Travel Smarter: Armed Forces Vacation Club
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Armed Forces Vacation Club®. Growing up in a military family, travel wasn't always easy for us because we didn't have a lot of...
A Vacation Behind the Wheel: 5 Rules for Planning the Perfect Road Trip
5 rules for planning the perfect road trip
Road trips offer unparalleled freedom and the chance to uncover hidden gems. Hitting the open road in your car lets you explore a new country or region at your own pace, venturing off the beaten tourist path and discovering unique destinations. However, just like any adventure, careful planning is key to a successful road trip. By taking the time to prepare, you can avoid potential pitfalls and ensure a smooth, enjoyable journey..
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A vacation behind the wheel: 5 rules for planning the perfect road trip
Route
Pick your region and map out your key stops. Once you've chosen a general area for your road trip, it's time to identify the must-see places. This will help you decide on your main mode of transportation during the trip itself.
Car selection depends on distance and destination. For shorter road trips relatively close to home, using your own car can be convenient. However, for longer distances or areas where you'll be exploring far-flung destinations, renting a car at your arrival point might be a wiser choice to avoid wasting time driving to the official trip starting point.
Plan your route for efficiency. If you'll be using trains or planes to reach your starting point, consider a circular route. This can often save you money on car rentals, since you won't need to return the car to a different city.
Choose your rental car wisely. If you're opting for a rental car, think carefully about the vehicle class. For long trips, a four-wheel-drive SUV might be the best option, especially if you plan on venturing off paved roads.
When the main points of the route are planned, it is worth studying the surroundings of each of them more closely in search of interesting places along the way between the main points of the route. For instance, while traveling to Dubai, define the most-wanted sightseeing so as not to miss one. Do not forget to include Dubai desert and https://renty.ae/tour/buggy in your list.
Study of roads and rules
With your rental car secured and a draft route in mind, it's time to delve deeper into the specifics. Research the roads you'll be traveling on, paying attention to speed limits and road conditions. This will help you estimate travel times and avoid any surprises.
If ferries are part of your journey, don't skip checking their schedules! Missing a ferry by a few minutes could strand you for hours and throw your whole itinerary off track.
Toll roads can be a time-saver, but make sure you're prepared. Research the different payment options available on these roads to avoid any holdups at toll booths.
Do not include impassable roads in the plan if you do not have off-road driving experience and a suitable car. Also, keep in mind that in winter some secondary roads along the way may be blocked due to snowfall or icing.
Rest, not a race
A good road trip is primarily a way to relax, and not a race against time in an attempt to drive as many kilometers as possible. When you have only a few days to travel, you should not overload it to visit all the exciting places. If you regularly have to drive 250-300 kilometers a day or spend more than 5-6 hours of pure time behind the wheel, then it is better to reconsider the travel plan. Luckily, the trip on a rental car provides you with an excellent opportunity to do it.
- Plan manageable distances with multiple stops: Aim for several short detours between main attractions to break up the driving and allow time to explore each place.
- Factor in meal breaks: Don't forget to schedule realistic meal breaks throughout the day to avoid getting hangry on the road.
- Prioritize daylight driving: While some night driving might be unavoidable, prioritize scenic daytime drives whenever possible. Remember, a road trip should be enjoyable, not exhausting!
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Budget
Planning expenses is an integral part of preparing for any trip. When preparing a trip by car, you need to take into account not only spending on overnight accommodation, food, and sightseeing but also the costs of renting a car, toll roads, and gasoline. It is better to inquire about the cost of fuel and its availability in another country in advance so that high prices or rare refueling do not become an unpleasant surprise.
If you are going to a country where gasoline is expensive and plan to rent a car, explore the possibility of renting a car with a hybrid engine – an additional electric motor significantly reduces fuel consumption. If there is a developed network of charging stations, you can think about renting an electric car.
How to Prepare for a Comfortable Road Trip as An Outdoor Adventure Lover
Unforeseen circumstances
No matter how thorough the road trip plan is, it is almost impossible to foresee all the nuances, and minor troubles should be treated philosophically. A punctured wheel, of course, will disrupt your schedule, but it will not be too difficult to solve this problem in most cases. Incidents of this kind are best perceived as inevitable road adventures, and the route of each day should initially include some time for unforeseen stops.
Crafting the perfect road trip itinerary is a myth, but by combining your own experiences with inspiration from others, you can create a plan that comes pretty darn close. It'll require some effort and time investment, but trust us, the personalized adventure will be well worth it.
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