Those who know me and/or read my articles, already know: I am a HUGE fan of road trips. To stretch your road trip mileage, I will often fly to a location to explore even more areas of the country. These are commonly known as fly and drive road trips. If hitting the road is on your radar, read our tips for planning a fly and drive vacation.
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Tips for Planning a Fly and Drive Road Trip
Table of Contents
If the Great American Road Trip or a shorter road trip vacation is on your radar, we get you. However, whether road trip or simply picking up a rental car at the airport, you need to know what you’re looking for in a car and be prepared for the ride ahead. Here are our top tips for planning a fly and drive road trip.
Read More: Pack the Car – Road Trip Tips for Families
Do Your Research
Whether you want to rent a car at the airport or from a local company at your destination, do your homework first. You will want the greatest price, but you should also consider the company’s reputation. Also, if you are flying out of another airport, can you drop the rental car at another branch? Although it’s never planned you should also research things such as insurance and a car crash lawyer.
Choosing A Car
Choose a car that can comfortably fit the number of passengers and luggage. If you are going on a road trip and will be in the car all day, consider your comfort. Being able to relax and listen to music while driving can make a long ride much more enjoyable! Also, evaluate the terrain – do you need a 44 or can you get away with a Cadillac?
Plan Your Trip
Plan your path before you go. If traveling by car, plan your route and your accommodations ahead of time. If you are not going on a road trip, are you returning home? Some vehicle rental companies ask you to return the automobile to the location where you picked it up.
Road tripping in the winter? Read our Winter Road Trip Tips
Research Your Destination’s Highway Code
To avoid tragic accidents, familiarize yourself with the country’s highway code. Rights of way, acceptable usage of signals, approaching roundabouts, and pedestrian rights crossing highways can differ from country to country. Learning new road sign terms is also beneficial!
Pack your ID
This might seem basic safety….but. Bring your driver’s license and any additional paperwork the car rental business says you need to drive one of their automobiles!
Sleep
Plan your sleep on long-haul flights and long-haul road trips. Nothing is more perilous than driving in a foreign country after a night without sleep. If you’re not sure how you’ll feel, arrange nearby lodging so you can relax right away!
Resist The Urge To Improve
When you pick up your car rental, the salesperson will probably try to upsell you. You’ll know you’ve chosen the right car if you’ve done your homework early on. Don’t buy a bigger gas guzzler or try to fit into a sporty number simply because it seems good at the moment!
Know The Controls
You may be ready to start going, but get to know your car first. Knowing where your headlights, hazards, and horn are before driving saves time and avoids accidents. Many new automobiles have button ignitions that need clutch control, and handbrakes (without handles!) that require practice. Modern cars should be learned at a car rental center, where you can seek help if needed.
If you use these basic tips for planning a fly and drive road trip, you should enjoy a successful and enjoyable fly-drive holiday. Do you have any other tips that should be included? Please add them in the comments below.