Best Travel Insurance For Year-end Road Trips

Make it a priority to acquaint yourself with the traffic regulations, road signs, and driving customs specific to the country you're visiting. Additionally, being familiar with cross-border fees and requirements can streamline your border crossings. You can ensure you have the correct documentation and payments ready, reducing delays and making your road trip more efficient. Taking note of cross-border fees also enables you to plan for these expenses in advance. You can exchange currency, have the necessary payment methods, or budget for these fees.

Check whether you are required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your regular driver's licence for driving in a foreign country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually required for Singaporeans to drive in certain countries, as it is illegal to drive without an original IDP. If you forget to apply for one, car rental companies won’t rent cars to you.

Familiarise yourself with the local road conditions, weather patterns, and potential hazards to better plan your route and driving strategy.

Confirm that your insurance, whether it's from your car rental or personal policy, provides coverage for international travel. It is important to note that in some rental car insurance policies, specific susceptible components of the rental vehicle, such as tires, roof, windshields, and the underside, might not be covered by the company's Collision Damage Waiver. Consequently, if any damage occurs to these components, you may be responsible for covering an excess amount.

Take the time to comprehend the controls and features of your rental car, paying special attention to any differences when driving on the opposite side of the road, if applicable. In certain countries in the world, drivers drive on the left side of the road and the steering wheel is designed to be on the right side of the car. This means there are more things you’ll have to take note of.

Have access to a reliable GPS device or smartphone apps like Google Maps or Maps.me with international data capabilities for navigation. It's also advisable to carry physical maps as a backup in case of technical issues, or travelling to somewhere with no internet connection.

Whenever possible, restrict your driving to daylight hours, particularly in unfamiliar areas, as nighttime driving presents challenges due to reduced visibility and increased risks.

Stay updated on local traffic updates and road conditions, especially in areas prone to unpredictable weather or heavy traffic. Google Maps layers offer various features that can be immensely helpful when planning road trips overseas.

For example, the "Traffic Layer" which provides real-time traffic information, helps you anticipate congestion or roadblocks, allowing for better route planning, and the "Terrain Layer" which displays the natural landscape and terrain, aids in understanding elevation changes, mountains, or other geographical features that might impact your route. Radio stations and traffic apps can also provide this valuable information.

Plan your route well in advance, incorporating rest stops and accommodations. Avoid extended periods of continuous driving and take regular breaks to remain alert and prevent driver fatigue.