Planning to Drive Abroad? Better Read This First

Americans love fly/drive vacations. This is how the typical American vacations:

• You fly to and from your destination so you can devote maximum vacation time to fun and relaxation.
• You create a home base -- a home away from home -- where you can relax and recharge and keep all your stuff.
• You rent a car so you can get around easily and take day trips to nearby restaurants, shopping and attractions.

America is geared to the fly/drive vacation. Your driver's license and insurance are valid in all 50 states (and generally in U.S. territories and other holdings). The traffic laws are essentially the same no matter where in the U.S. you travel. Car rentals can be quickly obtained at your arrival airport. Sites like Timeshare Giant allow you to easily book your rental car, flight and timeshare all at the same time. (Click here for one-stop travel planning on Timeshare Giant.)

If you decide to travel abroad, you can still enjoy a fly/drive vacation, but it takes a little preparation and a little research. Start by checking driving and licensing rules before leaving home. The U.S. Department of State maintains a very helpful website on foreign travel at http://www.travel.state.gov/. Click on Tips for Traveling Abroad under International Travel and scroll down to Driver's License.

In most foreign countries you must have a valid driver's license and insurance. Most do not accept a U.S. driver's license as valid. You will need to obtain an International Driving Permit before you leave the country. Foreign car rental companies may be quick to rent you a car using only your American license, but if you get pulled over for a traffic violation, you could find yourself in trouble.

This could be your story: A Maryland man had no trouble renting a car in Spain using his U.S. license. He drove 1,400 without incident. On his way to return the car to Euro Car he became confused by traffic signs and turned the wrong way on a one-way street. When he couldn't produce an international driver's license, the police impounded and towed the car, leaving the hapless American stranded on the sidewalk. He called Euro Car who unhelpfully told him he was on his own. He's back in Maryland now, waiting for his Visa bill to arrive to find out how much the experience cost him in towing and impound fees. He's more than a little put out that Euro Car never mentioned the need for an international license or what would happen without one. His story is typical of many international travelers.

If you plan to travel abroad, it pays to know what the rules are before you rent a car. You can obtain an International Driving Permit at AAA locations and through the National Automobile Club. Permits are $15 and are valid for one year.