Before You Travel Checklist

Important Documents to Remember for Your Rental

There's a lot of preparation that goes into getting ready for international travel! While exciting, it is crucial that you remember several important documents, or your rental car will not be released to you. A valid U.S. driver's license is mandatory in order to rent a car anywhere. Most often the license must have been held for at least one year. You must have this form of identification with you when you go to the rental counter. If you do not, the local rental agents will be forced to deny you access to the vehicle. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Printable Packing List

Our International Travel Checklist is a great place to start. Stay organized while you prepare for your upcoming trip!

It also is worth your while to acquire an international driver's permit (IDP), as it translates your driver's license into multiple languages. These are available through your local AAA, and other similar service providers. Local rental agents may also ask for your passport as proof of identification. Naturally, you will not have forgotten this document at home, as you needed it to board your international flight. Just remember to have it with you when you visit the car rental counter.

A major credit card will be required as well for any deposits and local fees. Debit cards are rarely accepted as a form of payment locally without pre-approval, as it is considered cash, regardless of the credit card symbol you may have on it. Approval of debit card use also typically comes with a larger deposit being required of you at the beginning of your rental. We recommend, for your own ease, that you acquire a credit card prior to your departure to avoid any additional expenses and hassles locally.

Your car rental voucher is also important because it contains information that the local agents will need in order to provide you with a vehicle. Prior to leaving for your trip, make sure you have read the terms and conditions and that you understand your car rental voucher.

Tying Up Loose Ends

There are a few more practical things that should also be considered to before you leave home:

• Contact your credit card company, and/or bank to let them know you are leaving the country. This is important as it is not uncommon for these financial institutions to block use of funds if they suspect fraudulent transactions. If you have not notified them that you are traveling abroad it could happen to you!

• Placing a hold on mail and deliveries is also something you should consider. A stack of newspapers on your front porch and an overflowing mailbox is a red flag for thieves, signaling to them that you are away from home.

• Throw out all garbage and go through your refrigerator for food items that will expire before you get back. It is also not a bad idea to clean your house before you leave; chances are very slim that you will enjoy cleaning up old messes upon returning home after a long trip.

• Finally, remember to turn off your thermostat, or set it at a base temperature that will keep your plants alive, and your pets happy and healthy.

Reserve Additional Accessories in Advance with Auto Europe

Auto Europe makes it extremely easy to reserve additional equipment and accessories for your rental car before your trip. If you're going to need snow chains/tires, ski racks, child seats for your family car rental or a GPS unit, an Auto Europe staff member will help you with these in advance. This reduces your risk of arriving at the counter and being informed that these items are not available. In order to better serve you, we send out an email before your trip reminding you to take these things with you in order to help your trip run as smoothly as possible. Call us toll-free at 1-888-223-5555 with questions or to make a reservation today!