I've Driven in 37 Countries, and It's a Major Mistake Not to Have These 5 Items When Renting a Car Abroad

"As both a travel writer and someone who has lived in Europe twice (plus a brief stint in Asia), I have been driving and renting cars around the world for years-I've even done so on five continents. I've driven through Australia's Red Centre, raced on an ice track in the Italian Alps, and solo-road tripped through the Balkans-and I will always count passing my German driver's license exam on the first try as one of my crowning achievements as a driver."

"Over the years, I've learned so much about renting cars and driving internationally. For instance, Germans do not mess around with road rules (although I will always struggle with the concept of rechts vor links, or right before left), and the cheaper rental can sometimes end up being the most expensive option (as problems will likely arise during your drive)."

Extensive international driving and renting experience spans five continents, including Australia's Red Centre, an ice track in the Italian Alps, and solo road trips through the Balkans. Passing a German driver's license exam on the first try is a noted driving achievement. Practical lessons include strict German road rules, difficulty with rechts vor links, and the risk that cheaper rentals can become more expensive due to problems during a drive. Awareness of zipper laws, frequent speed cameras, and regional transmission preferences influences vehicle choices. Five consistent road-trip essentials are carried for safety. One essential is a zipped RFID-blocking passport holder for passport, ID, cards, and local currency; an Apple AirTag adds tracking. A retractable 6-in-1 multi-charging cable is also included.

Read at Travel + Leisure