Planning Your Holiday around Australia
The world’s smallest continent and biggest island is Australia. In size, it is nearly as large as the 48 adjacent U.S.. Its 20.4 million people are mostly saturated in the eastern and south-eastern coastal urban areas. This means that there are huge open spaces to explore in the remainder of the country, and this can often be done by car. Scenic coastlines, inland mountainous regions and verdant tropical forests with exotic plants and wild life are there for the traveller to see.
A traveler with an international driving license or a validated American or European driving permit in English can easily arrange for a car rental at the airport or hotel. There are heaps of car hire companies offering many kinds of vehicles, from different makes and sizes of cars and SUVs to minivans, camper vans and RVs, minibuses, and 4WDs. There is a vehicle to accommodate any need or preference. Just to exemplify, camping enthusiasts can find camper vans that will sleep up to 6 people, and come fitted out with a microwave, gas stove, griller and refrigerator. Deluxe models even have double beds, toilet and shower in addition to the mini-kitchen. If you are travelling in more tough terrain, there are four-wheel-drives. If you are travelling on a budget, there are economy compact cars and economy campers. There are also convertibles and luxury large cars, if you want to travel in style.
Driving in Australia can be different from other countries: 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. Expect the car rental company to provide thorough information on driving rules and regulations, supplies to take (most importantly, plenty of water), what to do in case of emergency, potential dangers such as wildlife and driving at night, as well as accommodations, routes and resources on the road. Study and preparation in advance will ensure a successful and pleasant car vacation in Australia.
