Travelling Light On A Self Drive Holiday
I’m absolutely certain that I am not the only person out there that routinely packs way too much when they go on holiday. In fact, I’m certain of it. If I fly, my suitcase is bang on the weight it should be as I am checking in to go on holiday let alone coming back. However, when I am going on a self drive then I am usually much more careful about what I pack. It’s important to travel light as and when you can. It isn’t always possible, when you have children for example, but you should make cutbacks whenever you can.
There are many reasons as to why cutting back on your luggage on a self drive is important, with the main one being that it will save you a lot on your fuel bills. Carrying extra weight will really put a strain on your car and will hinder its movement, thus using more fuel and making your holiday much more expensive than it should be. However, there is one more reason that you should bear in mind. Carrying the bare minimum will make you more responsive to the environment. This may sound a little absurd but it’s completely true. For example, you will think to keep your rubbish in your car because you will have room for it.
No matter where you go on a self drive though, travelling light in terms of your personal luggage will also leave you enough space for those things you need but do not necessarily think about. For example, you should ensure that you have all of the safety equipment required by law in your destination country. For example, you will need a reflective vest and a warning triangle in case of an accident. You will also need a spare wheel and the equipment to fit it if need be. Extra luggage will take up the room that this equipment should occupy.
Travelling light may also improve the way you drive when abroad and make you a little more careful on the road. Under no circumstances should your luggage ever block your rear view mirror. This is one of those things that us Brits seem to ignore when on the move but you should always have a clear view behind you so that you are fully aware of what is going on around you.
Finally, one thing you should never forget when travelling light is all of the relevant documentation. Your passport, travel insurance documents, driving license and car insurance/ownership papers should always accompany you. Keep them in your dashboard compartment when you are travelling but always be sure to take them out whenever you get out of your car. Even if you are just going into a rest stop, take your papers with you. You never know who’s watching!
Guest Article by Louise Crowley
Monday, September 22nd, 2008
