Our desire to hit the road on vacation is on the rise: road trips taken by Americans during 2017 rose from 22 percent to 39 percent. Whether you decide to take a road trip in the US or are backpacking across the world and want to experience the best driving roads in Europe, the best way to see a country is to hit the open road. But what vehicle should you choose: 4×4, campervan or smart car? Make sure what you choose reflects your needs for the trip and here’s some advice about how to go about it.
Renting Vs Buying
If you’re planning to drive for a lengthy period of time, buying a car as opposed to renting one, is likely to be the most preferable option as it might be more cost-effective to simply buy a secondhand car instead. However, there are many considerations to think about before making a decision to rent or to buy a car: road trips will hike up mileage and maintenance for any vehicle and this is largely based on what kind of vehicle you want to drive, and the details of your road trip. Use a road trip calculator to help you crunch the figures before making a final decision.
Choosing the right vehicle
You can find cars for sale either online via local classified sites or through a car dealer in a specific area. Although you can sometimes get a better deal in a private sale, a trusted car dealer will often offer to buy the vehicle back when you’ve finished your trip but this is likely to be a lower offer. Knowing about vehicles, or bringing someone with you that does, is essential to get the most for your money and purchasing a reliable vehicle. Once you have settled on a budget, the type of vehicle you choose to go with will depend on your road trip.
Other things to consider
Rules of the road and paperwork regulations will vary according to the country where you’re planning to drive through. Vehicles will have to be re-registered into your name which can sometimes be difficult, and expensive, particularly if you do not have an address within a specific country or state so you might want to rent a car abroad instead. Similarly, ensure you buy the correct tax for your vehicle and that the inspection document (MOT) is in date for the period you wish to travel. You’ll also need to shop around for the best insurance and breakdown assistance so you’re covered for all eventualities.
Whether you decide to rent or buy a vehicle, the freedom of the open road has equal appeal for experiencing your road trip adventure; just make sure your vehicle suits the type of expedition you’re planning.