Four Essential Tips for Your Next Cross-Country Road Trip

A road trip across Australia is an essential experience, but it can be a disaster if you are not well prepared. If you want your trip to be successful, here are four often overlooked travelling tips.

1. Budget for accommodations regardless of what you are driving.

This may sound like obvious advice, but many people who are traveling in a caravan often overlook this piece of wisdom. If you have a caravan, you probably assume that you have a free room for the night regardless of where you are. However, this is not true.

You are not allowed to park and camp on the road in most places, and as a result, you will not to pay for a spot at a caravan park. On average, these spots cost between $25 and $40 per night.

2. Service your vehicle's air conditioning before leaving.

Everyone knows that a basic tune up is a must before a long road trip, but unfortunately, many travellers overlook the importance of having their air conditioning systems fixed up. Average temperatures during the summer in the outback are intensely hot.

During December and January, the average day time temps around Ayers Rock are between 36.8 and 37.5 degrees Celsius. This can be stifling, but it will be more tolerable if the air conditioner on your vehicle is working.

Before you leave home, make sure to schedule a check up with a certified air condition technician such as Coles Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Pty Ltd. These professionals can fix any issues your system is having, and they can make sure that your air conditioning system is up for the challenge of the hot outback days.

3. Stock up on snacks at the supermarket rather than convenience stores.

Of course you are going to get hungry while on the road, so make sure that you buy a cooler and stock up on snacks. To keep your budget under control, buy snacks and drinks at the supermarket. This is typically a lot cheaper than buying snacks at a petrol station or convenience store while you are on the road.

4. Keep your car tidy with bin bags and wet wipes.

Your car will be your home away from home while you are on the road, and you want it to be as comfortable as possible for your long drives. Make sure that you pack entertainment like audio books, your favorite music and car snacks. However, you also need to pack items that will help to keep your vehicle comfortable and tidy. Ideally, you want a few bin bags for garbage as well as wet wipes for cleaning.