Road Atlas of Europe [antikvár]

The motorist in Europe enjoys more than scenery, although the forests and soaring mountains, the pastora! panoramas, the laké, river, and ocean views, the fairy-tale villages, and the historic sites might be reward enough. The highway traveler gets a more intimate acquaintance with the people and customs of each country. He can vary his route at will from the famous superhighways to the well-maintained byroads where big buses and trucks do not venture. He can stay at rural inns, charming small hotels, campgrounds, or elegant castles and mansions that do not cater to large groups and tours. Highway travel in Europe is still an adventure-but a safe and comfortable one. Stateside Planning Europe may be a few hours away by jetii n e r, but it is several weeks away in planning, so the prudent traveler starts early with his reading, research, documentation, itinerary, reservations, financial planning, and automobilé arrangements. One of the first things you should do is to apply for a passport, if you do not already have one. If, however, you have one, be sure it is in order or has not expired. Apply for your passport as many weeks as possible ahead of yourtrip, and avoid doing so during peak travel seasons. (See page 3.) Tourist information about Europe can be acquired from a number of sources, the most direct being the official tourist office of the country or countries you plan to visit. These are located in New York and other major U.S. cities. (see page 4.) Other reliable sources are commercial travel agencies, motor clubs with a foreign division, and travel clubs. Automobile Arrangements 1. Car Rental. At least three weeks before you plan to leave for Europe, make arrangements through one of the major U.S. car rental agencies which services Europe, advise them of when and where you will arrive, the type of car you wish to rent (you may choose from the smallest foreign compact to a large European or American car), and your credit card number, providing you have one of the major accounts. If you do not have such an account, you will be required to pay all charges in advance based on an accurate estimate of days used and kilometers driven. Rental charges include a fee for use of the car plus a fee for each kilometer driven. These fees vary from country to country, and rates are alsó higher during the peak travel months of May through September. Many countries alsó offer vacation "unlimited mileage rates." Fuel and other road costs along the way are not included in the rental fee. As an added convenience, major U.S. car rental agencies have a toll free reservation number. You can pick up your rented car at your port of entry and return it there if it is the same as your point of departure. If not, return it to the rental agency's office near your departure point. Arrangements for cars rented through European agencies should be handled directly with that agency or through a U.S. representative or travel agent. Local rental may be arranged at any point on your journey should you like to drive only in that country or surrounding areas. Major U.S. car agencies maintain branches in most major European cities. To assure the availability of a car, make arrangements in advance. 2.Buy a new European car for delivery upon arrival. If you would like to buy an European-made car and pick it up and drive it while there, you should place your order through the U.S. dealer or representative of the car from one to four months prior to your arrival in Europe and complete the transaction at least 30 days before that arrival date. You can then either pick up the car at the factory or have it delivered at your expense to your port of entry. The originál cost of the car covers European license and registration. Remember to include the European road insurance, shipment home, customs, excise tax, and state registration and license in figuring the overall cost. 3.Take along your own car. You can have your own car shipped to Europe for your use while there. If you choose this plan, be sure to carry proof of ownership and insurance coverage required for Europe. This insurance, which usually provides coverage from the U.S. port of embarkation to the U.S. port of debarkation, generally may be obtained through your local insurance bróker. International Driver's License You should have an International Driver's License to drive in Europe, although regulations vary from country to country. Somé countries may require only your state license while others will require the International Driver's License, which is alsó a necessary document in case you are involved in an accident. You can apply for this license through a AAA motor club or any of its branches or car rental agency which provides foreign service. Necessary are your state driver's license, two passport-size photographs, $3.00 fee by check or money order. Allow two weeks if applying by mail. Itinerary Use this atlas to plan and mark your route