5 Things to Check Before Hiring a Car for your Adventure Holiday
After deciding on where to go on your adventure holiday there are still numerous aspects of each trek to consider before making your trip. The correct equipment, shoes, clothes, injections, visas, first aid kit, medicines etc to ready yourself with are one thing, but for those who enjoy the liberation and freedom car hire offers; choosing the right vehicle to take you on your travels also involves numerous important considerations to take into account before making the right choice. Here we have compiled 5 key car hire tips to bear in mind before choosing car hire for your holiday:
Choose the right vehicle for the right terrain:
This may be obvious to some, however many in the past have chosen a vehicle that cannot handle the challenges some terrain throws at them during their trip. For example, if you are likely to be off-road a lot, you will need a vehicle with the versatility to handle every situation. A prime example is when driving in snow. In many Scandinavian countries, snow tires are actually compulsory in winter months. Also, don’t be fooled by the appearance of a vehicle that appears to be four-wheel drive. Vehicle manufacturers are aware people buy into the four-wheel drive market for city driving alone. Such vehicles are in-fact practically useless in actual off-road situations. Research the vehicles your car hire company is offering you before merely plumping for the one that looks up to the job. Climate is also something to think about. If you are travelling to a hot country, ensure your vehicle has sufficient air conditioning. The same works in reverse for cold countries.
Make sure your car has enough storage for your equipment:
Looks can often deceive. Just because a vehicle appears to be large in size, it doesn’t mean it can carry all your stuff. If taking ski equipment, hiking gear, tents or other essentials it is important you research the vehicle’s storage space. Consider things like the number of people in your party and whether the car has fold-down seats etc. The last thing you need is to be pulled over by the authorities because your rear-view window is blocked with gear.
Plan your route before leaving:
Adventure holidays will often find you leaving the beaten track. Make sure your map reading skills are up to scratch and know exactly the route you are going to take before just heading out into the great outdoors to see where the adventure takes you. Sat-nav’s are great when on the road, but sometimes not so great at getting you back on track when you’re off it!
Check petrol levels:
True adventure is all about venturing into the great unknown. Therefore, if you are unfortunate enough to get yourself lost, don’t get into the situation where you are about to run out of petrol when trying to get your bearings together. This could be extremely problematic on an adventure holiday to somewhere like the Australian Outback not knowing where on Earth the next petrol station is. If you’re the forgetful type, fill a petrol can before setting off!
Don’t drink and drive!
Probably the most obvious tip of all, but one some people have chosen to ignore in the past. If you are off the beaten track, it doesn’t mean you have totally escaped the eyes of the law and are exempt from driving regulations. Don’t let the liberation of an adventure holiday obscure your senses. Not only is it extremely dangerous, if caught you could end up with more than just a criminal record.
With many car hire firms to choose from, your best bet is to use a car hire broker, who will not only help you find the right vehicle, but also search out the best deal from a selection of car hire companies.
Thanks for sharing these useful and practical tips.