7 Things to Plan for a Road Trip Abroad

by Riya Sander

A road trip is a fun way to discover new destinations while also spending quality time with your friends or family. Furthermore, you get to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and take awesome pictures along the way. However, just like any other trip, there is a lot of planning that goes into a road trip. Here is a list of things on how to plan the perfect road trip.

1. Plan Your Route

One of the first considerations on how to plan a road trip vacation is working out the route to take. Before your trip, have your starting point as well as your destination so that you can decide on the best route to get you there. Choose a route that will allow you to take in the scenic views along the way while avoiding routes that are not safe. You don’t need to have every single detail regarding your route planned out. As long as you have a basic itinerary worked out, you should be fine.

2. Decide Whether You will Get a Car Rental or Not

There are upsides to taking your own car-you know exactly how it works, you can fully service it before you hit the road, and you don’t have to deal with a rental car company. However, your car may not be up to the task for the road trip, which means you will have to hire a car.

Rent a car that is in great condition and up to the task. If you are travelling light, opt for a small car to save on the costs. If you have a lot of luggage, go for a rental that has a lot of trunk space or covered rear space.

Don’t hesitate to ask how the rental works. Inquire about the GPS, how to use the radio/MP3, the air conditioning, and anything else that might help to make you feel more comfortable.

3. Insurance

If you are using your own car, ensure that you inquire from your car insurance company if the policy you have is valid for a road trip abroad. If not, make sure you upgrade to the required level.

For car rentals, you will need to take out insurance for the vehicle as well even if the car insurance company offers coverage. Chances are the policy offered will probably not give you the cover you need, so better safe than sorry. Weigh different car rental insurance options before landing on one that best suits your needs.

4. Research How to Drive on the Left or Right Hand Side

When it comes to driving in a foreign country, it is important to research how to drive on the left or right-hand side of the road. For example, while drivers in many countries keep to the right, those in Australia keep to the left side of the road, as well as those driving in the UK and England.

There are other rules that come with driving in a foreign country. If you are driving through some countries, you will need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP), while in others your issued driving license will suffice. In addition to this, some countries have very specific road rules that you may not expect, so it is always important to do some research before your trip.

5. Come Up with a Road Trip Budget

There are some costs that you have to think about when planning a road trip. While you may leave the starting point with a full tank, you will likely need to refill it along the way. Therefore, research on the fuel prices in all the places along your chosen route.

If the route you are taking is not toll-free, make sure you include the expense of driving on toll roads in your budget.

Unless you plan to sleep under the stars, you will need to budget for accommodation along the way as well. You will probably need to stop somewhere for shopping and a proper meal, so make sure you have enough money for these activities. If you plan to visit some destinations along the way, set aside some cash for these luxuries as well.

6. Look for Any Travel Warnings

Do some research to see if there are any warnings of bad weather or insecurity when you are planning your route. Find out if there are any restrictions along the way so that you don’t run into problems when you are already behind the wheel.

7. Supplies for the Road

If the road trip is going to be lengthy, make sure you pack some healthy snacks and drinks to keep your hunger at bay until you are able to stop for a proper meal. Make sure you bring along medications and supplements you or your traveling partners might need as well as a first aid kit in case something happens along the way.

It is important to be aware of how to plan a road trip vacation so that you can minimize the chances of running into problems. Plan your route, mode of travel, budget, and supplies for the road. Make sure to research driving in a foreign country so as to be aware of the rules of the road, and look out for any travel warnings as well. With all these things planned out, you will be more than ready for your road trip.

About the author: Riya is an inspired writer writing in several areas of expertise. With spending her years working marketing communication, Riya is delighted to work with aspiring small business owners. She understands the importance of productivity at work and never stopped finding new ways to create her work productivity. Connect with Riya on twitter, @sanderriya.

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