Once the decision has been made to visit a country by car, driving from one point or from one coast to another, numerous factors must be considered. They include the type of trip you want to make (just by car or alternating between plane and car?), The vehicle you will use (will you rent it or use your own?), The route you will take, where will you stop, what will be yours travel companions (evaluate their age and their state of health), costs and strategies to spend little but to get the most out.
Steps
Method 1 of 1: Plan a Trip to Discover an Entire Country
Step 1. The first question you need to ask yourself is the following:
Will the trip be round trip or one way? Considering this factor, remember that renting a vehicle for a one-way trip will be more expensive than a return trip, this due to the cost of the rental: leaving it in a different place than the one where they gave you the keys will do raise the rates. Also, you should consider the return flight. Compare the cost of a flight to that of fuel and the miscellaneous expenses that come with a round trip by car. On the other hand, you should also evaluate the time you have available; this factor may be a cost in some ways, but it will not necessarily be the case for everyone. Calculate that such a trip can take several days to travel (it depends on where you are going; for example, if you are exploring the United States from coast to coast, it will take six days to and fro, but this estimate must be made. considering the route you will take, the stops and the driving style). As obvious as it may seem, don't forget that a round trip will take twice as long, day plus day minus.
Step 2. Let's move on to the second factor to consider:
Will you rent a vehicle or use your own? We are talking about a very long journey, you will travel hundreds or thousands of kilometers. There are various issues that you will have to address and think about: rental cost, limited or unlimited mileage if it is a rented vehicle, condition of your car (tires, years, mileage, etc.), comfort of the vehicle, audio system, boot capacity, driver and passenger seat comfort. You may also want to look into the pros and cons of renting an RV.
Step 3. Plan your route
Do you want to travel only on the highway, take the minor roads, go through the cities or combine the different roads? If necessary, determine the distances you want to cover on a daily basis. Also, how much time do you want to spend driving each day? The route traveled within 24 hours may vary depending on where you are and your personal preferences. At 100-110km / h, you can reasonably travel 600-1000km within five and a half to eight hours. Also, think about what you can skip and what you absolutely must visit. After some time, letting yourself be persuaded by all the tourist traps or all the souvenir shops could get bored and take time away from the trip.
Step 4. The place where you will stay you will have to choose it based entirely on your personal taste and your economic availability
For example, going camping is ideal for those on a tight budget. If you want to spend a little more, you will find a wide range of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and hostels. Or, you can contact relatives and friends. Avoid low-grade motels. Of course, they are cheap, but they will hardly guarantee you a good quality rest. After planning your itinerary, search the internet for accommodation and start booking so you can find deals and pay less. Also, don't dismiss options a priori. For example, if you are traveling to the United States, you can often stay overnight in casino hotels, which can offer very competitive rates; among other things, they usually also have low-cost catering proposals. In any case, whatever your choice, it is generally wiser to write down destinations and bookings before you leave, or, at least, do it gradually over the course of the trip. Going on an adventure and ending up where it happens can be an interesting and fun choice, but there are many who do not prefer it.
Step 5. Eating is undoubtedly a big cultural and economic part of the trip
Again, you need to determine what you like best. If it is a pleasure trip, full of stops and without haste or worries about the calories ingested, you can safely sit at the table for breakfast, lunch and dinner, indulging in whatever you like. Try to eat in local restaurants, avoid chains you have in your city too. Typical local food establishments are usually cheaper, and then you'll get a taste of what the local lifestyle is like. If time, money, or diet is holding you back, then you may be eating while traveling. You can easily store fruit, healthy snacks and other food items for breakfast and lunch; for dinner, instead, try to stop at a restaurant. You don't have to bring everything from home: you have the opportunity to stop on the way and shop in the supermarkets you find. This way, you will save money (even time if you bring everything with you), and then it will be possible to organize picnics during the trip.
Step 6. Another factor to consider is clothing
To decide what to pack, consider where you will go and when. If you will be cruising the United States from coast to coast in the height of summer, then choose lightweight garments when heading south. As you move north, it would be better to add heavier pieces. Remember that in the mountains, temperatures will be colder, especially at night. The advantage of this type of travel is that you can take the luxury of carrying extra weight or an extra suitcase - you won't have to abide by airline rules or pay for the extra pounds. Once you have decided which places you will visit, find out if you will have a chance to do laundry.
Step 7. If you are traveling alone, you will certainly have much more freedom
On the other hand, many believe that spending all this time alone is unnerving. Also, it requires a certain level of attention, because no one will warn you in case of danger. If, on the other hand, you will travel with company, there are several issues to address before leaving. As you develop the program, you should agree on the destination, stops and goals of the trip. Keep in mind that you will be with these people around the clock, and putting up with each other won't always be easy. Before traveling with someone, try to find out if you are compatible.
Step 8. Don't forget stops for gasoline and to have the vehicle checked in case you need to
Mark on the route where the petrol stations are located. If, for example, you pass an area where you are less likely to encounter any, consider stopping when the tank is half or 2/3 empty. Of course, in built-up areas and on the highway this won't be a big problem. You may also want to change the oil while traveling.
Advice
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The following items are not only recommended, they are must-haves in many cases:
- Breakdown assistance insurance package
- Written itinerary plans
- GPS or maps
- Radio or CD
- Notebook and pens
- Mobile phone
- Portable refrigerator
- Water (for drinking and for emergencies)
- Can of oil
- Torch
- Toilet paper
- Pillow and blanket
- First aid kit
