Renting a Car – Pitfalls to Avoid
Travelling by rental car can be a very efficient way to get around when you are travelling abroad. Here is some advice on pitfalls to avoid:
1. Make sure that you have adequate insurance. Deductible reduction will cost you some extra money, but may save you a lot in case of an accident. Do not forget your international drivers license if it is required.
2. Traffic signs denoting exits to various towns may not be a commodity. Finding your way at night time can be a hassle. A GPS with a navigation system can be a great help to let you focus on your driving.
3. If you plan to go out into the wild where few people pass by you need to prepare well. There are many things to consider e.g. bring plenty of food and water, leave your planned itinerary with relevant authorities and charge your cell phone. Do not let your petrol levels get too low. Learn how to deal with emergency situations such as your car getting stuck in sand.
4. Use a helmet when riding a motorcycle and watch out for the exhaust pipe, it can be very hot. Many people get burns on their legs that way.
5. To help you plan how long it will take you to drive from a certain city to another you can check out on-line route planners such as Mapquest. This helps you avoid arriving in a new destination at an unreasonable hour.
Personal Experience
The Phuket Police Problem
Using a helmet when riding a scooter can feel stupid if nobody else does. However, even if nobody else is using a helmet, the law might require it. On New Year’s Eve 1999, I was driving a scooter without wearing a helmet in Phuket town (nobody wears a helmet in Phuket), while suddenly I was stopped by a police officer. He told me a helmet was needed and simply locked my scooter to a lamp post. I had to get back to the place where I rented the scooter by bus to get a helmet. Three hours later I showed up at the police station and had to pay a fine. The police officer returned the keys to the scooter with a smile and said: “Happy New Year”.
About the Author
The above article is based on information in the Backpacker´s toolbox. The Backpacker’s Toolbox contains checklists, templates, FAQs and practical advice (and a few bad jokes) to make your backpacking experience as smooth as possible.
Peter Siljerud is an experienced world traveller and co-author of the Backpacker’s toolbox. He regularly contributes to Hello Backpacker - practical advice for new and experienced backpackers for all trip stages:
Get inspired / Plan your trip / Advice on the road / Tips when back home
Pattaya to Phuket