Self-drive holidays are slowly finding a place in the vacation plans of Indian travellers.
Ajay Jain, author of Peep Peep Don’t Sleep, a book on travel signs on Indian roads and highways, is a self-confessed travel junkie. “My well-stocked SUV, travel bag, computer and my camera, these are what I need for a perfect holiday.” Though Jain loves to travel to different destinations around the world at any time, what he really recommends to fellow Indian travellers is self-drive holidays. “It’s the best way to explore any country,” he says, adding, “How else do you think I managed to write an entire book on funny road signs?”
Jain is just one of the very few enthusiasts who like vacations involving exploring regions from behind a steering wheel. “It helps you explore vistas which you’d miss otherwise,” he says. Taking a cue from fans like Jain, many travel companies are realising the virtues of self-drive holidays and selling these in India. Cox and Kings, for instance, recently announced its seven-day self-drive holiday package in New Zealand for Rs 49,990 per person, inclusive of airfare, accommodation and a rented sedan.
The company has announced three unique packages that allow travellers to choose the part of New Zealand that they wish to visit. These packages include self-drive holidays to Christchurch/Franz Josef, Dunedin, Te Ananu and Queenstown (Wonderful South), Auckland, Rotorua and Bay of Islands. Travellers can extend the vacation to nine days and there are packages for self-drive trips to Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, the Glacier Region and Christchurch for Rs 99,990. (Price includes airfare, sedan rental, stay in three-star hotels, meals and some sightseeing.)
But why opt for a self-drive holiday in an unknown city? Isn’t it safer to go on guided tours to newer destinations? Experts will tell you that such holidays are extremely safe. A rising number of car rental companies, (after verifying all details and paperwork), let travellers opt for vehicles which sometimes come equipped with navigator maps attached to the vehicle.
What’s more, a lot of rental companies and travel companies tie up to make trips convenient, safer and easier for travellers. Cox and Kings, in fact, has also introduced self-drive holidays in Australia and Ireland which guarantee tourists the freedom to space out schedules and try out new activities. The six-day, five-night Australian safari, Best of Melbourne, for instance, has on its itinerary a drive on the country’s most famous sea-facing motorable stretch and costs Rs 29,999, exclusive of airfare and accommodation.
Tourism Malaysia too is promoting such holidays for discerning Indian travellers. It has an attractively priced, six night-seven day itinerary through Kuala Lumpur, Penang, with one night each in Cameron Highlands and Ipoh, and accommodation and a self-driven car for Rs 39,999. The idea behind these vacations, experts point out, is to explore destinations at a leisurely pace instead of following typical time-bound group itineraries. Why, even Mauritius has come up with “fly and drive” vacations. The idea is to jump into a vehicle and follow an itinerary — along with a detailed map — and soak in the pleasures afforded by nature.
You can also try out a five-day, six-night tour package in Canada through self-drive tours organised by Qantas Holidays. In its 2009-10 brochure, the company has announced a special tour called Canadian Rockies. This self-drive tour package starts at Rs 63,450, includes accommodation, car hire, sightseeing, maps and directions.
Starting at Calgary, travellers can drive at their own pace to Banff to enjoy a ride on the Banff gondola and take a dip in the hot mineral waters, spend a day in Jasper visiting the Icefields Parkway and the Athabasca Glacier and explore the town of Jasper before heading back to Calgary. According to a spokesperson at Qantas Holidays, “Vacations in the self-drive category are finding many takers. It’s a good way to make holidays more personal.”
In India, too, a lot of people are learning to explore the country by driving, either on bikes or in sedans. Last year, 4x4 Explorers Club, a London-based company, flagged off 72 participants to follow a pre-set map and explore the length and breadth of the country. The travel club has, in the past, encouraged owners of luxury vehicles to travel long distance to discover more exotic spots and move on hinterland routes that are usually off the beaten track.
In previous years, the club has organised events in south America, Africa, Russia, China and Mongolia. It goes without saying that in different parts of India (depending upon road conditions), self-drive vacations can mean a dream come true. Now, many car rental companies in India too allow you to hire cars for the purpose.
However, before you set off, a word of caution. “We got stranded in Uttaranchal once because there was no diesel available. So, one should be very well prepared for such emergencies before undertaking these vacations,” says Jain. He also recommends that you take with you a puncture-mending kit, food items and necessary car papers. Above all, what you need is a streak of adventure. Enjoy the journey.
