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Published: February 26th 2019
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When it comes to Australia, it’s hard to pinpoint which region has the best sights. The coastline is incredible but there are some who prefer the monotonous uniqueness of the outback. Famous cities, cultural sites and national parks are yet another aspect of this continent-country worth visiting and admiring. Finally, remote, desolate roads are a unique occurrence, unlike anything you’ll ever see and the driving experience that you can get from traversing them is something that’s quite hard to describe. The only way to experience all of it in one go is to embark on a road trip and here are some tips to help you get the most out of it.
Do your research
The first thing you need to do before embarking on a road of any kind is to do your research on the weather occurrences, the state of the road and the distance between gas stations and settlements. This latter part is particularly dangerous to underestimate in Australia. Fortunately, in the age of the internet, all of these factors and features are incredibly easy to check and, amongst all the reviews, forums and subreddits, you might find some practical advice from people who already took this
journey. These people will be able to give you specific advice, that might end up being invaluable on your journey; it might even drastically change its course.
Prepare for an offline experience
Too many modern travelers come to depend on online tools and apps, which makes them completely ill-prepared for scenarios where there’s no grid coverage. Keep in mind that on a long-distance road trip across Australia, such a thing is quite likely to happen. In fact, if you take an 8-hour long trip between two major cities, chances are that you’ll spend at least 2 hours offline. So, what if you get lost and can’t consult google maps? First of all, you should bring a traditional map of the area on the voyage. Second, you should consider downloading an offline map app for your phone, as well as
getting an offline GPS. This way, you’ll be fully prepared for what lies ahead.
Pick the right vehicle
The next thing you should consider is the fact that the vehicle that you take on the road may make a huge difference in your traveling experience, which is what all of this is about. For instance,
if you go for luxury caravans, you’re putting yourself in a position
where you no longer need to worry about the accommodation or even camp setup. Otherwise, these two issues might have been huge items on your list. Then, the performance of the vehicle may make a difference when it comes to the itinerary of your trip. These are just some of the factors that you should definitely take into consideration. Also, the money saved on accommodation (on your many voyages) may be used to justify a tad more expensive vehicle purchase than you’ve initially planned for.
Get your vehicle inspected
A flat tire, a
windshield wiper malfunction and similar, minor malfunctions are something that you can fix with ease and in no time. However, what if a major malfunction was to occur? You wouldn’t be able to fix it without the spare parts, even if you did have the skills to do so (in a scenario where you’re a professional mechanic) and waiting for aid to arrive might take hours. This is why it’s much safer to get your vehicle thoroughly inspected and serviced before embarking on such an ambitious adventure. The investment that you make here is an investment in your own safety and, as such, it is more than worth making. It’s also smart to have the number of your mechanic on speed dial, just in case.
Try not to drive at night
Roads in Australia are incredibly straight for miles and miles, which is why this repetitive sensation may cause you to fall asleep behind the wheel, even if you consider yourself well-rested at the moment. Other than this, kangaroos crossing the road is a real and imminent danger, yet, it’s something that’s far more dangerous after the nightfall. Why? Well, because kangaroos are attracted by light and chances are that your car will be the only source of light for miles and miles around. The damage that they can do to your car can be incredible, yet, it’s even more hazardous if you try to avoid the collision while driving at full speed.
Conclusion
Even after you know all of this, the truth is that you can never be fully prepared for what lies ahead. Nonetheless, it’s this spontaneity that’s the final ingredient of any great road trip. Still, by doing all you can to get ready, you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.
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