary steps to take before, during, and after an accident, you can navigate this challenging situation with confidence. From keeping your vehicle documentation up to date, knowing local laws, and having a reliable lawyer on hand, to documenting the scene and contacting emergency services—each step is crucial. Ultimately, staying informed and proactive can make all the difference, allowing you to focus on recovering and continuing your journey with peace of mind.

Related Topics

• accident plannong
• accidents travel tips

How to Make a Lasting Impression on Clients with a Luxurious Private Shuttle in Denver

• August 23, 2024

You May Also Like

How to Gear Up for Cycling: Urban Commutes vs Long Rides

• August 19, 2024

The top superyachts available for a last-minute yacht charter

• August 14, 2024

Your Ultimate Guide to Planning the Perfect Beach Vacation

• August 9, 2024

Private Safari Tours: Why They’re Worth It

How to Beat Boredom and Fatigue While Traveling for Work

• August 7, 2024

• Uncategorized

How to Plan for a Long Vacation

• July 30, 2024

Benefits of Staying at Hotels with Free Breakfast: Save Money and Enjoy Dietary Options

Photographer’s Guide to Capturing the Beauty of Ranthambore Safaris

• July 29, 2024

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

• Twitter / X
• Readers' Choice
• Food & Drink
• Arts & Culture
• Travel Guides

USA TODAY 10Best

Get out of the city: 10 easy weekend getaways from NYC by car, bus, plane, or train

August 26, 2024 // By Brian Cicioni

By Brian Cicioni August 26, 2024

Some weekend getaways from NYC can be as simple as taking a Metro-North train up through The Bronx into neighboring Westchester County to go on hikes, check out historic mansions, and explore picturesque cities and towns along the Hudson River.

At the same time, Pennsylvania cities like Reading and York are better suited for a passionate road trip planner who knows what they want to see, do, and eat. And thanks to the Acela Express, cities like New Haven, Connecticut; Providence, Rhode Island; and Wilmington, Delaware, are just as easily reached by train as by car or plane.

However you roll, when it's time to get out of the city, you need a plan. These are 10 of our favorite escapes from New York City.

Advertisement Advertisement

Atlantic City, New Jersey

The Jersey Shore is still one of the more popular weekend trips from New York City. Atlantic City is closer to New York than Wildwood or Cape May and has more entertainment and fine dining options . If it's been a while since your last visit, the iconic 5-mile-long boardwalk is still there, and, nowadays, many visitors opt to stay in the Marina District .

Buffalo, New York

More than a dozen daily direct flights exist between Buffalo and all three major New York City-area airports. And it's easy to find round-trip fares for under $200. So, an early morning flight can get you to New York's second-largest city in time for brunch — and there's so much more to Buffalo's food scene than Buffalo wings.

Whether you want to eat Ghanaian food with your hands, try your first bowl of Burmese mohingha , or dine in an old-school red sauce joint that every famous pro wrestler has eaten at multiple times, you won't be disappointed.

Buffalo's most unique lodging option is the Richardson Hotel , which may or may not be haunted. The more than 40-acre space designed by Frederic Law Olmsted used to house an asylum. Nearby, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum , a top pick among the best new museums of 2024 , has a fantastic contemporary art collection.

Ellicott City, Maryland

Ellicott City is less than four hours by car from New York City. It's home to Maryland's Koreatown, which might be the state's best hidden culinary secret. Within a mile radius, you can enjoy mochi donuts at Elli Mochi or chestnut bread at a Korean bakery before playing a game of virtual golf while surrounded by Korean barbeque joints that are too numerous to try in one visit.

Old Ellicott City features stone houses and brick buildings that house small shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bars, all walkable from one another. If you want to feel like you're on vacation, book a room at the family-friendly Turf Valley Resort , which has a pool and hot tub for relaxing after a round of golf or a game of pickleball . There's also a Sunday brunch you won't want to miss.

Madison, Connecticut

Madison is a quaint coastal town in New England that is less than two hours by car from the Bronx. Here, you won't feel pressured to fit everything in during your weekend getaway from NYC. It has a small, walkable main street lined with the obligatory ice cream parlor, Italian seafood restaurant, New Haven-style pizzeria, and bookstore that seems to have autographed pictures of every famous author from the past three decades.

For a truly intimate experience, book a room at The Homestead , where small details mean a lot. Each room has a record player stocked with a vinyl mix that you can switch out according to your taste(s). Bikes are available for guest use, you can play disc golf in the yard, and the book collection would make any music lover jealous.

