Driving in Europe 101

DRIVING IN EUROPE 101 is not another tourist book, but a 'how to' book featuring traffic laws and road sign translations for 22 European countries. It provides clear explanations of how easily a fledgling American tourist may drive the streets of Europe, get the best deals on rental cars, airfare, and find some of the most romantic destinations on the continent. All too often American tourists in airport restaurants and lounges say, "I'd love to drive across Europe at my own pace, but." DRIVING IN EUROPE 101 was written for the person who spoke those words openly or reticently. Very easy to read with a smattering of humor, this book is structured in three sections. It begins with an honest evaluation of whether this type of venture is suited for the reader. From the opening quote, "It's the journey, not the destination that is important" the reader compares many aspects of public transportation and group travel to going solo in a car. See a lonely little road going into the mountains that you would like to explore? In a train - no chance. See a charming sidewalk café (in a building built 500 years ago where you would like to eat or simply get a cup of coffee? With a group - take a vote. As the reader navigates the pages he discovers strategies to plan that driving vacation through Europe. Chapter 2 gets to the heart of the topic, "What is so different about Driving In Europe." Here the book addresses the common differences between driving in the U.S. and Europe such as rights of way, horns and flashing lights, turning right on red, and the all-time best/worst - roundabouts. Consider this to be your introduction, Roundabout 101.In the United Kingdom, Ireland or anywhere else they drive on the wrong (oops) left side of the road. This information is backed up with more information describing how to get the best air fair prices, what to buy in preparation for the trip, insurance issues abroad and more. Jump to the end of the book, Section III, where appendices include weights and measure conversion tables, worksheets for planning the vacation and pictures of most of the traffic signs one may encounter in Europe with a detailed explanation for each. The heart of the book is found in the middle section, which features 22 European countries. Beginning with a basic map of the country and brief narrative of driving opportunities, each chapter includes Fast Facts about the country, Driving Facts or specific laws pertaining to each country, Emergency Telephone Numbers, U.S. Embassy addresses and translations for 35 Terms or Words commonly seen along the roadways. Humorous dialog written in the host country's language close each translation section, which differ for every country. The author, Curley Bowman, is a lieutenant with the Orlando Police Department, assigned to the Orlando International Airport. He has lived on three continents, and in seven states; additionally, he served 9 years in the U.S. Army including a tour in Vietnam. He and his wife Jan are avid travelers of Western Europe and the United Kingdom. DRIVING IN EUROPE 101 is a must have book for the person considering a driving vacation in Europe. Starting from, "Honey, lets go somewhere different this year." and ending with the vacation's flight home, this is a soup-to-nuts treatise. It is the only single-source book of its kind. Packed with facts, information and translations confirmed through embassies, police departments and locals around the world, the pages are straightforward, providing information in a logical and easy to find format. It will be considered one of the top three items to be packed for a driving vacation: 1) passport, 2) driver's license, and 3) DRIVING IN EUROPE 101.