Nothing really compares to being out there on the road, exploring all the beauty that nature has to offer and roaming freely. Driving your way throughout the trip, though, is a different kind of fun, and an experience everybody has to try at some point or another in their life.
Whether you’re hitting the roads amid the jungles of Africa or the beaches of Australia, you’ll enjoy yourself more than ever, and you’ll also learn a lot of things about who you are as a person. Still, going on a road trip in a rental while traveling isn’t as easy as just saying it. You need to have some skills so that your trip is hassle-free runs as smoothly as possible.
Assessment Skills
You need to have the skill of being able to assess the conditions you’re in, and choosing your vehicle and timing accordingly. While this one is a bit obvious, many people actually miss the importance of choosing the right ride and end up with cars that fail them on the road.
You’re renting a car in a foreign country, so you might as well choose one that would serve the purpose of the trip, not one you necessarily like. Putting your personal preferences aside is key; you should get a vehicle that suits your luggage –– some people take camping or skiing equipment along the road, so smaller cars definitely won’t do. You should also take the weather into consideration. So, if it’s too hot or rainy, a convertible would be out of the question, for example. Being aware of your surroundings and choosing the right roads to drive on are also very important, because some places might not be safe. So, always be smart and assess your circumstances carefully before hitting the road.
Navigational Skills
Now, you don’t need to be Christopher Columbus, but you are going to need some navigational skills if you’re driving on your travels. Sure, smartphones have evolved and you could easily go around anywhere with a GPS in your pocket, but what if you don’t have reception or your phone dies? This is why it’s crucial to have those skills.
Basic scout skills like being able to determine which direction you’re walking in and following the stars/sun can save your life one day, so don’t take them lightly. You should also learn to read a map and use a good old fashioned compass –– two items that should always be on your person on the road. These basic navigational skills will definitely come in handy one day, even if you don’t see it yet.
Car Skills
You’re out there travelling on the road, and suddenly your car breaks down. What do you do? You might think it’s easy to call a mechanic, but what if you were in the middle of nowhere? It’s really important to know your way around the car and what to do if something breaks down.
You should also have the necessary tools to fix any minor malfunction. According to the people at HoistNow, you need to know how to use a screwjack –– a basic type of jack that comes with most cars. You can use this device to lift heavy objects, in this case your rental, to see what exactly seems to be the problem. There are different kinds out there with different functions, and you should acquaint yourself with those because maybe your vehicle needs a certain type. You don’t want to be stuck out there on the road with a malfunctioning car, with no way of lifting it to see what’s wrong.
Also, you might not like it, but you’re going to need to understand the basic mechanics of the car. You don’t really need to know how to design a car or something, but you should know how the engine works, what to do in case your brakes aren’t working, how to fix exhaust problems if you’re on the road, what to do in case the car overheats, and much more. You learn those skills with time and experience, but you shouldn’t really be out there on the road in a rental unless you know the essentials, because chances are you’re going to need some of those sooner rather than later.
Knowledge of the Country
While not particularly a skill, knowledge of the country you’re driving in is crucial for your trip to be a comfortable one. This starts with familiarizing yourself with the local traffic laws. Different countries have different regulations, and you’d do well to learn the ones that are relevant to where you’re going, because breaking those laws might make the trip take a turn for the worst. You should also get acquainted with the country itself and its conditions. What’s the weather like that time of year? What kind of animals or wildlife should you expect to encounter on the road? Learning these points would make a lot of difference in how well your trip would go, and it will save you a lot of problems along the way.
Driving Skills
A little bit obvious? Well, it has to be mentioned nonetheless. Driving a rental in a different country means that you will pay a lot of money if something happens to that car. So, you shouldn’t really risk it if you’re not confident in your driving skills, with years of experience to back that up. If you’re still learning or haven’t been driving for a very long time, it’s best if you don’t rent a car, because if you did, you’d be jeopardizing not only your money, but also your life.
Survival Skills
Being out there on the road in a rental, anything could happen. It helps if you have certain survival skills in case things take a turn for the worst and you find yourself stranded in a deserted place. Learning how to set a fire, cut some wood, and build a tent are basic skills you could easily learn, but would make a lot of difference should any unexpected circumstances happen. It also won’t hurt if you packed essentials for a time like that, such as fire starters, flashlights, and so on.
Common Sense
Common sense isn’t exactly a skill either, but it’s something you really need to practice if you’re going to be driving yourself in a rental during your travels. This starts from buckling in your seat belt all the way to refueling your car without waiting till the tank is nearly empty and checking the tires regularly.
These might seem like trivial details, but some people forget plenty of these and end up having the worst trip of their lives because they took a small detail a little lightly. Exercise sound judgment and play it safe; you’re in a car that’s not yours in a foreign country. So, don’t risk anything bad happening.
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