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Travelling in a foreign country can be a little frighting. Hopefully the information here will be of use if you are travelling in Australia. To keep it simple to read I have presented it in sections. Remember that information on transport rules are always available on the transport websites in the country you are visiting.

Keep Left
In Queensland, like the rest of Australia, we drive on the left hand side of the road. That means that in traffic traveling towards you, in the opposite direction should pass on your drivers, or right hand side. Drivers from America and Europe will find that the steering wheel is located on the opposite side of the vehicle than they are normally used to. As such, many of the controls, including gear changers, are operated by the other hand than would normally be. This can take some getting used to and we do not recommend that it is attempted by new or inexperienced drivers. If you are in doubt, or not confident about driving this way, then we recommend that you avoid it if at all possible.

Wear Your Seatbelt
It is law in Queensland that seat belts be worn by all passengers in a moving vehicle. Heavy fines may be applied to offenders and the driver of any vehicle that is found to be in breach. Seat belts save lives and we highly recommend that you ‘buckle up’. Ensure that children travelling with you are secure in properly sized and fitted baby or booster seats. Children seats should be securely fastened with manufacture approved ‘anchor bolts and points’. In many high speed accidents, drivers and passengers have avoided more serious injury by wearing a restraint.

Road Signs
Road signs provide important information to drivers. They are made up of three main types;
1. Regulatory Signs – signs which must be obeyed, such as STOP and ONE WAY
2. Warning Signs – signs that are normally a combination of images and wording that advise of upcoming conditions or obstacles.
3. Guide Signs – signs which provide information such as tourist routes.
If you are driving in Queensland for the first time, be sure that you are familiar with the signs before you get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Accidents
Should you see an accident or be involved in one, you should immediately stop your vehicle in the nearest safe area. If anyone is injured then the Police must be contacted. The emergency number in Australia is ‘000′. Should you be driving a vehicle and hear or see and emergency vehicle, slow down and move as far as safely possible to the left hand curb, in order to allow the vehicle to pass. Do not enter and intersection that an Emergency vehicle is approaching as the will proceed even on a red light.

School Zones
Many schools in rural areas lie on the main roads and in some cases the main highway. During certain times of the day, children are arriving and departing the school. In all cases, clear signage indicates the appropriate speed to travel during these times. Be aware of schools children crossing the road and alighting schools buses as they are sometime obscured from view or as they do not yet have the ability to correctly judge speeds, may try and cross in front of you.

Drink Driving
The consumption of alcohol and drugs has been proven to affect the normal response times of drivers. For this reason it is illegal to driver with a blood to alcohol level above. Heavy fines and even jail sentences are given for those that jeopardise the lives of themselves and others by driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. If you are planning to drink then plan ahead. Org anise alternative transport, stay with a friend or designate a non-drinker to drive the group safely home.

Armed with all this information, please have a safe trip and survive the drive. East Coast Car Rentals will supply you with a car that is not just comfortable but safe for you and your family.

There are many important aspects of holiday travel to consider before setting off on a whirlwind adventure or relaxing break, and one of the most pressing for today’s travelers is the issue of transportation at the holiday destination. Some travelers may be reluctant to opt for car hire, given the high cost of petrol in some areas and the additional expense of the hire itself.

Yet in many areas, and for many types of holidays, car hire is actually the most economical option -as well as the most convenient. The benefits of car hire can easily and quickly translate to savings of time and frustration for travelers, and can help tourists enjoy their holiday from the moment they arrive in their chosen paradise.

Carrying Excess Baggage

When thinking about the highlights of a holiday, most travelers aren’t likely to call to mind the experience of dragging heavy luggage around from one place to the next. Though carrying and transporting bags and suitcases usually doesn’t figure into the planning of a holiday, car hire can help eliminate this concern and ensure that it doesn’t sneak up on travelers and detract from their enjoyment. Car hire makes getting bags from the airport or train station to a hotel and between many destinations fast and simple, leaving more time for having fun.

Travelling With Children

Travelers with children in tow are likely to be familiar with the many unpleasant issues that can occur when kids are exposed to spur-of-the-moment transportation plans. Impatience, difficulty accessing certain services, and even safety concerns can all become problems when travelers take their children along for a ride that isn’t under their own control. Car hire allows parents to safely and easily travel with their children and can provide a sense of comfort and security that’s bound to be appreciated by everyone in the family.

