Countries Where You Need to Rent a car
Planning your itinerary around public transport works in some destinations. But in many others — especially where mountain roads wind through national parks or coastal towns lie far from train stations — the smartest travel move is renting a car.
Having a car means freedom. It means taking your time, pulling over for a photo, skipping the tourist traps, and exploring at your own pace. Whether you're cruising the Adriatic coast or weaving through the Carpathian Mountains, a rental car helps you truly experience the places that make your trip unforgettable.
At addCar Rental, we make that freedom easy. With flexible rates, reliable service, and pick-up options at major airport locations across Europe, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, we help you make the most of every kilometer.
Summer Destinations Where a Rental Car Makes All the Difference
Croatia: Freedom to Explore the Adriatic Coast
Croatia is a road trip paradise. Its rugged coastline, turquoise coves, and national parks like Plitvice Lakes and Krka are best reached with your own vehicle. Public transport rarely gets you close to the beaches or hilltop towns that make this country special.
A rental car lets you travel between Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, and the inland gems at your own pace. Plan a weeklong loop or take it day by day.
Greece: Beyond Athens — Island Roads and Hidden Villages
Outside Athens, Greek transportation can be patchy — especially on islands or in the Peloponnese. Want to visit mountain monasteries in Meteora or drive along cliffside roads in Crete? You’ll need a car.
Greece’s remote beaches, archaeological sites, and hidden villages aren’t accessible without one. That’s why most travelers rent a car to explore its full beauty.
Romania: Castles, Mountains, and Rural Villages
Romania’s Transfăgărășan Highway is legendary for a reason. But to get there, or to medieval towns like Sighișoara or the quiet wooden villages of Maramureș, a car is essential.
Public transport is limited outside major cities. Renting a car gives you full access to the country’s most authentic experiences.
Malta: Small Island, Big Adventures
Though Malta is small, its bus network doesn’t reach everywhere — especially the hidden bays, diving sites, and country roads dotted with prehistoric temples.
A rental car is the easiest way to explore every corner, from Mdina to Gozo. And with short distances, you’ll spend less on fuel.
Martinique & Guadeloupe: Caribbean Freedom on Four Wheels
These French Caribbean islands are built for drivers. Roads wind through lush jungle, lead to active volcanoes, and end at uncrowded beaches. Buses run infrequently and don’t reach many destinations.
Having your own rental car lets you visit local markets, mountain lookouts, and quiet fishing villages without a guide or schedule.
Rent a car in Martinique | Rent a car in Guadeloupe
Latvia: Forests, Castles and the Baltic Sea
Latvia’s best sights lie outside Riga. From the medieval castle in Sigulda to the windswept beaches of the Courland Peninsula, a rental car is your key to the Baltic countryside.
Explore Gauja National Park, stop in charming towns like Kuldīga, and make the most of Latvia’s nature.
Poland: Road Trips Through Nature and Heritage
In summer, Poland’s wild south shines. Zakopane in the Tatras, the lakes of Mazury, or the Białowieża Forest on the Belarusian border — these are spots trains don’t reach.
A car makes it easy to discover Poland’s mix of landscapes, folk traditions, and UNESCO heritage sites.
Winter Destinations Where Renting a Car Is the Smart Choice
Finland: Winter Wonderland Off the Beaten Track
Northern Finland is pure magic in winter — but also remote. To visit the Arctic Circle, Santa Claus Village, or sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, you’ll need to drive.
addCar offers winter-equipped vehicles for icy conditions and 24/7 support in Finland.
Dubai, UAE: Comfort, Convenience, and Desert Drives
You can escape the intense heat and long distances in Dubai with a car. Not all areas or sites are served by public transportation, and taxis can be pricey.
For extended stays, business travel, or desert drives to locations like Hatta or the Empty Quarter, renting a car is ideal.
Morocco: From Medinas to Mountains
From Fez and Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains and Sahara dunes, Morocco rewards travelers who go beyond the tourist trail. Buses are slow and irregular — especially outside cities.
A rental car gives you access to oasis towns, Berber villages, and the winding roads of the Draa Valley.
Martinique & Guadeloupe (Year-Round Return)
In both winter and summer, these islands are best explored by car. Rainforest hikes, spice markets, and secret beaches aren’t in guidebooks — they’re on the road.
Poland (Winter Edition)
Winter brings ski slopes, cozy mountain towns, and Christmas markets. Places like Zakopane and Krynica-Zdrój require a car to fully enjoy the season.
When You Don’t Need a Car
In major European cities — Paris, Rome, Amsterdam — cars can be more frustrating than freeing. Between narrow streets, paid parking, and heavy traffic, public transport is faster.
Tip: Use subways and trams in large cities, then rent a car when heading to rural areas or the coast.
Tips for Renting a Car Abroad
- International Driving Permit: Required in many countries outside the EU or for US/Canadian travelers.
- Driver’s License: Must be valid and in your name; carry it along with your passport.
- Minimum Age: Usually 21; some rental companies charge extra under 25.
- Insurance: Check your coverage. Some credit cards cover CDW (collision damage waiver).
- Fuel Policy: Know whether it's full-to-full or prepaid fuel.
- Drop-Off Rules: One-way rentals may involve extra fees. Always check policies.
- Transmission: In Europe, manual is common. Reserve automatic cars in advance.
Ready for your next adventure?
Choose the right destination. Rent the right car. Drive with assurance. Make a reservation with addCar: dependable, flexible, and reasonably priced for a variety of international locations.
We provide modern cars, affordable prices, and airport locations in more than a dozen nations. We can assist you in your search, whether you're looking for a monthly rental or a short-term one.
FAQ
Q: What’s the best country in Europe for a road trip?
A: Croatia, Greece, and Romania stand out for coastal routes, mountain passes, and historical charm.
Q: Is it worth renting a car on an island like Malta or Martinique?
A: Absolutely. Public transport is limited and often doesn’t cover scenic or remote locations.
Q: Do I need a rental car in Poland in winter?
A: Yes, if you plan to visit the mountains, villages, or ski areas — or travel between them easily.
Q: What if I need a car for a month?
A: addCar offers discounted monthly car rental options in many destinations.
Q: Can I cross borders with my rental car?
A: In most countries, yes — but you need to notify your rental company in advance. Some may require special insurance.
Q: What documents should I carry when driving abroad?
A: A valid driver’s license, an international driving permit (if required), your rental agreement, passport, and proof of insurance.
Q: Are rental cars cheaper at the airport?
A: Not always. While airport pick-up is convenient, city-center locations can sometimes be more affordable. Compare both before booking.
Q: What’s the best way to save money when renting a car abroad?
A: Book in advance, use comparison tools, skip unnecessary add-ons, and return the vehicle on time with a full tank.