Planning a road trip can be an exciting and fun experience, but it’s important to make sure you’re prepared before hitting the road. Whether you’re embarking on a solo adventure or planning a family road trip, taking the time to prepare beforehand will make all the difference. From applying for an international driver’s license to choosing the right rental car and insurance, there are several things to consider to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. In this post, I’ll take you through some useful tips and things to keep in mind when planning your next road trip.
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Apply for International Driver’s License
If you’re planning a road trip, there are a few things you need to consider before hitting the road. Firstly, you’ll need to apply for an international driver’s license. This can be done easily in Hong Kong by downloading the application form and providing a valid photo, a photocopy of your Hong Kong ID card, and a valid address proof. You can apply for the license in person or by post, and it costs HKD 80 and is valid for one year.
Planning your road trip
After obtaining your driver’s license, it’s important to plan your route and decide on your destination. You should also consider whether you prefer to pick up and drop off the car at the same location, or if you’re willing to pay a one-way fee for a different location. This decision will impact where you pick up and drop off your rental car. In our case, we chose to pick up our car from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and return it to San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Car Rental Companies
Speaking of rental cars, there are many companies to choose from. It’s a good idea to compare prices, ask for recommendations from friends, and consider things like insurance coverage before making your decision. I used the rental car booking platform, Rentalcars.com, to browse different car companies and easily compare prices and car types. I highly recommend RentalCars.com because of their responsive customer support. My flight got delayed and I couldn’t contact the car rental company (Hertz) directly, so I contacted Rentalcars.com. Their customer service helped me call Hertz and told me that if I encountered any issues when picking up my car, they could handle it for me.
Type of Car
When choosing a car, think about the size and storage capacity you need. Most rental companies provide information about their vehicles on their website. Something I wish I knew before my road trip is the new types of car. The car that we rented uses a keyless entry system, because we never owned or tried a car like this, we had to spent some time in the parking lot to read the manual.
Full tank or Free tank
Some car rental websites offer two types of options for fuel: full tank and free tank. When you choose the free tank option, you are not required to refill the car with fuel before you return it. However, this option may be more expensive compared to the full tank option. It is therefore recommended to opt for the full tank option and refill the car with fuel before returning it to save money.
Car insurance
It’s important to note that while some car rental companies provide Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection, it’s advisable to consider purchasing supplementary insurance to ensure peace of mind during your entire journey.
Driver’s Age
In various countries, car rental companies typically have minimum age requirements for renting a car. For instance, in the United States, the minimum age is 21, and there is typically no maximum age limit. It’s crucial to thoroughly check the age requirements of the specific country you plan to visit to ensure that you meet their criteria.
Number of Drivers
When renting a car, you may have the option to add extra drivers for an additional fee. Some car rental companies, such as Hertz, may waive the extra driver fee for family members. I added the extra drivers when booking through RentalCars.com. They showed me the total cost but did not charge me yet. When I arrived at Hertz, they said there was no additional fee if we are a family.
Useful apps
When you’re planning to travel to a new city, it’s a good idea to download GPS apps like Waze or Google Maps. Additionally, consider downloading offline maps for the area you’ll be visiting, especially if there’s a chance you might encounter areas with poor or no reception. These offline maps can be a lifesaver in helping you navigate and find your way around, even when you’re not connected to the internet.
Travel Insurance
I understand the importance of having travel insurance for peace of mind when traveling. Many people overlook the benefits of travel insurance, but it’s crucial to consider the potential risks and unforeseen circumstances that can arise during a trip. When purchasing travel insurance, it’s essential to carefully review the policy to ensure that it includes coverage for rental car insurance excess. This specific coverage can provide reassurance and financial protection when driving in a foreign country.
In my case, the insurance policy I purchased covers the deductible incurred by the insured person in the event of theft or damage to the rental car, whether due to a collision or while parked. This level of coverage is particularly valuable when navigating unfamiliar roads and driving conditions in a foreign destination.
Keep updated with local news
After finalizing your travel route, it’s important to stay informed about local developments. For example, when we planned to drive along the Pacific Highway to Big Sur, we encountered a road closure due to an incident that occurred a week before our trip. Staying updated with local news helped us adjust our plans accordingly.
Prepare for Plan B
It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in place in case of unexpected road closures. In our situation, we had to cancel our original accommodation booking due to a change in our planned route. We then had to rebook our accommodation and plan for an additional stopover to adjust to the new travel circumstances.
Plan for breaks
Remember to take regular breaks and plan for stops to stretch and rest when driving long hours. It’s important to stay alert and prevent exhaustion. Also, take turns keeping the driver company and staying awake to ensure they don’t fall asleep.
Research the road signs
When traveling to a new country, it’s important to thoroughly study the local driving rules and regulations. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the road signs and signals specific to that country. Understanding these aspects will help ensure a safe and smooth driving experience during your visit.
Bring snacks
Don’t forget to pack your favorite snacks before heading out on a road trip. Having a variety of snacks on hand not only helps prevent boredom but also ensures that you have something to munch on during the journey. Whether it’s savory or sweet, having your favorite snacks within reach can make the drive more enjoyable.
Save Emergency Numbers
It’s important to have the emergency numbers for roadside assistance saved in your phone in case you ever need help while on the road.
Now that you’ve got these tips under your belt, you’re all set for your first road trip. Have a blast checking out new places and making awesome memories along the way. Take care and enjoy the ride!