With less than a month to go before the New Year holiday, many people are already planning their travel itineraries. Based on past experience and statistics from this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, professional agencies predict that short-distance self-drive trips may surge again.
Industry insiders believe that the policy of free highway passage during holidays will still largely stimulate people’s desire to travel. The deeper reason is that with economic and social development, the public has higher expectations for leisure and tourism, hoping to relax and enjoy the rare New Year’s holiday.
Relevant travel agencies also predict that during the three-day New Year holiday, more citizens will opt for short-distance self-drive trips, with hot springs and eco-agritainment routes being the most popular among self-drivers. Currently, many travel agencies are planning to launch short-distance self-drive routes and packages. However, there is widespread concern that issues such as highway congestion and overcrowded scenic spots, which occurred during the National Day Golden Week, may also happen during the New Year holiday. To this end, industry insiders suggest that self-drive enthusiasts should prepare well in six aspects:
1. Prepare alternative travel plans. “The most important part of preparing for a self-drive trip is choosing the route and arranging the itinerary. But to cope with unexpected situations caused by free highway tolls, it’s necessary to have one or two backup plans for the first leg of the journey.”
2. Make full use of the internet and high-tech to solve practical problems. When a section of the highway becomes congested due to heavy traffic, you can get the fastest guidance via radio, social media, and modern high-tech tools, and promptly reroute using your backup plan.
3. Plan your trip to avoid peak times. Good planning and preparation are essential, but you should also adjust your travel strategy flexibly to adapt to changing circumstances. For short-distance self-drive trips, consider departing a day later or in the afternoon; for long-distance trips, choose your route wisely and adjust your departure time earlier or later.
4. Research local specialties to treat both your eyes and taste buds. Before setting off, get a comprehensive understanding of your destination, find out what local delicacies are available, and have a rough idea of their prices so you can fully enjoy the unique flavors and atmosphere of the area.
5. Taking a detour can lead to a more relaxed journey. If you encounter highway congestion, consider taking national roads, altering your route, and exploring nearby towns or counties for fun — you can still have a great time.
6. Avoid popular attractions and opt for lesser-known routes to steer clear of crowds. Traveling is about having fun, and choosing off-the-beaten-path routes or traveling towards the end of the holiday — “going against the flow” — can actually allow you to enjoy the sights in a more comfortable and relaxing way.