Exploring new places and having new experiences is what travel is all about. While it can be fun to outline all the places you want to go and the attractions you want to see, that leaves out one important consideration: how do you get there?
Hiring a car service is becoming more accessible and popular for travelers who want control over their trip but don’t want to drive themselves. Here are some of the top considerations to keep in mind when hiring a car service.
What are the Local Driving Conditions?
Driving in a new place can be scary, especially in areas with different rules or a different primary language. For some people, learning to drive on the other side of the road or trying to translate foreign signs is a part of the adventure. For others, it’s a source of anxiety and frustration that negatively impacts their travel experience – or prevents them from going in the first place.
When determining whether a car service is right for you, take the time to research the driving conditions at your destination. Some places are considered dangerous for even the bravest tourist to navigate, like the winding mountain roads in India.
It’s also important to consider your personal comfort level as a driver. If you rarely drive in a city environment, trying to navigate a populous urban center can be too much. Similarly, if you live somewhere warm and temperate and plan on traveling somewhere for a ski trip, driving in snowy conditions without prior experience is dangerous. In these situations, hiring a car service is a smart alternative.
What are your Plans for the Trip?
It’s also important to consider your plans for the trip. For example, if you’re heading to Miami to party and experience the nightlife, having a car service to ensure you get home safely is a wise investment. Conversely, if you’re staying at the resort in Disney World, you won’t need to drive much, but having an Orlando airport car service will ensure you get to the airport on time.
Take some time to outline your itinerary and determine when you might need transport. You may decide that hiring a car service for a part of the trip rather than the entirety makes sense based on your desired plan.
What are the Alternatives?
When exploring the need for a car service, it’s also essential to evaluate the other modes of transportation. Using public transport or a cab is a great way to see a city, but your options could be limited in less populous areas. Also, relying on public transport to get you to the airport on time can be disastrous.
It’s also wise to consider a car service for bucket list items that are difficult to coordinate. For example, visiting Machu Picchu (a World Wonder) in Peru can require multiple transportation switches. Missing a connection could mean missing out on the experience. Hiring a car service, however, mitigates the need for hopping buses and trains to ensure you experience your travel dreams.
Do you have the Budget?
Finally, consider whether hiring a car service (and tipping your driver) fits your budget. Crunch the numbers to determine whether the cost of a car service for specific components of your trip is more cost-effective than renting and paying for insurance (it usually is).
Don’t forget to calculate the perceived opportunity cost of hiring a car service. In other words, is saving the money worth the added stress and inconvenience? That’s something only you can decide.
Car services are often overlooked as a transportation method while traveling. However, using this option can save you time and stress, so you can focus on your next great adventure.