I'm a very nervous passenger (curl up in the fetal position nervous). I don't mind driving, but avoid high traffic situations when at all possible. What are the best countries for high-strung travelers like myself? I'm trying to get better, but in the meantime would like to go somewhere, anywhere and see the sights without anxiety.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
If you're that nervous about driving, I highly recommend the train, or even an organized tour. One of the reasons to go away on vacation is free yourself from stress and anxiety.
Posted by
OP
Portland, OR, USA
3 posts
Yes, it's a Catch 22. My choices should really be limited to destinations where mass transit serves the airport; I could take that a hotel near sights I want to see and also near the train station. I've been invited to accompany friends to Europe and Asia many times over the past 25 years but have declined out of fear of even a short taxi ride.
Posted by
Bend, OR, United States
1167 posts
Switzerland would be good. They have an exceptionally well developed and run system of trains and post office buses that will get to just about everywhere in the country.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
689 posts
I find Germany, Switzerland and Austria very easy and very orderly. England and Ireland for me had the most "yikes" moments on the road. But you could SO easily visit many places in Europe and rely on trains, subways and buses. I visited Europe a number of times before I ever rented a car or took a cab.
Posted by
Tuscaloosa, AL
1152 posts
I agree that there is no need to drive yourself. I've been to Europe three times and relied on public transportation each time. When I feel that I've seen what can easily be seen by train or bus, then I might consider renting a car.
One of the things I love about traveling over there is the public transportation. I'd use public transportation more at home if it existed. (I have lived in some larger U.S. cities that had it (e.g., Washington, D.C.) and used it as much as possible.)
Posted by
Atlanta
1358 posts
I agree with Germany, EXCEPT when the kids are out for summer vacation, like right now. We were there in August a few years ago, and the traffic on the autobahn was horrible -- a 5-hour trip took us 11 hours to drive. We were just there a week ago, and school had just gotten out. There was a big report on the news about "traffic season" starting.
Posted by
Malaga, Malaga, Spain
410 posts
The only place in Europe I have been a bit intimidated driving was Italy, on the motorways. They drive super fast and roar up to (seemingly) inches from your rear end before overtaking. You do get used to it, but it is a different driving style.
Spanish drivers are a bit chaotic, which reflects their personality I think! And don´t take a lot of notice of parking restrictions etc.
But as others have suggested, if you are that worried and nervous, don´t do it. Most European cities of any size will have high traffic situations and many small towns, being old, have very narrow roads.
Posted by
OP
Portland, OR, USA
3 posts
Thanks everyone, this is encouraging. "I visited Europe a number of times before I ever rented a car or took a cab." So it is possible. Not that one should strive to enable one's phobias, but knowing there are alternatives to those "yikes" moments is inspiring. I appreciate you all taking the time to pass along your first-hand wisdom.
Posted by
Laguna Woods, Ca
33 posts
Hello Marilyn, I am afraid of flying, but that is the only way (almost) to get to Europe. So I know what you are talking about. So every once in a while, I ask my husband when are they building a bridge or a tunnel, so we can drive!!!! You do not have to drive in Europe. You can use public transportation and will see wonderful places. You might not get to all the little places, which might be out of the way, but then we never see everything any way. It will take you years to run out of places to visit without a car. Have a wonderful time. Karin