The diverse landscape makes driving the perfect way to see the West Coast of the United States. To help plan your self-drive holiday, here are some tips:
- Choose the right tour company
Many tour operators offer pre-book self-drive packages to help you drive along West Coast with ease. They may even provide different itineraries with specific not-to-be-missed highlights. These itineraries are between four to fifteen days depending on your length of travel and the pace you choose to travel.
- Check pre-booking terms and conditions
Pre-booking options might be cheaper but they often come with inflexible dates and cancellation policies. You can use different travel apps to look for last minute stays at hotels, motels and other accommodation options if you prefer to have greater flexibility during your free-spirited self-drive holiday.
- Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules
Take a little time to do some research on local traffic rules and driving etiquettes in the West Coast. For example, you may find the California Driver Handbook – Laws and Rules of the Road on the California Department of Motor Vehicles website. Ask for advice from friends who have already done a self-drive holiday in this area.
- Car Parks
Parking should not be a problem during your travel since you will usually see plenty of parking areas for free in small towns and rural areas of West Coast. For city parking, be sure to read all posted regulations and restrictions such as those of the City of San Diego . To pay for your parking, there are municipal parking meters as well as sidewalk pay areas. There are also card-operated parking meters so do not be surprised if you need to pay using credit or debit cards.
- Select the type of vehicle that suits you
Consider your needs before choosing a vehicle for your self-drive adventure. A sports car might not have enough space to accommodate your luggage. You may wish to consider a more spacious and comfortable car in case you need to sleep in the car due to unexpected circumstances. Ask for advice from your car rental service provider to ensure that you are renting the right car for your upcoming adventure.
- Consider getting a recreational vehicle
Renting a motorhome or a recreational vehicle may be fun and efficient, especially for long drives. A recreational vehicle allows you explore unbeaten paths without having to stay close to areas with restaurants or accommodations. Most recreational vehicles are equipped for your basic needs.
Before you hit the road, consider checking out different travel insurance plans to cover you on your trip. Visit ACE Travel Insurance for comprehensive travel insurance service.
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