New Haven, Connecticut

You can reach New Haven via the Acela Express, Metro-North, and CT Rail. New Yorkers come to Connecticut's third-largest city for the famous New Haven pizza. But comparing Frank Pepe and Sally's "ah-beets" (local slang and spelled apizza ) is not the only reason to come to New Haven. The museums associated with Yale University are free and an easy way to spend a lazy afternoon.

If you stay at the Hotel Marcel , America's first Passive House-certified hotel, you won't need a car. Its free all-electric shuttle will pick you up or drop you off anywhere within 5 miles of the property. Enjoy a dockside sunset dinner along the Atlantic Ocean at Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill , regardless of what you do during the day.

Providence, Rhode Island

Providence is a quick getaway from NYC, easily reached by bus, train, or plane. Rhode Island's capital city has unique attractions for art lovers, like the RISD Museum . Foodies will love Federal Hill , which consistently ranks as one of America's best Little Italy neighborhoods.

Summer is the best time to visit Providence, as that's when you can check out local showcases like WaterFire , which is, just as it's called, a fire show on the Providence and Woonasquatucket rivers. PVDFest is a two-day downtown music and arts festival where performances are free to the public.

Reading, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's fourth-largest city is known for pretzels, covered bridges, a mountain-top pagoda, and the Keystone State's best museum for aviation geeks. While there is a direct bus from Port Authority to Reading, a smaller Pennsylvania city worth exploring , it's best to tool around Berks County by car.

Downtown has classic long-standing restaurants like Peanut Bar (where you throw your peanut shells on the floor), while the more pedestrian-friendly West Reading has several blocks lined with bars, antique shops, and bakeries like Ady Cakes , which you may have seen on Season 5 of "Cupcake Wars."

Westchester County, New York

Of all the weekend getaways from NYC, Westchester County is the easiest. While multiple trains depart from Grand Central Station every hour, it's best to explore Westchester County by car. The leisurely drives along tree-lined parkways that pass under stone bridges will make you forget that you're (at most) an hour from the city that never sleeps.

White Plains is an ideal base with plenty of dining options. Situated along the Hudson River, Peekskill has a walkable downtown and historic landmarks like Lincoln Depot Museum , which chronicles Abraham Lincoln's two visits to this small city of 25,000. But historic homes like Lyndhurst Mansion and Van Cortlandt Manor are an even bigger attraction.

Wilmington, Delaware

Wilmington is the closest thing you'll find to a big city in the second smallest state. It's also one of the more inexpensive getaways from NYC. The picturesque Riverfront Park starts near the train station, and there are plenty of attractions near the Christina River, like The Delaware Contemporary art museum and the no-frills Riverfront Market .

For an idea of train travel a century ago, hop on the Wilmington & Western Railroad , which takes passengers on a slower, 10-mile scenic route to a surrounding town.

York, Pennsylvania

York has a walkable downtown, one of Pennsylvania's best public markets, and is one of the best cities in the Mid-Atlantic for history buffs. It was the nation's capital from late 1777 to mid-1778, and you can learn all about it at the Colonial Complex and York County History Center.

If quirky roadside attractions are your thing, the five-floor, 25-foot-high, 48-foot-long Haines Shoe House is a must-visit.

About Brian Cicioni

Brian enjoys exploring cities along public transit lines and writing about it at his blog, imayroam.com. He also writes about food tours, layovers, and exploring movie and musical landmarks. Brian has traveled to 57 countries as well as every state. On weekends, he leads music and film-focused tours of New York City. His five-star rated Goodfellas Tour has been featured in Airbnb Magazine. Always happy to offer tips to aspiring travel writers and tour guides, Brian has been featured at the New York Times Travel Show as part of their Meet the Experts panel.

Read more about Brian Cicioni here.

Connect with Brian via: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | LinkedIn | TikTok

University of South Florida

Main Navigation

Students can earn academic credit almost anywhere with USF's study abroad programs

• April 25, 2024

Studying abroad has long been one of the best ways a student can become multilingual and enhance their academic career while gaining new life experiences, but did you know education abroad is not just about learning new languages? This summer Anna Kovaleski, a pre-med Biomedical Sciences student at USF, is going to do a clinical rotation at a pediatric clinic or hospital in La Paz, Bolivia. Anouchka Mondestin, a Psychology major who is planning on attending law school after she graduates is heading to Florence, Italy. Both work in USF’s Education Abroad Office and, while they already have experience traveling outside their home countries to pursue their education – Mondestin is from Haiti originally and Kovaleski is from Brazil – this will be their first study abroad venture outside of the U.S.

