Day Trips – UK – Mark's Travel Journal

Tech That’ll Make Your Road Trips Safer

Ah, technology, is there anything that it can’t do? From helping us to stay in touch with loved ones to keeping us entertained, it’s always there when we need it. And increasingly, that includes when we’re on a road trip, too. There’s a whole host of gadgets — some high-end, some primitive but effective–that we can use to keep ourselves and our families safe on the road.

In this blog, we’ll run through some of the best options, ones that you’ll want to invest in before you set off on your next adventure.

Looking out the front of a car — Pexels – CC0 Licence

Coverage Boosts

Most of the time, being without cell phone coverage is just a little inconvenient. When you’re on a road trip, it can be positively dangerous. If you’re far from civilization and break down, you’ll rely on your cell phone to call for help. If you’re without coverage, then what will you do? You can greatly enhance your coverage range by investing in a cell phone signal booster. This handy device works with many data providers across the world. Plus, it’s handy even when you’re not on a road trip. You’ll use it more than you think!

Staying Warm

One thing that people often forget about the great outdoors: it can get very cold. With minimal shelter, plus altitude changes, it can be freezing cold in nature areas even when it’s warm just an hour away in the city. If you break down, you could find that you’re battling the cold as well as other problems. The solution? A plug-in electric blanket. Just plug it into your care, and you’ll be warm within minutes. It’s much easier to wait for help to come to your rescue when you’re not shivering.

Looking Out The Back

There’s an uncomfortable truth about road trips: they can be dangerous. Rural areas are less regulated than cosmopolitan areas and also have more trucks, which are involved in more accidents. While you can never fully be safe, you can push yourself in the direction of safety by investing in a rearview camera. It could be the difference between a safe journey and having to get in touch with a truck accident attorney. Plus, this handy bit of kit will make you feel like you’re driving a new vehicle, which typically have a rearview camera as standard.

Jump Starts

If your battery dies when you’re in the city, then all you need to do is wave someone down and ask if they have jumper cables. But when you’re miles from society? There will be no passing cars, at least not quite as regularly. You can take the self-sufficient route by investing in a portable battery booster. With this by your side, you’ll be moving in no time.

Getting Out Of Emergencies

Finally, look at investing in an escape tool. With this, you’ll be able to cut your seatbelt loose and smash through your car window with ease. You never know what will happen on a road trip, and it’s best to be prepared.

Travel Product Review – Travel SIM

September 12, 2019April 22, 2021markstraveljournalLeave a comment

Travel SIM – Yes or No?

You’re about to depart on a trip and you’re thinking about how you’ll stay in touch. Do you turn off roaming and data and jump on wireless when you can or do you use your phone abroad with data? I’ve done both but I prefer to be in touch, use my GPS apps and check email periodically. In my travels, having a cell phone is a must for driving directions (think roundabout) , destination information (the next town) and in case of emergency.

Travel SIM – Your Best Option

My personal money saving tip for most travel destinations is to pass on your cell provider’s international travel plan and go for a SIM card instead. A SIM card saves on data and roaming charges and keeps you connected. TravelSIM is my first choice because its prepaid, works in most countries and there’s no cost for incoming calls and messages. You buy it online and it’s delivered within a couple of days. You also get great “bars” in destination (cell reception) because you’re using a local telecom provider. Make sense?

The small challenge here is installing the SIM card. You’ll need to remove your current SIM card and insert your TravelSIM card. It’s easy – use a pin to open the SIM card slot (a thumb tack or paper clip both work); take out your current SIM card; put in the new SIM card, and Voila! Your phone will need to be “unlocked” for the new card to work (if it’s locked, the new SIM card won’t work). Contact your service provider or a cell phone unlocking service.

If by chance you didn’t buy a SIM card in advance, you can still buy when you arrive in destination (at the airport, train station or bus station). Just look for a store that sells SIM cards. The cards will be cheap and in many cases an employee will insert the SIM card for you.

Travel SIM – The Bottom Line

You can save a lot of money and get a lot more high-speed data by planning ahead and buying a Travel SIM card. If you are traveling to multiple countries, you will probably need a separate SIM card for each country unless you buy a TravelSIM card that features multiple countries and zones. If you get a new SIM card for travel, you will be using a different phone number from your regular one. To simplify taking a smartphone abroad, use messaging apps like What’s App or iMessage to maintain your identity and end-to-end encryption. A SIM card for travel keeps you in touch and keeps you off unsecured public Wi-Fi.

Safe Travels!

