Tips on Driving Abroad

Singaporeans are fond of traveling especially during holidays. According to the recent study conducted by Mastercard, Singaporeans venture abroad at least once in three months. This makes us the most travelled in Asia Pacific. The most popular destination amongst us is South East Asia. It will not end there because come 2015, space travelling will be a reality.

Going back to Mastercard’s study, the biggest group of travellers (43%) are single or married (but without children) adults. The second biggest group travellers  (26%) are married adults (with children below 11 years old). The third biggest group travellers (13%) are young adults aged 18 to 24 years old. Mastercard also noted a significant increase of travelling seniors ages 55 to 65 (6%).

When you travel, you either submit to tours or explore the place alone. There is nothing wrong if you submit to structured tours (with itineraries and tour guides) but you would enjoy greatly if you choose to drive. According to CTC Travel, they received 35% inquiries on self-driving tours. If you prefer driving personally, the first thing that you should do is study the local law. Laws vary depending on the place. If you will travel to Europe, it will be helpful if you know these things:

• France: France is strict when it comes to driving. Drivers should secure at least one (unused) breathalyser. Speed camera detectors are prohibited. The motorway speed limit is 130 kilometre per hour. The drink-drive limit is 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milligrams of blood.
• Spain: Spain is a laid-back country but it does not mean that you ignore their local rules. The motorway speed limit is 120 kilometres per hour. The drink-drive limit is the same with France (50 milligrams per 100 milligrams of blood).
• Germany: Most people think that Germany has no speed limits. That is true but there are specific areas that you need to slow down. If you see any speed limit signs, you should follow. The limit is usually 130 kilometres per hour. The drink-drive is the same with France and Spain.
• Italy: In Italy, you only need to remember one thing – that is not to wander into a Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL). The motorway speed limit is 130 kilometres per hour. The drink-drive limit is the same with other countries.

There is no doubt that we have a penchant for fine things. The next time you travel, you have to explore it according to your liking. Do not submit to structured tour if you do not like it. Good luck and take a lot of precaution!