|
|
JOURNEYS ON THE ROAD
Whether you take off in your own car, commandeer a caravan or hire a vehicle in a far-flung destination, the drive holiday is so much more than a holiday - it’s an experience.
Built into it is the element of surprise, because anything can happen on the road less travelled: the places at which you stop, the things you do and all the people you inevitably meet along the way are all part of the adventure.
Even quite young children can be accommodated on a drive holiday with regular stops - in fact they’ll probably handle it better than plane or train travel. Older children too, will enjoy the chance to kick back and listen to their downloads between destinations... once they’ve tired of ‘I Spy’ of course.
SOME OF THE GREAT DRIVES IN THE WORLD
South Africa’s West Coast Drive
South Africa’s West Coast is a region of sheer beauty, stretching 400km across the coast through several small towns and fishing villages. The best time to visit is Spring (August through October) when the wild flowers are blooming. Mother Nature puts on her finest show with a carpet of flowers from coast to mountain.
At Flight Centre we have the latest and best in family adventure holidays. But remember to include the children into your decision making. This will help them to take some ownership of the holiday - further ensuring that this is the most anticipated and memorable family holiday you’ve ever taken.
Route 66
“The Mother Road” or the “Will Rogers Highway”, as some like to call it, was one of the original federal routes designed as a cross-country connector between Chicago and Los Angeles. Opened in 1928 and retired in the early 80’s, Route 66 remains one if the essential icons of America, and a living testament to thousands of farmers whose lives were shaped in the wake of this great road.
Great Ocean Road Australia
Spanning 300km between Torquay and Warrnambool, the Great Ocean Road is considered one of the greatest wonders of the state of Victoria. Originally constructed in the 1930’s as a Memorial to the servicemen of the First World War, the road passes through spectacular coastal scenery including great surf beaches, tranquil bays, small towns and the mountainous forests of the Otway Ranges.
TOP TIPS FOR YOUR FAMILY SELF-DRIVE HOLIDAY
- Don’t be too ambitious about driving long distances. In certain countries it is not advisable to drive at night so plan your trips and distances conservatively.
- If you’re driving overseas check which side of the road you’re meant to be driving on and of course whether you need an international driving licence.
- Try to do your driving in the morning when you’re fresh and alert, leaving the afternoons for walking, sightseeing and activities.
- Ideally, share the driving. This not only evens out the burden of responsibility but also enables both (or all) adult parties to enjoy the comfort of being a passenger.
- If hiring an RV or campervan, know the height of your vehicle. Having to wedge yourself out from under the roof of the next underpass or service station will not make for the most fun family memory. (Funny, but not fun)
- You can’t control petrol prices but you can plan for increases. Do your research and be prepared.
- If you’ve never been in charge of a large vehicle before, always have your partner signal you into parking bays. It might feel embarrassing at the time, but hitting a large tree is much worse.
- No doubt you will have collected copious road maps before you leave. Choose just one or two and use them as your primary guides. Keep copies in your luggage or glove box. In some places you can hire a GPS with your vehicle - a great help on any road trip.
- If taking your own vehicle on a drive holiday, be sure to have it thoroughly checked by your local service centre before leaving.
- Make the car space as comfortable as possible for your young ones. Try not to pack too much into the back seat area, and take the children’s pillows and blankets to encourage naps along the way. Hand-held fans are a great idea for summer holiday trips.
- Consider a roadside assistance service a necessary precaution before setting off. Travel insurance and comprehensive motor insurance is a must. When hiring a car, there are normally different plans you can take, including more free kilometres and reducing the excess.
- Stop regularly as you drive, as often as every two hours and no longer than four hours between stops.
- Ask your doctor about motion sickness medication for the family. To avoid nausea, take regular breaks, rotate seating positions frequently and play games instead of letting the children read books. Ginger tablets are proven to alleviate motion sickness.
- Of all holidays, this is the one to pack light for. Be ruthless and realistic.
- Take along a video camera and ‘interview’ each other along the way. You’ll have a road trip movie for years to come!
|
| |
|
