August 30, 2009
Planning Your Holiday around Australia
Australia is the smallest continent and the biggest island in the world. In size, it is almost as big as the 48 adjacent United States. With 20.4 million people, mostly concentrated in the eastern and southeastern coastal urban areas. This means that there are great open spaces to explore in the rest of the country, and this can be best done by car. Stunning coastal lines, inland mountainous areas and verdant tropical forests with native plants and wildlife are there for the traveller to see.
A traveler with an international driving license or a valid American or European driving license in English can easily organise for a car rental at the airport or hotel. There are heaps of car hire companies providing many kinds of vehicles, from diverse makes and sizes of cars and SUVs to minivans, camper vans and RVs, minibuses, and 4WDs. There is constantly a vehicle type to suit any need or requirement. For example, those who enjoy camping can find campervans that will sleep up to 6 people, and come outfitted with a microwave, gas stove, griller and refrigerator. Some even have double beds, toilet and shower in addition to the mini kitchen. There are four-wheel-drives that would be suitable for more tough terrain. For the budget minded, there are economy compact cars and economy campers. There are also convertibles and luxury large cars, if you want to enjoy some luxury.
One should be knowledgeable with the basics of driving conditions in Australia: driving on the left side of the road, observing the different speed limits (in kilometres) and regulations in the States to be visited, checking weather and road conditions before travel, letting police know of travel plans if driving in rural areas, making way for the road trains (a semi-truck hauling 3 large trailers), etc. The car hire company will usually supply you with thorough information on driving rules and regulations, supplies to take (most importantly, plenty of water), emergency processes, potential dangers such as wildlife and driving at night, as well as accommodations, routes and resources on the road. Study and preparation ahead will assure a successful and pleasurable car vacation in Australia.
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