With the weather warming up, there is nothing better than planning a summer vacation and for some, this may mean enjoying a European trip during the next few months. If you are thinking about European travels and planning on driving, then here’s some helpful top tips to ease your travel anxiety.
- Passports – Your priority is to check your passport dates. Passports should be 10 years within the date of issue and have 3 months validity left from your return date. Passport renewal centres can become extra busy during the lead up to the summer holidays, so allow as much time as possible for processing. It is far easier nowadays to update passports through the UK government website – renew today via: https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports
- Restrictions – Since Brexit, the UK now falls under the Schengen Zone. This means that UK travellers are only permitted to stay in the EU for up to 90 days. If you are planning on a longer trip, then you’ll need to make sure that your arrival and departure dates fit within this time frame. You may also need to provide further proof of your trip such as insurance details, holiday addresses, and proof of funds, which is currently set at €65 per day.
- Driving Documents – You will need to carry a valid driving license and if you are taking your own vehicle, you will need to ensure that your vehicle insurance covers driving in Europe as this is not always included in standard policies, now that we have left the EU.
- Nationality identification – Furthermore, if you drive your own vehicle in the EU, then you will need to show an oval UK sticker (these have now replaced the previous GB stickers). Display this if your number plate:
– Only displays numbers and letters with no flag identifier.
– Displays an EU flag identifier.
– Displays a Union Jack flag.
– Displays an English, Welsh, or Scottish flag. - What to carry – Each EU country can have slightly different driving requirements, so it’s important to check on where you are driving. For many you will need to carry:
– A warning triangle
– Visi vests for driver and passengers
– Headlight beam deflectors
– Spare bulbs for lights
– First aid kit (compulsory in France, Austria, & Germany)
It is also recommended that you carry:
– A spare can of fuel
– Good quality torch
– Extra refreshments and plenty of water
– European health insurance card
Finally, don’t forget to plan your journey to include regular stops. Driving across Europe is an amazing opportunity to take in the beautiful scenery and you will most likely cover long distances, so it’s important to stay refreshed, to ensure that you stay alert.
To get ready for your summer travels, please contact Stourbridge Automotive where we can provide MOT Tests, Vehicle Servicing and Mechanical repairs, plus replacement number plates, to prepare your vehicle for summer vacations and be ready for the road this season!