Convenience & Public Transport

One of the primary alternatives to car rental at a holiday destination is hopping on a bus or working with a touring van. Though travelers who take advantage of these services may be set on saving money, the time involved in finding routes and stations, waiting for buses and vans, and enduring crowded seating arrangements and cramped quarters can quickly add up to be a significant hassle. Travelers who hire a car, however, can be sure that they’ll never have to wait in line or wonder why a bus is late.

Summary of Holiday Car Hire

The ideal holiday is one that should allow for new and enjoyable experiences while also staying true to the spirit of a break. Stress, worry, and frustration shouldn’t have to be a part of traveling, and with the right car hire plan, visitors to nearly any global destination can avoid these distractions and focus on having a fantastic time -all while having the power of a personal vehicle at their disposal. Hiring a car on a family holiday, business trip, or relaxing break for two is bound to help the issue of vacation transportation become an asset rather than a hindrance.

Marketer by day, blogger by night and serious TV series addict. Loves to travel and has visited 4 continents and now proudly working within the travel industry for TravelJigsaw, the UK’s second largest car hire broker offering cheap car hire deals in over 6,000 locations worldwide.

A rental car company is an agency that offers the use of motor vehicles that are for rent usually within a short period of time at a cost. Majority of the times, car rental companies will serve people who do not have access to a car for a particular period of time for any reason. For instance, in some cases an individual may be visiting a country on vacation or may be traveling out of town or the individual may have recently come out of an accident and is temporarily out of use of their motor vehicle due to the car getting major repairs done on it.

An established rental car company will offer several different cars for rental such as vans, trucks and utility vehicles. The company will also offer a wide array of prices and options for selection. Most car rental companies will compete for customers by offering great bargains on rental cars, so as to attract as many customers as possible. This is because the more customers they get the higher will their profitability margin be. Some companies will even offer great rates to customers who will be renting a car for longer periods of time like a week or so. Furthermore, car rental companies will offer unique weekend rates to customers, as well as a minimum mileage free charge. However, if the customer passes this minimum mileage, they will begin to pay for any excess over the minimum mileage. These are all great offers designed to attract customers and lure them into renting a car.

In an attempt to increase their profitability, a rental car company will even offer special discounts and fantastic incentives. For example, some companies will try to win customers loyalty by offering large discounts on reservations made online. Other bargains offered by a rental car company are coupons and promotion codes, which are usually entered into the booking form on the company website to give great rental car prices. Nevertheless, the customer should exercise extreme caution when making reservations online, as some companies will charge a cancellation fee on any reservation made regardless of the reason. Therefore, it is recommended that the customer read all the terms and conditions of the agreement, and if the customer is not clear on any of the terms or conditions, they should contact the company for further details.

Some rental car companies will also offer special deals through credit card companies. Therefore, it is also advisable that before customers make reservations with any car rental company that they check with their credit card company first. In so doing they will be able to get great bargains from companies that offer cars for rent. There are many other special deals that a car rental company will offer to customers in an attempt to attract their business. However, their main objective in the car rental operation is to satisfy their customers need for private transportation, as well as maximize their ability to remain profitable. In turn, customers should seek to take advantage of these special offers and get the high quality service that they deserve.

Parking is probably one of the biggest concerns travelers have when deciding to fly. The safety and security of airport parking can be lacking, however the prices still tend to be astronomical. In most areas alternative parking lots are usually available for less. These facilities are often secure due to fact people fly at all hours of the day and night. While these facilities are a bit further away, most will offer complementary shuttle service to and from the airport.

Offsite parking lots are usually located in a well lit areas. Many of these areas will park the car for you and will bring the car up to the front near the kiosk. Not only do they offer great customer service, but most of them have extremely competitive pricing options. In metropolis you can get ones that offer monthly rates for frequent travelers, saving big bucks. Other discount programs are corporate frees, referral discounts, and cheaper long term parking.

With so many features at lower rates, terminal parking at the airport is being challenged. If you’ve ever driven around an airport lot looking for a spot for an hour, you know the frustration. Offsite parking areas know in advance when their lot is full, so you don’t have to waste time or money.

