One of the most challenging aspects of expat life is being away from your loved ones back home; the heartbreak you feel is indescribable. You have no one there for you who understands you without having to ask questions. Even with instant messages and video calls, that trusted connection becomes weaker, so no wonder you feel a little sad. You can visit your home country several times a year – it depends on how far away it is and the cost of travel. Even if it’s a long and costly trip, it’s worthwhile. Get people together (host a party or a dinner) so that you can catch up with everyone in one go.
The question now is: Should you rent a car if you’re traveling overseas? You can’t plan your itinerary around the bus or train, so you need a transportation option for your trip abroad. Driving allows you to venture off the beaten path and explore the scenery while driving through beautiful landscapes. Going abroad means you’ll need to rent a car and be prepared for anything the road might throw at you. Ensure you get a great deal, have the correct documentation, and, most importantly, drive safely.
Driving Is Probably the Best Way to Get Around
If you’re returning to the Netherlands, plenty of means of transportation are available while you’re here. Car hire is available at many airports, including Schiphol Airport, so you can walk straight from your gate to the rental car counter. Depending on the duration of your trip, you might need to rent a car for only a few days. You can secure your car rental Schiphol well in advance before arrival – when you arrive at the airport, your chauffeur will be there. You can see and explore what you want at your own pace without waiting for public transportation or a taxi.
A popular misconception is that the Dutch are enthusiastic cyclists who live in green cities and seldom drive. The truth is that most journeys are made by car, and only a minority of the population doesn’t have a vehicle. The Dutch drive on the right and give priority to the left unless otherwise indicated, so if you’re visiting from the UK, it can take some time to get used to it once again. If it’s just you, a car may be impractical and expensive, but a car makes more sense if you’re traveling with a group. The price depends on where you want to go.
Different Rental Companies Have Different Requirements
As far as renting a car is concerned, a company can have different rules. For BB&L car rental, for instance, having an international driver’s license is unnecessary, except if it’s not written in the Roman alphabet. In all cases, you need a valid driver’s license. Car rental companies accept reservations days, weeks, and months in advance. Your reservation request is automatically sent to the car rental company, which has 24 hours to accept or decline. The status of your booking will be pending until you have received a response. If you haven’t received an answer within 48 hours, contact the car rental company right away.
Most rental cars come with some kind of insurance, even if it’s just a basic plan. A vehicle is insured against damage, third-party claims, theft, and personal accidents. To rent a car in the Netherlands, you must be at least 21 years old, but the age can vary by vehicle category. Children can’t travel as front seat passengers unless a suitable restrain is used. Generally speaking, vehicles can be driven in Western Europe without restriction. Nevertheless, you can be charged extra for driving in non-EU countries. Ensure you have a valid driver’s license and sufficient car insurance.
If you’re going to rent a car, it’s not recommended to book at the last moment because it will cost you more and limit your selection to whatever is available. Rental car prices tend to be cheaper when booking in advance, so whatever you do, don’t procrastinate. Even if supply chain shortages have made cars more expensive, pricing models haven’t fluctuated too much. Tempting as it may be to select a familiar car rental company, research all your options before you settle on a specific one. You’ll want to compare rates online before reaching a conclusion.
Taking The Risk of Mass Transit: Is It Worth It?
Before the pandemic started, travelers didn’t hesitate to take the bus, train, or metro. Not only are they highly affordable, but also the infrastructure allows you to get from point A to point B easily. But now, there’s the safety aspect. Floors and seats hold high levels of bacteria, to say nothing of the congestion and frustration of rush hour. You need to take the normal safety precautions you would in any other open environment. New COVID variants have risen, meaning the number of people in the hospital has increased. How many people are catching the coronavirus this time of the year is impossible to say.
Driving is a safer option as you don’t have people in close proximity and don’t have to worry about social distancing. You’re in the car by yourself or your loved ones, not to mention that you have minimal interactions when you stop to get gas or food. You must think hard before making a decision, which includes an honest assessment of your driving skills. Of course, for some people, there’s no substitute for the bus, train, or metro. If you, too, refuse to rent a car, bring hand sanitizer and pack lots of masks.
Conclusion
No matter how settled you are in your new home away from home, the support of family and friends is irreplaceable. Maybe you’re just tired of the expat experience and want to come back to avoid putting your health and well-being on the sidelines. If possible, make arrangements before you leave the country to make the process cheaper, easier, safer, and less likely to include hidden clauses. Leave plenty of room in your budget for gas expenses.
