Picking up a hire car and taking to the open road, stopping when you please and seeing where the drive takes you is all part of the charm of a self-drive holiday. Whether marvelling at the craggy coastline along the Great Ocean Road in Australia or embarking on your own African adventure in Namibia, self-drive trips are now more popular than ever.
Though the thought of taking to foreign roads can be daunting for some, many of the world’s most popular destinations are best viewed from the comfort of your own car, and with good road systems and infrastructure, there is no reason not to jump behind the wheel.
Some locations around the world are renowned for their self-drive holidays: New Zealand, Canada, the USA and South Africa, but countries such as Malaysia, Namibia, Oman and Chile are emerging road trip destinations.
The following tips should help when embarking on a self-drive holiday:
1. Petrol palavers
This sounds like the most obvious advice in the world, but it is often forgotten by many: fill up at petrol stations regularly. In many countries, opportunities to fill up can be few and far between and you don’t want to run the risk of being stranded. If you're planning off-road trips or driving in isolated areas consider taking extra petrol with you in a Jerry can too.
2. Pick the right ride
Choose a hire car that best suits your needs. Take into consideration the amount of luggage you are carrying, whether you'll have extra equipment with you (for example, if you're camping or skiing) and what size car you are used to driving at home to ensure you are comfortable during your journey. It might be exciting driving a convertible for two weeks but if the weather's not right it can be a problem. Think twice about hiring a VW Van if you've never driven something so large before.
3. Keep stocked up
Take plenty of snacks and drinks with you and keep supplies handy. This way you can find a beautiful spot to stop and enjoy lunch, without the need to find a shop or restaurant.
Plus, if you become lost or break down you'll have something to keep your energy levels up...
4. Mobile roamers
Check what phone coverage is like before heading out to your chosen destination – your phone network should have a section on their website detailing where's covered.
When you're there don't forget to make sure you have fully charged your phone before you set off each day. Getting stuck somewhere remote may be made all the more stressful if you can't contact anyone.
In some countries, where you'll be driving in isolated regions such as Canada, satellite phones can be hired.
5. Stay on the right track
If you're hiring a car then stick to government maintained roads. In many countries, you will not be insured if you chose to veer from them. Read the fine print from your chosen car hire company carefully to check their policy too.
Katy Pannell, Audley Travel's web content editor, is a keen self-drive traveller who loves to get behind the wheel on an open road. Audley Travel is an award-winning tour operator, specialising in tailor-made trips and small group tours for the discerning traveller, to over 80 countries around the world.