Thinking Of Renting A Car In Europe? Here’s What You Need To Know

August 1, 2019August 26, 2021markstraveljournal1 Comment

Renting A Car In Europe

Renting a car in Europe lets you explore and discover different countries and cultures. Renting a car gives you freedom to travel on your own schedule and time. You can get off the beaten path and get to smaller towns and sights with relative ease. There are potential challenges like “driving on the wrong side of the road” in the UK, different rules of the road and some country specific laws. But it’s all well worth it for the memories and potential trip of a lifetime. Here’s what you need to know if you’re renting a car in Europe.

Renting A Car In Europe? Book In Advance

Ca rental rates vary widely by destination and season. Generally speaking, rates are higher for any rental car company or location if you wait to book. (Especially if you walk up to a rental counter with no reservation). You will save money by paying for your car rental ahead of time. Auto Europe is one of the best options for car rentals in Europe. They’ve been in business over 60 years with more than 20,000 locations in 180 countries. They work with well known car rental companies and provide unbeatable rates on car rentals. You can book your car rental as soon as you book your trip with the option to modify or cancel your booking if your plans change.

Beyond the large highways in Europe, most roads are tight and winding. And parking is tight and tricky with limited street parking and small parking lots. A smaller car, typical in Europe, is the best way to get around and easier to drive. Many cars in Europe are equipped with a manual transmission. If you don’t drive a standard/manual transmission, you’ll need to book early to make sure that you get a car equipped with an automatic transmission.

Renting A Car In Europe

Renting A Car In Europe? You’ll Need Insurance Coverage

With Auto Europe, if you select a basic rental rate your price will include value added tax (VAT), public liability insurance, fire insurance and unlimited miles. If the inclusive rate is selected, it will include everything in the basic rate plus collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection for the rental vehicle. I definitely recommend the inclusive rate specifically to have full CDW and theft protection on your rental car. If you rely on credit card coverage or your own car insurance, you may not have enough coverage and/or you may have to pay in full for a claim and then seek reimbursement.

Renting A Car In Europe? You Might Need an International Driver’s Permit

Many European countries—like the United Kingdom and Ireland—recognize North American driver’s licenses. However, other countries—like Italy, Germany, and Spain—require that you possess and carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP is proof that you possess a valid driver’s license. It also translates your driving qualifications into ten of the world’s most commonly used languages, and allows travellers to drive in over 150 different countries.

You can get an International Driver’s Permit at AAA (U.S.) and CAA (Canada) for a nominal fee, and you only need proof of your driver’s license to apply.

Renting A Car In Europe? Be Prepared For the Unexpected

The unexpected can of course happen anywhere and at anytime. Be aware of what’s covered by the rental car agency if you have an accident or your car breaks down. Most offer some form of roadside assistance in the event of a break down. Traffic tickets and toll fees will naturally be billed to you if you don’t pay locally.

If your rental car is involved in an accident, it is imperative that you contact local authorities immediately. A valid police report is always required, regardless of how minor the accident is. The second number you should contact is the one listed on your car rental key chain. For further protection, take pictures of all the damage done to your rental car and any other parties involved.

Having your cell phone activated for use in Europe is a must for driving directions, destination information and in the case of emergency. A SIM card saves on roaming and data charges while keeping you connected. TravelSIM is my choice because its prepaid (providing cost control), works in over 170 countries and incoming calls and messages are free. Between driving and blog support, I need coverage while in Europe.

Renting A Car In Europe?

Renting A Car In Europe? Find Out the Rules of the Road

The autobahn actually exists in Austria and Germany where the drivers follow a strict code. The left lane is for passing only (most cars will be travelling at more than 160 km/per hour). The middle lane is for the average driver – 120-160 km/per hour. Anything slower is on the right lane.

In the UK, you drive on the left side of the road , and you pass on the right side. There are also numerous roundabouts where you need to know which exit you are taking ahead of time.

Turning right on a red light is not permitted anywhere in Europe, unless there’s a sign that indicates otherwise.

Renting A Car In Europe? Other Things To Know

It’s not a bad idea to buy a traditional paper map as backup. Maps are readily available at gas stations and highway stops. Google Maps or offline maps work but you may not have service or data in remote areas.
Most tolls can be paid by coins, cash or credit card. Some countries like Austria and Switzerland require the purchase of vignettes (driving stickers) that need to be displayed in your front window. They are readily available at gas stations and road side stores.
Getting gas in Europe typically requires that you pay in advance before pumping.
Parking in Europe varies greatly by town and city. Parking can be free, pay via parking meter or require a parking permit. Pay attention when you park or you will invariably get a ticket.
You’ll get comfortable driving in no time. Enjoy the trip, lookout for great places to stop and enjoy the views!