As cars become more common in households, self-driving tours have replaced group tours to become the most popular way to travel. How can you ensure a safe and budget-friendly road trip?
If you opt for a self-driving trip, the first step is to take your vehicle to a certified repair shop or 4S store for maintenance and inspection before departure. Only set off when your car is in good condition. Be sure to bring the “four essentials”: a tow rope, jumper cables, a triangular warning sign, and a spare tire—being prepared helps you avoid wasting time and effort if your car breaks down during the trip.
Try to stick to highways when traveling by car. Highways generally have better road conditions and are designed to straighten out the winding mountain roads that were once secondary routes. As a result, the actual distance traveled on highways is often shorter, which naturally leads to lower fuel consumption. Although highways charge tolls, secondary roads often impose fees of 5–10 yuan in nearly every county town, adding up to a significant amount. Moreover, roads near towns and villages are often in poor condition, which can also be hard on your vehicle. Plus, it’s easy to unknowingly drive into speed traps.
There are also some fuel-saving tips for driving. For example, keep the windows closed while driving, ensure your tire pressure meets the manufacturer’s recommendations, and avoid changing tire sizes arbitrarily. Try not to accelerate abruptly and pay attention to the temperature gauge—the optimal range is 80–90°C. For most vehicles, driving at 80 km/h is the most fuel-efficient speed. Additionally, every extra kilometer per hour increases your fuel consumption by about 0.5%.
When choosing a destination for your trip, self-driving offers great flexibility, and the fees at many popular attractions tend to be quite high. Therefore, consider visiting some lesser-known routes. With fewer tourists, the quality of service at these spots is often better, and you’ll also avoid the frustration of “only seeing crowds, not sights” at over-touristed destinations.
To avoid paying “premium prices” for water at roadside stops or within scenic areas, bring a case of bottled water with you. If you’re only going for a day trip, pack some food from home so you can pull over and eat when hungry. This saves both time and a considerable amount on dining expenses. If you need accommodation, book your hotel online in advance—online bookings often come with discounts. Of course, it’s even better if you have relatives or friends in the area you’re visiting. That way, you can save on food and lodging by staying with them.
Since self-driving trips offer flexible schedules and itineraries, you don’t have to buy souvenirs, local specialties, or brand-name goods at tourist spots. Instead, take some time to explore local markets, or even browse night markets. This way, you can find affordable, high-quality items while also experiencing the “street scenes” of different places.