Kovaleski is part of a new partnership USF has with Child Family Health International (CFHI), a non-profit organization dedicated to global health education. “I plan on going to medical school and becoming a doctor so I feel like this experience will help solidify my career decision and bring a new perspective of healthcare through a different cultural lens” says Kovaleski.

Ten other students will be joining Kovaleski in Bolivia. They will engage in cultural activities outside of the classroom as well. “I look forward to visiting museums or other culturally significant landmarks around the capital. I’m also planning on visiting the Salar de Uyuni which is the largest and highest salt desert in the world,” she said.

Mondestin said she had never considered the possibility of doing a study abroad program until she started working in the Education Abroad office last summer. She quickly learned that the Florence program is one of the most popular trips offered by USF. She almost immediately began petitioning her parents to let her go. “I even made a Power Point presentation to show them,” she laughs. “They were a little nervous about it, but it doesn’t feel like you’re traveling alone when you do one of these programs. USF faculty and support staff will be there, plus about five of my friends are going too.”

Both are receiving academic credit on their programs. While in Italy, Mondestin will take some elective courses, including a class called “Food, Health, and Wellness.” Following that she’ll take a three-week course that serves as a cultural introduction to the country. Kovaleski will gain hands-on experience learning from local physicians, residents, medical students, and nurses who work in wards such as obstetrics, oncology, inpatient, infectious disease, nephrology, and impairments. “Understanding the socioeconomic and cultural barriers people face in accessing medical services is a primary aspect of the Bolivia program,” she said.

While the clinical rotation program in Bolivia is new, USF’s partnership with Florence University of the Arts (FUA) goes back to 2012 and the popularity of the program has exploded enrolling hundreds of USF students every year. Jim Pulos, the Associate Director of USF’s Education Abroad Office estimates that overall USF has sent over 3,000 students to Italy since 2012. Students can take multiple courses while there and have the choice of going for 6 weeks during Summer A or B, or 12 weeks for Summer C.

The program has grown so much USF now has specialized programs in Italy for the College of Business, the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), Psychology, and other social and behavioral sciences. Students can take required courses for their major and/or choose from dozens of electives. In addition to courses in Italian language and culture, classes offered at FUA include Culinary Arts, Business, Political Science, Psychology, Literature, Studio Art, Art History, History, and many more. Students also get to visit significant cultural sites such as the Duomo, a cathedral with a terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi, a bell tower by Giotto, the Galleria dell'Accademia (which displays Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture), and the Uffizi Gallery (which exhibits Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “Annunciation”).

“We aim to have students be travelers, not just tourists,” Pulos explained. “Not that there’s anything wrong with being a tourist, but the difference is a traveler really tries to immerse themselves into the country and the culture and that’s what our programs are designed to do, while also providing an outstanding academic foundation.”

Part of the immersion experience often includes staying with local families which is what Kovaleski will do in the Bolivia program.

Part of the immersion experience often includes staying with local families which is what Kovaleski will do in the Bolivia program. Students in the Florence program live near FUA in the centro storico (historical section) in modestly furnished apartments. They have bedrooms and shared bath accommodations and an equipped kitchen with utilities included. Pulos himself has gone to Florence numerous times and always raves about the experience. “I once lived around the corner from Michaelangelo’s house!”

Mondestin and Kovaleski said their jobs as recruiters for the Education Abroad office inspired them to not only plan their own trips but also do presentations in clubs and classrooms talking to other students about study abroad programs. “It expands your education so much,” Mondestin said. “By being in Italy I should be able to experience a completely different type of law as Italy is part of the European Union and uses civil law; it’s a bit different from the U.S. system of law. I also plan on helping students in the future who are interested in studying abroad.” Mondestin is also planning other excursions in Europe while she’s there such as Barcelona, Greece, and the south of France.

To prepare Mondestin and Kovaleski, joined one of the over 20 “Connect” events this Spring term where students were able to meet with their peers going on the same study abroad program. They learned about popular local events, foods, climate, and enjoy connecting with one another. These events also helped students who have never traveled abroad become more prepared and learn from those who have.

While faculty-led programs are all booked for this summer, there are still opportunities for students to apply for study abroad programs, internships, and research opportunities through our affiliated partner programs . 

When asked if she had any advice for other students who might be considering studying abroad, Mondestin says, "Just do it! It's so worth it!"

Return to article listing

Study Abroad , USF Health

• Faculty & Staff
• Global Networks

About USF World News

USF World is the university's gateway to global engagement. Whether it be sharing the achievements of our students and faculty on campus, our partnerships within the community, or what our alumni accomplish globally, we bring you the stories of USF Bulls around the world.