Remember that not all parking areas are created equal. Sure, you might be able to find a great deal offsite, but be sure to research the business before using their facilities. There are reports of credit card scammers and con artists setting up “fake” lots that they don’t even own. Check to see if the service has a professional website and that there aren’t any complaints filed against them.

Parking facilities near airports can be a cost effective way to save money with the added services and benefits that business competition provides. Remember to be smart and observant when using these facilities, especially if you are travelling alone. Check for well lit easy to find areas that are located near major areas.

Want to go for a ride? Those six little words are often music to a dog’s ears. Whether you’re bringing them to the local dog park or to visit friends and family, many dogs enjoy a road trip. You probably ensure that you and your family are buckled up before you go, but are you also keeping your pet safe when they are riding in the car with you?

Trips with Pets, the leading authority on pet travel and pet friendly hotels, conducted a poll to find out how many pet owners are securing their furry companions while on the road. 53% of the 765 respondents reported taking proper safety precautions, which is up from just 44% only two years ago. Many states now have pending legislation regarding the use of pet restraints in a vehicle, so if you currently have your dog or cat loose in your car, it’s time to consider using one of the following methods:

Vehicle Pet Barrier: This was the most popular pet travel restraint in the survey, cited to be used by 41% of pet owner respondents. These barriers are used in the cargo area of the vehicle, keeping your pet safely away from you and your passengers, and more importantly, away from the windshield in the event of an accident.

Pet Travel Crate: 32% of pet owners in the poll reported putting their pet in a travel crate or carrier while inside the car. Make sure it’s well-ventilated and large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around in. There are a variety of wire, mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available to fit your pet. If you’re buddy hasn’t been familiarized with a crate environment, it will be important to do so prior to heading out.

Pet Safety Belt: Buckle ‘em up like 9% of the people in the survey do. Dog seat belts are made to easily slip onto your existing vehicle seat belt and acts as a harness to keep your pet safely in the seat in case there is a sudden stop or impact. It also keeps pets from distracting drivers.

Pet Car Seat: For smaller pets, pet travel car seats are the perfect answer when you’re on the go, and are a good option for 8% of the survey respondents. Reminiscent of a booster seat, your pet is able to look out and see what is going on while your vehicle’s own safety belt holds it in place. Your pet is secured in the car seat with a lead which is attached on to their harness.

Roaming Free is Not a Good Option: It’s encouraging that owners traveling with their four-legged family members are trying to keep them safe, but 47% of the people who took the survey do not currently secure their pets in the car. Letting your pet have free reign in a vehicle or sit in your lap while driving can have serious consequences. Aside from the obvious implications during a crash, if the scared pet gets free from the car, he could wander out into the road or try to hamper the efforts of rescue workers. And although dogs love to stick their heads out windows, doing so can actually damage their eyes and ears, not to mention put them at risk of falling out. The same also applies to truck beds.

An unrestrained pet can multiply its weight by hundreds or even thousands of pounds during an automobile accident. Some vehicle accident statistics report loose objects, including pets, to be one of the top five reasons for automobile injuries. Don’t put your beloved pet in harm’s way when you take them for a ride.

The cheapest car rental is the first thing on our mind when we need to book a car. We cannot always take our car along on trips; it’s just too impractical. Car rental companies have made a fortune based at airports where they can charge a premium for the rental, you may think “what a rip off” they just shrug their shoulders, do you still need a car? The normal response is of defeat and passengers grudgingly pay for the rental. And so the sad story keeps on going around.

The cheapest car rental companies are normally less well known, and are normally not based at the airports, but have generally a good name. Points to look out for are: How old are the cars? How often do they get serviced? When you receive the car, is it in good repair and clean, inside and out? This may sound like trivia to you, but companies who pride themselves in keeping the cars in good shape, are generally well managed. And word of mouth quickly spreads.

There is a another way to find good deals on well know car rental companies, Travel clubs have often a contract with well known car rental companies, and you will be ale to get the same cheap rate as you would with the cheaper rental companies.

This is beneficial to you as you know already that all the boxes are ticked on the check list and you will have piece of mind. So there is no need to hunt around for the good budget rental company.

Upon joining a Travel Club, members will then have access to these well knows rental companies, which are stationed at major airports for convenience. You can see the benefit in this arrangement and normally the membership is for life. Some Travel clubs charge a once of fee and some charge a small monthly fee.

