Private Independent Touring

Apart from near the main junctions or in problem areas, there is no speed limit on the autobahn. Drivers must follow the speed limit signs. It is vital to go the appropriate speed for your lane and with the traffic. Stay on the outside lane if you are driving slower than other cars and not overtaking.

The requirements for an international driver’s license vary depending on not only country where you are hiring a car but as well the hire company. In the first instance, check the hire car T&Cs to see if they require it. The cost of an international driver’s license is minimal, so having a license may save a lot of money or inconvenience if whilst away an accident happens, or you find that you do need one.

Most European countries now have automated toll booths. It is a matter therefore of driving through and being billed. How you get billed though depends on the hire car company. It is important to discuss this at the hire counter beforehand. There are however countries, like Austria for example where you need a sticker (called a vignette) on your car. The stickers can be bought from the hire companies or at service stations at the border crossings. The fine for no sticker is over one hundred Euros and “I didn’t know” is rarely accepted as an excuse.

First class train carriages are quieter with less children. The seats are more spacious with more leg room and a greater recline. Newspapers are often provided and on some services refreshments are complementary. Before travel, there are also sometimes a first-class lounge area.

It is customary to tip $1 per bag for a bag to be brought to your room. If the service is very good, then $2 per bag and if the bag is heavy or awkward up to $5 per bag is not inappropriate.

When you hand over your keys, you may wish to tip the valet then as that may get you better service however it is more customary to tip when your car is delivered back. An amount of $5 is customary at an upmarket hotel.