At some stage you'll end up in a car, so whether thats because you're driving all the way or because you're picking up a hire car, check out the useful tips below:

Here are a few tips for those travelling by car but please see the AA for or the RAC for more details.

What you need before setting off:

• A valid UK Driving Licence is required.
• A driver's minimum age is 18.
• A Green Card and Motor Insurance certificate is recommended.
• Motorists should carry evidence of motor insurance (insurance certificate).
• A Green Card provides additional proof that the minimum legal third party cover is held.
• A GB sticker is compulsory (included in the RAC European Motoring Assistance document)
• A crash helmet when riding a motorcycle is compulsory.
• Wearing your seat belt is compulsory.
• Motorway tolls charged.
• Leaded regular petrol no longer available in France. Super leaded available, (98 Octane).
• Children under 10 are forbidden to travel in the front seat.

Recommended Products:

Travel in France

Accidents & Emergencies Fire 18 Police 17 Ambulance 15. European emergency call number is also in use - dial 112 & request service required.

Driving Requirements Minimum age 18 licence holders driving temporarily cars (or motorcycles over 80cc). Visiting motorists who have held a driving licence for less than two years must adhere to the wet weather speed limit (see speed limits).

Lights Driving on sidelights only is prohibited. Motorcyclists using machines over 125cc must use dipped headlights during the day. Replacement set of vehicle bulbs strongly recommended.

Motorways Most motorways charge tolls except certain sections in the immediate vicinity of large town such as Paris, Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille and Metz. Toll-free sections are show on the map. Toll Payments 'Peage': On the majority of toll motorways a travel ticket is issued on entry and toll is paid on leaving the motorway and also at occasional intermediate points. The travel ticket gives all relevant information about toll charges, including the toll category of the vehicle. At the exit point the ticket is handed in. On some motorways the toll collection is automatic. Note: toll booths will not exchange travellers cheques.

Services It is usually possible to obtain 24-hour service for a car and /or occupants every 40 kilometres. Rest stops, most of which have toilet facilities can be found every 15 kilometres. Free emergency telephones are sited every 2km on most motorways. Public telephones are available at rest stops, service areas and toll booths.

Passengers & Children Children under 10 must not travel in the front with the exception of babies up to 9 months and less than 9kg in rear facing restraint system appropriate to age and weight. Note: under no circumstances should a rear facing restraint be used in a front seat with an air bag. Size Restrictions Motor vehicles: height 4 metres, width 2.5 metres. Vehicle & trailer: length18.35 metres. Speed Limits Built up areas = 50kph, outside built up areas = 90kph, motorways = 130 kph. Type of vehicle affected = private vehicle without trailer. Tourist Office French Embassy, 36 Ailesbury Road, Dublin 4. Additional Information (see also Regulations) The holder of a UK Passport who is not British citizen may require a visa, check with the French Consulate General. Hazard warning lights or warning triangle compulsory.

Travelling in Italy

Accidents & Emergencies Fire 115 Police 112 Ambulance 118

Driving Requirements Minimum age 18 for UK licence holders driving temporarily imported cars (or motorcycles over 125cc or with passenger). Italian translation or 'declaration' formerly issued to accompany all older green licences no longer valid. The holder of such a licence should exchange it for a new format licence if time allows. Alternatively these older licences may be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (LDP).

Lights Dipped headlights are compulsory when passing through tunnels (even if they are well lit). Full beam headlights can only be used outside cities and towns. Replacement set of vehicle bulbs recommended.

Motorways Toll Payments 'Pedaggio': On the majority of the toll motorways a travel ticket is issued on entry and toll is paid on leaving the motorway. The travel ticket gives all relevant information about the toll charges, including the toll category of the vehicle. At the exit ticket is handed in. Note: Toll booths will not exchange travellers cheques.

• Barre Des Ecrins
• Mont Blanc
• Jebel Toubkal Trip