Transport - Sicily - page 639

BRINGING YOUR OWN VEHICLE
To bring your own vehicle to Sicily, you will need to have a valid driving licence, proof of vehicle ownership and evid-
ence of third-party insurance. If your vehicle is registered and insured in an EU country, your home-country insurance is
sufficient. Theoretically, the International Insurance Certificate, also known as the Carta Verde (Green Card), is no
longer required for EU-registered cars, but in case of an accident the police may still ask for it, so consider getting one -
your car-insurance company can issue it.
Every vehicle travelling across an international border should display a nationality plate of its country of registration.
A warning triangle (to be used in the event of a breakdown) is compulsory throughout Europe.
DRIVING LICENCES & DOCUMENTATION
When driving in Sicily, always carry your driving licence, the vehicle's registration papers and proof of third-party (liab-
ility) insurance. All EU member states' driving licences are recognised in Sicily. If you have a non-EU licence, you'll
need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) to go with your licence. Your national automobile association can is-
sue this and it's valid for 12 months.
CLIMATE CHANGE & TRAVEL
Every form of transport that relies on carbon-based fuel generates CO2, the main cause of human-induced climate
change. Modern travel is dependent on aeroplanes, which might use less fuel per kilometre per person than most
cars but travel much greater distances. The altitude at which aircraft emit gases (including CO2) and particles also
contributes to their climate change impact. Many websites offer 'carbon calculators' that allow people to estimate
the carbon emissions generated by their journey and, for those who wish to do so, to off set the impact of the
greenhouse gases emitted with contributions to portfolios of climate-friendly initiatives throughout the world.
Lonely Planet off sets the carbon footprint of all staff and author travel.
Train
If you have the time, getting to Sicily by train is worth considering: it's more environmentally friendly than flying, it's
more relaxed and, perhaps best of all, it allows you to break up your journey. Most trains traversing Italy will make a
stop off at Rome and Naples, for example.
Italy's national rail company, Trenitalia ( 89 20 21; www.trenitalia.com ) , operates direct trains to Sicily from a
number of Italian cities, including Milan, Rome and Naples. If you're travelling from outside the country, you will need
to change trains somewhere in Italy, most probably Rome. For detailed info on getting to Sicily from London, check out
www.seat61.com .
The Thomas Cook European Timetable has Europe-wide train schedules and is available from Thomas Cook offices
worldwide and at www.thomascookpublishing.com .
It is always advisable, and sometimes compulsory, to book seats on international trains. Some of the main internation-
al services include transport for private cars - an option worth examining to save wear and tear on your vehicle before it
arrives in Sicily. On overnight hauls you can book a cuccetta (couchette) for about €20.