Driving on Vacation: How to Avoid Accidents

Many holiday makers under estimate the risk of driving in an unfamiliar or overseas cities and countries. In Australia and New Zealand is a fairly common news story that a tourist has driven off the road and killed themselves, or even more tragically pulled to the wrong side of the road and had a head on accident with someone coming the other way.

So before you book your next trip do some research. Not every destination is good option for a self-drive. Big overseas cities are often not a great place to drive in - you will see more and enjoy a much less stressful stay. If you need the vehicle to tour arrange the hire to start after you've explored your first destination.

Drive Safely on Vacation: Top Tips

• Don't drive jet-lagged. It can get days to get your body clock aligned with your destination's time zone - not push your luck and drive when you are still struggling to stay awake. In fact don't drive tired period. You are already dealing with an unfamiliar car in a strange town, don't make it any more difficult.

• Driving on the "wrong" side of the road is not too bad in towns and cities where there are road marking and traffic to keep you on the correct side. However it's a lot more difficult if the car is not designed for the "wrong" side

• Don't hire a car right-hand drive car in the UK and then drive it on the continent -cars are designed to have the driver in the middle of the road for a reason!

• Be particularly careful if hiring a motorbike or scooter to drive on the "wrong" side of the road. There is no indication on the bike which side you should be on and its a lot more dangerous on bike to be on the wrong side.

Consider hiring a car and driver in most developing nations rather than just a car. The road rules may not be the same as are used to: check out the video of typical traffic in the Old Town in Hanoi!

Don't Forget your Licence

If you plan on driving overseas, even if you're not sure, take your driver's licence.

Many countries require in addition to your national licence for you to have an International Driving Permit - which is effectively a translation of your home licence. You can get the permit for a small fee at your local Automobile Association.

Lis Sowerbutts has been traveling since age 7, and has to date visited over 55 countries. She firmly believes in travel for the over-30's and that you are never too late to start traveling