What You Should Think About Before Booking a Hire Car for Your Trip Down Under?
Australia is one of the world's most popular destinations for tourists, fascinated by the different way of life, iconic landmarks, the flora and fauna – and the adventure, of course. Those who are planning a trip may not understand, however, just how vast this country is. If you're planning your first trip "down under," then you definitely need to hire a car, if you're going to get the most of it. What do you need to bear in mind, before you do this?
Booking Ahead
While it is very easy to pick up a car at any of the major airports as soon as you land, it is nevertheless a good idea to reserve the vehicle ahead of time. If you do this, you know what to expect and there are unlikely to be any hiccups, if you arrive during busy periods.
What to Remember
Once you're behind the wheel, the main thing that you need to remember is to drive on the left hand side of the road, if this should be unfamiliar to you. This may be fairly obvious when you encounter divided highways, but many accidents do occur when you jump into the vehicle and rejoin a two-lane highway in a more rural location. You don't have to worry about driving technique, though, as the majority of vehicles will be automatic. The gear stick won't be on the "wrong" side, as a consequence!
It's All About Traction
As stated, this is a vast land and the majority of the population live along the coast. As a consequence, when you get off the beaten path and go inland, don't expect to find nicely paved roads everywhere. If you are planning to venture into the ubiquitous Outback, therefore, it's a good idea to rent an all-wheel drive vehicle before you arrive.
Safety First
Make sure that you have a plan before you set out into the wilderness, as well. It's very likely that you are not familiar with the vast distances you can find between settlements. Many roads that go cross-country are remote and not serviced by either petrol stations or cafes. Above all else, make sure that you have a lot of water for everybody on board and a survival kit, just in case. Find out where the petrol stations are before you begin your journey and count those miles very carefully as you proceed. For the most adventurous, a satellite phone is an excellent idea, as you definitely cannot count on mobile phone coverage in the bush.
With proper preparation, your trip to Australia is going to be very memorable. Sort out the transportation, before you go.
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