You may feel that there is no better way to explore various parts of Europe other than by getting quickly to the area on a train or aeroplane and then picking up a car through the best car hire deals you can find.
In Europe car hire is typically relatively easy and here are a few points you may find encouraging if you are considering it:
• keep in mind that the best hire deals for someone else may not prove to be the best deal for you – concentrate on your requirements and expectations, then find a car hire provider who will be able to meet them;
• the best car hire deals may be those that are arranged in advance, when you are not under pressure and have the degree of freedom to look around – trying to find attractive options once you have arrived at an airport or train station, may not be an ideal situation;
• as a general principle, most countries within the European Union (EU) have broadly similar road regulations and driving around is typically easy and fun, however, you may find it more enjoyable if you have spent a little time researching the rules of the road in the specific country or countries you will be visiting;
• in many European countries, some of the largest city centres (particularly those that are considered major tourist destinations) may be difficult to drive around or park in, however, many also have excellent park-and-ride schemes where you can easily park in the outer areas of the town and take a bus or tram into the centre;
• one of the beauties of many European destinations is that they have managed to retain a genuine and vibrant rural culture – to get around and experience this may be difficult unless you have hired a car;
• it is sometimes surprising to find that in many larger European towns (though not all the cities), parking remains relatively easy to find and modestly priced or even free;
• the best car hire deals may give you the freedom of the road and the ability to explore what some have called, the mighty continent.
