Driving on Guadeloupe's islands poses very few hassles

Travelers who don't want to deal with the hassle of deciphering Guadeloupe's public transportation system, which is pretty much entirely in French, will find that renting a car is a great way to get around while visiting this beautiful country. Independent vacationers will love the freedom of touring the island at their own pace.

Guadeloupe and its neighboring islands have a combined 1,200 miles of roads, the majority of which are well marked and in good condition, at least compared to many of the roads in the Caribbean, which are full of potholes and other dangers. Many traffic signs are wordless international signs, but vacationers should be aware that some of Guadeloupe's road signs are marked in French, so it's wise to learn a few basic words before taking to the streets.

Tourists who wish to drive on the islands must have a valid driver's license from their home country. Some rental car agencies require drivers to be at least 25 years old when renting certain cars, but in most cases you only have to be 21 years old. Check ahead for a particular rental company's policies and age requirements.

Rental car companies can easily be found in several of Guadeloupe's cities, including Pointe-à-Pitre, Le Gosier, Sainte-Anne, and St. François, and almost every major international, French, or local rental company can be found at Aéroport International Pole Caraibes. Rental car companies are in high competition to get your business, which helps to keep rates down, but renting a car still can be costly. Vacationers can find companies that rent cars with unlimited mileage, and can expect to pay about $350(USD) per week as well as a one-time $20(USD) airport surcharge, and a value-added-tax of about 9.5 percent. Here are some rental car companies and their telephone numbers on Guadeloupe:

Most rental car companies are closed on Sundays. If you have any questions about a specific location, most hotels will be able to show you where to go. Travelers should be wary of rental companies that they haven't heard of before and are advised to go with a reputable rental company. There have been cases in which vacationers have had problems with mechanical issues and disputes over repairs. This can be especially frustrating if you have to face the problem in French.

Guadeloupe has some of the best roads in the Caribbean, and driving is done on the right hand side of the road. In general, travelers should be able to navigate the islands' streets with ease. The best spot to explore by car is Basse-Terre, where the loop around the island provides picturesque travel.

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