Search Results for: blog overseas road rules

Thou Shall Not Commit Road Rage

They are being called the Ten Commandments for drivers and they take their cue from the original set carved in stone. Yesterday, the Vatican issued a set of rules that warn motorists not to kill, not to drink and drive and… not to tailgate. I’m serious. And so is the intent of these new “Commandments.” The document’s official name is: “Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road.” It was created by Catholic Cardinals who felt it necessary to “address the pastoral needs of motorists because driving had become such a big part of contemporary life.” While it highlights the … Continue reading →

How I Became The Target Of Road Rage

Friday evening I made the mistake of driving to Wal-Mart to pick up a container of laundry detergent. The sun was just beginning to set as I rolled up to the traffic lights that lead out of our subdivision. It was an unusually warm night and shortly after I stopped for the red light I noticed a maroon convertible with its top down filled with what looked like either teens or a group in their early 20s pull up behind me. I remember looking at the car in my rear view mirror before proceeding to fish my wallet out of … Continue reading →

How Well Do You Know The Rules Of The Road?

When was the last time you paged through your state’s motorists handbook? You know, the one a person seeking to obtain a learner’s permit must memorize in order to pass the test. My teenage cousin will be taking her test next month and last night I was quizzing her on some of the questions that may appear on her test. It was an eye-opening experience to say the least. Namely, because it has been two decades since I got my driver’s license, which means it’s been even longer since I cracked opened a book to review the rules of the … Continue reading →

Should You Rent a Vehicle in a Foreign Country?

In a previous blog I noted that motor vehicle crashes – not crime or terrorism – are the No. 1 killer of healthy Americans in foreign countries. That blog certainly didn’t make a very good argument in support of getting behind the wheel of a car when traveling abroad. And I didn’t even touch on the financial pitfalls associated with renting a vehicle in foreign land. For example, the car and gas will cost more than in the United States. Also, you may need to purchase additional insurance since the chances of something going wrong are much higher than they … Continue reading →

Foreign Travelers Score Big with Refunds… Maybe

If you traveled abroad and used a Diners Club, MasterCard or VISA ATM, credit or debit card between February 1, 1996 and November 8, 2006 while on your trip you could be getting an early Christmas gift in the mail… well, some Christmas anyway. Let me explain. In the next few days more than 20 million travelers will be receiving notices from a New York federal court regarding potential refunds for some of the foreign currency exchange fees paid using the credit and debit cards I listed above. If you qualify you can expect a minimum payment of $25, which … Continue reading →

Keeping Safe While Visiting Mexico

This advice is not aimed at helping you escape hurricanes (Dean is poised to slam into Mexico’s Caribbean coast in the next 36 hours). But, it will help preserve your vacation if you plan to travel Mexico’s roads. Think driving in Mexico is a no brainer? You may think again once you learn that motor vehicle crashes — not crime or terrorism — are the No. 1 killer of healthy Americans in foreign countries. And according to the State Department, Mexico’s roadways are of particular concern. A recent study of Mexico highways shows that from 2004-2006, at least 280 Americans … Continue reading →

Reasons You Shouldn’t Get Rid Of Your Travel Agent

When was the last time you called a travel agent to help plan your family vacation? Personally, I don’t remember the last time I consulted a travel agent… and I’m related to one. I know I am not the only one. In fact, according to AAA, back in the mid 1990s travel agents booked 75% of travel reservations. Compare that to 2006 when some 77 million travelers turned to the Internet to book their airline tickets. Interestingly, in the first 6 months of 2007 those numbers dropped significantly. Travel agents appear to be experiencing a resurgence of sorts as many … Continue reading →

Driving too Fast

It never fails that when I plan something it has to be during a rush hour right? I know I’ve talked about this before, but honestly I thought that was after work. Today, we decided to go get a bite to eat over at our favorite pizza joint. What we didn’t plan was the traffic. Okay, technically I thought about it, begged him to go the long way thinking the traffic would be better near home. Guess what? It wouldn’t have mattered, the minute we left the base we were stopped by the traffic in all directions. Akkk! I thought … Continue reading →