The Tax Cheapo

The smallest continent and biggest island in the world is Australia. It is almost as big as the 48 adjacent United States. There are about 20.4 million people and they are generally concentrated in th eastern and south eastern coastal urban areas. This means that there are wide open spaces to explore in the rest of the country, and this can be best done by car. Lovely coastal lines, inland mountainous regions and verdant tropical forests with native plants and wild life are there for the traveler to discover.

A traveller with an international driving license or a valid American or European driving permit in English can easily arrange for a car rental at the airport or hotel. There are dozens of car hire companies offering various kinds of vehicles, from diverse makes and sizes of cars and SUVs to minivans, camper vans and RVs, minibuses, and 4WDs. There is constantly a vehicle type to suit any need or preference. Just to exemplify, camping enthusiasts can get campervans that will sleep up to 6 people, and come ready with a microwave, gas stove, griller and refrigerator. Deluxe models even have double beds, toilet and shower in addition to the mini kitchen. There are four-wheel-drives that would be suitable for more rough terrain. For the budget oriented, there are economy compact cars and economy campers. There are also convertibles and luxury large cars.

One should be knowledgeable with the fundamentals of driving conditions in Australia: driving on the left side of the road, observing the different speed limits (in kilometres) and regulations in the States to be visited, checking weather and road conditions before travel, letting police know of travel plans if driving in rural areas, making way for the road trains (a semi-truck hauling 3 large trailers), etc. Anticipate the car hire company to supply thorough information on driving rules and regulations, supplies to take (most importantly, plenty of water), emergency procedures, potential dangers such as wildlife and driving at night, as well as accommodations, routes and resources on the road. Study and preparation beforehand will assure a successful and pleasurable car vacation in Australia.