More and more people are straying away from traditional holidays and are opting to travel further when they go abroad, but of course, this means you have to factor your transport into the trip. How you get around can depend on where you’re going, how long for, and the way in which you intend to live, but we’ve put together a few options for you that should help ensure you don’t end up stranded on your next holiday.
1. Buy a car
If you’re staying for a longer period of time in a large country, this is definitely the option for you. You will have far more flexibility to go where you please, and if you choose wisely, you’ll have the safest and most reliable option of transport there is.
Go for a model that’s economical and that’s meant for traveling longer distances. An older diesel engine with a lower mileage would be perfect, as it will still hold its value in a year’s time or more when you come to sell it, but research how much cars cost in the area, as buying online might be a better option. Make sure you go with a reputable seller too; for example, if you’re traveling from Cape Town to Johannesburg, AutoTrader South Africa sells hundreds of second hand cars in South Africa with reviews, advice, independent sellers, and dealerships.
2. Rent a car
If you’re staying for a month or less, renting is often the better option. Start by conducting a search online well in advance of your trip; you should check for advice from people who live in the local area, or travelers who have already passed through there. Then, look to see whether you can find a better deal by booking online.
You’ll often find that you can get early bird deals and discounts on certain models online, whereas if you leave it until you get there, your options are limited and you end up paying whatever the seller is charging without being able to shop around. One thing you should keep in mind is that the International Driving Permit is a must to drive a car while traveling around the world.
3. Book routes in advance
If your stay is going to be quite short, and you’re planning on hopping between cities rather than vast country plains, booking train routes and transport passes in advance can be a cost-effective and stress-free way of organizing your travel. This primarily would suit those going on tours of Europe; you’ll find train tickets or short flights very affordable if you book in advance.
In fact, you’ve probably heard of the famous interrailing pass; you can either book a One Country pass for 36 Euros if you’re only planning on sticking to one country, or you can book the Global Pass from 170 Euros, which will allow you to move between 30 countries.
Have you recently bought or rented a car abroad? What advice would you give to our other readers? If you have tips for people who are planning on traveling when abroad, let us know in the comments section.
