Traveling by car
Traveling by car is very easy to get to many different places within a country. When you book a hotel, just make sure you can get (free) parking. Within cities the parking is usually expensive. It may be better to find a hotel on the outskirts of town, and get (cheap) public transport into city center. There are various cheap motel chains in Europe like Etap, Ibis, Campanile.
A little word of warning: you may not want to stay at an F1 motel, they may be cheap, but you’ll be so glad to leave again…
When driving in a foreign country
Be aware of the rules and regulations on the road in the country where you are planning to drive. Most rental cars come with the necessary items such as reflecting jackets or spare set of light bulbs if mandatory in that country.
But what about driving on the correct side of the road in that country? When you happen to rent a car in a country where they drive on the other side of the road, go for a little practice drive around the block. It may not seem like much, but after a few turns left and right, and you are still able to stay on the correct side of the road, you’re good to go. Just make a mental note to yourself: ‘Stay left, stay left, stay left…’ if they are driving on the left hand side of the road. And keep repeating that to yourself.
Also make sure you get an automatic car instead of a stick shift. In general it is easier driving in a new place if you don’t have to shift the whole time. But trying to change gears with the other hand (if it’s an other-hand drive) can be very tricky. Oh, and if you are the driver, make sure you get into the car at the correct side. You know, the side where the steering wheel is…
Maaike: I was accidentally about to get in the driver’s side in New Zealand when I was not going to drive. My friend asked me: ‘Oh wait, are you going to drive?’ Uhm, no?! – and it happened to me a few times even!
Countries with long stretches between towns and cities, such as Australia or the U.S.A., can be great for a road trip. All you need is the right company sitting next to you in the form of a good friend. And music. Lots of good music.
Traveling by train
Trains are a great way to see different landscapes, and to sit back and relax while you go to the next place. In Europe there are various possibilities with rail passes for all over Europe. It is a great way to cover lots of ground, see lots of the surroundings. Also an advantage is that you arrive in the city center and have your luggage with you immediately. You can hit the ground running.
Traveling by plane
Planes are a quick way to cover large distances. Especially if you are going to several countries in which you go and see just one city. Or where the distances between places is big, and you don’t have much time in your trip. You will have to be at the airport an hour, hour and a half before your flight and wait for your luggage when you arrive. Time-wise it may still be quicker to go by train for instance when in Europe.
Traveling by bike
If you are feeling more adventurous, you can of course always plan some biking trip. You can bike Vietnam from North to South, or bike along the Danube in Europe. Make sure you know the rules and regulations in the country where you are planning to bike, which roads you are allowed to take. You may want to dress brightly to be seen by other drivers.
