The increase in independent travel and increasing traveller confidence has led to a surge in the number of travellers booking car hire overseas. When hiring a car abroad, there are a number of things to consider and pitfalls it is best to avoid.

If travelling abroad, have you considered that they may drive on a different side of the road than in your home country? Are you confident driving on that side of the road or driving a car with the steering wheel on the other side? For most people this isn't a problem but something to consider!

Are you aware of the local rules of the road? Driving laws differ from country to country so it's important to know the rules where you are going. Do the road signs differ? Are there any important speed limits to consider (do you know the national speed limit in the country you are going to?). Is there anything specific you are required to carry in your car (some countries require you carry a high visibility vest, warning triangle and fire extinguisher.

What should you do in the event or a breakdown? Have you checked this with the rental company, is there an emergency number you can call? If so you should store this in your phone at the start of the rental just in case. Do you know what to do if you break down on the motorway and the correct procedures to follow if you are involved in an accident with another vehicle?

Have you checked how much luggage space your rental vehicle has? If you are travelling in a party of 4, each with a large suitcase, will a compact car be big enough or would you be better off with an estate car? If there are 5 of you and you are driving a long distance, will you be comfortable in a small car? Or would you better off upgrading to a slightly larger vehicle for a little extra comfort.

Have you checked what fuel the vehicle takes? It may seem obvious but it's amazing how many people get mixed up and it can be costly! Read more about choosing your correct hire car.

It’s also worth checking the specifics of the rental as the terms can vary between companies. Some companies will offer fully inclusive insurance as part of the rental package, whereas with others there will be an insurance excess. Some may give you the car with a full tank of fuel, whereas others may give you the car with no fuel and ask you to bring it back full (in which case you’ll need to locate a petrol station near to the rental location!). You should also carefully check what isn’t included in the insurance as some companies won’t include damage to tyres or windscreens, so you may find that you are fully liable for these!

And finally don’t forget your driving licence! If your licence is written in anything other than the Roman Alphabet (for example Japanese or Hebrew), you may require an international driving licence if travelling to Europe or North America. If you are UK licence holder you will be required to take bother paper and card counterparts.