Footloose and fancy-free describes me to a “T” and how I like to travel. In my humble opinion, there is no better way to travel and explore South Africa than by road.
As a single gal, there are a few things to bear in mind when roadtripping, so here are my:
Top 10 Tips for Roadtripping single gals
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Always let your close friends and family know the contact details and ETA of your end destination
If anything should go wrong, or you lose cell phone reception at least someone can check up on you and call for assistance if you need.
2. Do a car check before you leave
- DO check that you have a spare tyre (that is not flat) with the correct tools to change it, in your boot
- Check your lights, front and back, make certain all are working
- Ensure that you have enough oil, coolant and petrol
- Ensure that you have checked your tyres, both for air pressure and smoothness
Photo credit: Maggie Bow Pinup by Lorna D Carroll Photography
3. Ensure that you have a first aid kit on board
Band-Aids, bandages and painkillers as you never know when a bad case of PMS might strike, this is a “must-have” for the safety of your travel companions *wink*
4. Ensure that your cell phone and power bank are fully charged.
If you are footloose and fancy-free, you better make sure that you have enough airtime. Especially If you are on a pay-as-you-go cell phone like me, best make sure it is topped up in case emergency calls need to be made.
5. When renting a car, always check the insurance box
If you don’t have car insurance or travelling with your own vehicle, 24-hour road assist can be super handy when you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere. So pay those extra few cents!
6. Always check how many kilometres are included with your rental car
and what the cost would be of additional kilometres. This will save you from any nasty surprises at the end of your holiday.
7. Pack your map book!
Yes, this good old-fashioned GPS is super important especially for areas where you might lose reception.
Photo Credit: Maggie Bow Pinup by Grethe Rosseaux Photography
8. Never leave home without some good ol’ “padkos”
(English translation: road food). Depending on where you are travelling to, if some off the beaten path track like me there may not be a restaurant or shop nearby. Staying hydrated is of utmost importance too, so make sure you have plenty of liquids packed with your nibbles.
9. Good Tunes!
If you are going to be on the road for quite some time, whether travelling alone or with a companion an epic playlist is in order. Nothing wiles away the hours like listening to or car karoaking along to your favourite songs.
10. Last but not least; safety in numbers!
Even though I am a single gal, I know that it is always better to travel in a group. Not only for the safety factor but splitting the fuel costs and the company could make for a far more enjoyable journey than that of on your own.
Jax with American Dream Cars in Montagu, Western Cape
To rent a car with Around about Cars and explore the beauty of South Africa click here: Car Rental South Africa
*Disclaimer – This is a sponsored post
