Why Consider a Self-Drive Holiday

The benefits of a self-drive holiday are multiple and should be considered before choosing your holiday.  One of the most important benefits of such a holiday is that it is the most cost-effective way to travel in Southern Africa.  Not only is it more cost effective, but you get to see a side of Southern Africa that will keep you coming back for more.  South Africa especially is known for its vast different landscapes and activities across the provinces.  Even more so, South Africa is known for its hidden treasures.  Beautiful quaint places that one do not see as part of an organised tour. 

As mentioned (by www.audleytravel.com) “one of the drawbacks of an organised tour is being shunted along with lots of other people to tourist attractions but then only having a limited amount of time to appreciate them, or spending time in the confined quarters of a coach, bus or train with people you have little or nothing in common with.”

Here are some more reasons why you should consider a self-drive holiday
  • You decide the overall pace of the holiday.
  • Regardless of the car type you choose, you have the total freedom and flexibility to get to places off the beaten track, and then spend as much time as you want there.
  • You can enjoy greater comfort and privacy.  This is especially appropriate for if you have a young family.
  • You get to experience the different cultures,people

    and facilities in their everyday lives.

  • You have to option to choose where you want to spend more or less time, depending on your own interests and experiences.
  • If you enjoy photography, a self-drive holiday is recommended.  You might, for instance, return to the same destination, but at a different time of day to catch the sunset or sunrise.
  • You get to choose your own type of accommodation.  Some people prefer staying in the hub of things, whilst others prefer a more secluded or scenic stop-over.

These are some of the benefits of choosing a self-drive holiday.  You can now enjoy the flexibility to decide for yourself to what degree this will suit your needs.

Sources

https://www.audleytravel.com

https://www.africantravel.com

http://www.thetravelparadise.net

Snacks on your Self-Drive Holiday

Packing the right kind and amount of food on your self-drive holiday is very important.  Not only can it save you unnecessary expenses, it also prevents your time being taken up by long queues in big cities.  Snacks must be easy to eat, but must also add to your road trip experience.  Having a picnic on the right spot with the right food will help to make your trip memorable.  Don’t forget that as a precaution it is also always advised that you have the necessary food and drinks with you in the case of an emergency.  Here are some tips to help you plan for your self-drive holiday snacks.

Preparing the Snacks

It is suggested that you start your trip with a tasty sandwich which you prepared the night before.  After all, you don’t want to start your holiday on an empty stomach.  A chicken mayo or tuna sandwich with fresh salad leaves are some favourites.  Remember to store the sandwiches overnight in the fridge.  It is suggested that you keep an allocated space in your fridge for all your snacks and sandwiches so that there is little chance that you forget some stuff in the fridge.   Here are some examples of what could be in your cooler box:

Ideas for your Cooler Box
  • Carrot and celery sticks & cucumber slices
  • Cherry tomatoes, pea pods, and olives
  • Water, sodas, and juice
  • Sandwiches and wraps
  • Cheese
  • Different fruits, like grapes, strawberries, bananas, oranges, apples, and cherries.
  • Cold slices meat
  • Chicken wings
  • Meatballs, sausage rolls, cocktail wieners
  • Potato salad or macaroni salad
  • Condiments like butter or margarine, tomato sauce, mayo, and chutney.
Snack Box

After you’ve made sure that you’ve got everything you need for your cooler box, you must pack you snack box or crate.  Here are some examples of what you can add:

  • Salt & Pepper and other spices
  • Bread, buns, crackers and tortillas
  • Muffins
  • Nuts, raisins, trail mix and pretzels
  • Chips
  • Granola bars and energy bars
Other Necessary Items
  • Paper towels, serviettes
  • Paper plates, forks, spoons
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Thermos
  • Wet wipes
  • Garbage bags
  • Foil or zip lock bags
  • Never forget your wine glass!

If you have above mentioned, you should be able to make your trip memorable.  Now it’s time to enjoy your self-drive holiday!

Source

http://www.vacation-lists.com

 

Planning your Self-Drive Holiday

A self-drive holiday, could not only save you money, but it can be much more enjoyable.  You are able to enjoy the flexibility that other tours do not offer and experience small places and things that make your holiday memorable.  Unfortunately, a self-drive holiday can also go wrong if not well planned.  Here are some tips to help you with planning:

Begin your planning early

Start asking yourself questions like “what do you want to see?” And “where do you want to stay and what type of accommodation will you prefer?”  You can either make use of a travel agency or the internet to help you answer these questions.  Remember to look at customer reviews before booking your accommodation.

Plan your driving route

You need to think of not only the road you will be taking but also the places that you want to see.  Don’t forget to look at points of interest like museums, shopping, road stalls and amusement parks.  In small quaint towns, you might find special historic sights.

Book your accommodation

Although you want to remain flexible it is recommended that you make reservations for especially the beginning of your trip.  Make a folder that contains all the contact details, correspondence, and dates of arrival and departures.

Service your vehicle

On a self-drive holiday, you are very dependent on your vehicle, so make sure that your car has been serviced recently.  If it has been serviced, it is always a good idea to have the oil, tires, and fluids checked and filled.  Remember to always have a tire jack, spare tire, jumper cables, simple tools, a flashlight, and flares.  Make sure you have to contact numbers of emergency numbers with you.

Travel supplies

Double check that you have everything your family needs.  That will depend largely on the ages and interests of the family members.  For small children, you need to think of diapers, snacks, milk, bottles etc.  For older children, you need to think of things to keep them busy in the car.  The most important of all is to stack up on enough snacks and water for if you have an emergency.

Self-Drive Vacation in South Africa

Self-drive travelling in South Africa ensures that you see a unique side of the country that you haven’t seen before.  It can, however, prove to be challenging with the unpredictable elements of Africa.  Here are some tips for when you attempt a self-drive vacation in South Africa:

General tips
  • Keep to the prescribed speed limits.  “The general speed limit on South Africa’s national highways, urban freeways, and other major routes is 120km/h (75mph). On secondary (rural) roads it is 100km/h (60mph). In built-up areas, it is usually 60km/h (35mph) unless otherwise indicated.”  It is advisable that you always check the road signs.
  • It is advisable to switch on the headlights of your vehicle to be more visible to other drivers, especially in dusty or rainy conditions.
  • Many of the national roads between the major centres in South Africa are toll roads. Confirm the toll fees before you leave, and make sure that you have either a credit card or cash to pay.
    Toll fares may vary from R2.50 to R61.00 per toll plaza – you may pass through three or four of these before you reach your destination.
  • Make sure that you have a trustworthy and updated GPS.
Choose the best route

In South Africa, there are multiple routes to get to your destination.  Make sure you know what routes have road works and what routes have become difficult to drive on.  Also, make sure how far the gas stations are situated from each other.

What not to do when you self-drive

Rural areas can be particularly poorly lit and not all roads have proper fencing for animals and life stock.  You need to be mindful of drunk drivers, pedestrians and even life stock at night.  South Africans also know that Kudu’s tend to jump in front of cars at night, so it might be a good idea to avoid driving long distances at night.  Never leave your vehicle unlocked, even if it is for a short period.  Also never pick up strangers or hitchhikers.

Source

www.drivesouthafrica.co.za