As Travel Club members finding the cheapest car rental is a thing of the past because it is now combined as one in the travel package that also includes the accommodation and flights. The way the travel clubs are able to get these discounted rates is that they buy in bulk, and with buying in bulk comes a large no of people wanting car rentals, so deals are struck with well know car rental companies that in turn give more credibility to the Travel Clubs.

Travel Members also make use of this discount when going on business trips, including accommodation. A hand some amount of money can be save by going this route, as this is still very new on the Travel and Tourism market, and should not take long for many to follow in their footsteps.

Approximately twelve percent (12%) of UK motorists travel to European destinations every year and of these more than a third are unaware that they have too little European car travel insurance cover. They assume that they are fully insured to drive in Europe but what actually happens is that many UK insurers will downgrade the level of insurance cover on any vehicles taken abroad. By law they have to provide a minimum level of cover for driving in European countries but this is usually third party only.

There are basically two types of insurance cover. Firstly, there is the temporary cover which is ideally suited to holiday makers and people going on short visits. Then there is the more comprehensive cover which is specifically for people intending to stay in Europe for extended periods of time.

Some insurers will automatically offer comprehensive European car insurance cover for up to 90 days, valid in all EC countries with no requirement that the motorist must inform the insurer the intended dates of travel. This is ideal for holiday travellers and perfect for short business trips. Other insurers will want to know beforehand the date of travel and the duration of the trip. They will also inform you of the amount of free European car travel insurance cover you are entitled to and what additional cover is available.

Some companies will charge a little extra for comprehensive insurance including European breakdown cover. Something to be aware of, the cost of recovering a vehicle outside of the UK especially when there are no suitably equipped garages nearby to service the car can be extremely expensive. For instance, Auto parts in Europe for cars with right hand drives are not commonly available and the cost of returning a car to the UK could run into several hundreds of pounds.

One important document you will need to take with you and your insurer will provide is the ‘Green Card’, although this is no longer a legal requirement when travelling in Europe it can make life so much easier in the event of an accident. The green card is internationally recognized and confirms that you have the minimum level of car insurance coverage.

Finally if you do intend to spend more time in mainland Europe and require a longer term insurance cover it may be worth considering an international car insurance policy. Speak to your insurer, they will be able to advise you which policy would be best suited to your needs.

Pet lovers already have a large responsibility when it comes to caring for their furry friends. When you travel away from home, it is understandable that you may want to bring your cat along. Cats needs to be approached with caution when planning to put them into a moving vehicle for any length of time. Make sure that your cat is able to handle car rides because some animals just get sick and that is when it is better to leave them at home or with family that you trust. Plan ahead to take your cat when you travel. It is better not to leave it until the last minute.

Keeping your cat safe when traveling should be your main priority. Never let your cat run free all over the car. It could become problematic and even dangerous to the driver. Use a cat carrier that is safe and sturdy. Make sure that it is large enough to hold your cat comfortably. If it is too small they will feel confined and trapped but likewise, if it is too big the cat may get thrown around due to the bumps and turns in the road. A good pet carrier does not have to cost a lot but make sure that it is of decent quality.

Allow your cat a chance to get used to riding in the car. Many cats will be afraid at first and some may even experience some kind of car sickness. Take your cat on a series of short rides before you ever attempt to go on a long one. Some animals naturally become stressed and anxious when taken out of their natural environment. Monitor your cat for any signs of serious stress such as panting. Cats do not pant naturally so if they do start to, it could be an indication that there is a problem. It is not a good idea to push your cat to do more than it can handle.

Keep your cat’s car carrier arranged so that it is not sitting at a slant or anywhere that it could possibly fall. Ensure that it is wedged in tightly and cannot tip, even if the brakes are pressed. If you have a way to secure the cat carrier in a seatbelt, then make sure to do that. Always keep your pet safe when traveling. They are a part of the family that deserves to be as safe in the car as anyone else in the family.

Do not forget about such issues as food, water and a bathroom break for your cat. Make sure to stop regularly to give your cat a chance to do their business and drink. Keep some absorbent napkins in the cat carrier with them just in case but do not use litter in the carrier. It will be messy and uncomfortable for the cat. Maintain a consistent atmosphere inside the vehicle. Keep the temperature pleasant and do not play any extremely loud music. Taking your cat on a family trip can be fun when done safely and correctly.