Thrifty Hacks For A Perfect Road Trip

Turn your Aussie road trip into a journey of spontaneity and adventure with a hire car, where the open road gives you the freedom to explore to your heart’s content. From preparation and planning to making the most of your journey, we’ve broken down the best tips for a fun and safe road trip with Thrifty.

Be Spontaneous

The best part of travelling with a hire car is the freedom of the open road. There’s no better feeling than your favourite tunes playing out loud, the fresh air against your face coming in from rolled-down windows and the laughs of friends in the passenger seats. Level up your road trip by making room for spur-of-the-moment adventures, spontaneous pit stops and unplanned exploration. See a roadside attraction that piques your interest? Spotted a sign to a nearby zoo or animal sanctuary? Being flexible with your itinerary and adding spontaneity to your journey is all part of the fun on an Australian road trip. Seek out hidden gems in every place that you stay - it can be worth talking to staff at your accommodation or local restaurants, as they could have some local knowledge about the coolest spots in town or further off the beaten track. 

Plan and Prepare

While seizing the moment and leaving room in your trip for unplanned adventures can add an element of excitement to your journey, it’s worthwhile to have the important aspects of your trip pre-planned before you hit the road. Look up your route on a map or GPS before starting your engine - this way you’ll know how to get to your destination the safest and easiest way - or which roads to take if travelling the scenic route. Organising accommodation early is key, especially when staying in small towns with fewer options available. As soon as you know when you’ll be at a destination, do your research to scope out the best stays in the area. Read forums, look at reviews and plan out your options as far in advance as possible to guarantee yourself a spot. If any of your travelling buddies have dietary requirements, it’s also worth exploring the cafes, bars and restaurants along your route. Reviews and forums are your best friends in these situations, but it’s also worth reaching out to people you know for some pointers on the best spots to dine in town.

Pick the Perfect Rental Car

Once you’ve planned out your holiday and picked the road you’ll be travelling, the next thing on your list is choosing the best vehicle to take you on your journey. Envisioning a bumpy ride through the Aussie Outback? Equip yourself with an SUV or 4WD to get you there smoothly. Travelling with a bigger crew? Thrifty has buses and vans available that seat up to 25 passengers. Explore our range of rental vehicles and remember to take into consideration your route, your party size and any features you may want to add on. With over 200 locations across the country, we’ve got your pick up location covered. If you're travelling to your destination via plane, all you need to do to begin your journey is hop off your flight, collect your luggage and head to a Thrifty airport branch where your hire car will be waiting for you. We also offer a variety of optional extras including baby and child seats and GPS units for a smooth, safe ride. Thinking of booking a Thrifty rental car again? Join our Blue Chip rewards program to save 15% on every rental.

Transform Your Trip

Ever wanted to feel like the main character starring in your own movie? While your road trip might not be through Hollywood, we’ve got tips and tricks to turn your drive into an action-packed experience. It’s all about personalising your trip, from the soundtrack to the snacks, to give yourself and your buddies the best road trip ever. Thinking of a theme and planning your entire journey around it can add some extra fun to your road trip. If you’re travelling through the great Australian Outback, play games like bingo to see who can spot the most native plants and animals during your drive. If you’re driving through a city, scour out the best coffee houses or cafes and go bar hopping to experience the local nightlife. Always remember to assign a designated driver when drinking alcohol on your road trip though. You could also consider bringing along a retro film camera or a journal to document special moments throughout your holiday to give yourself and your friends something tangible to look back on once you get back home.

Ready to embark on a journey like no other? Jump onto our website to discover how easy it is to road trip with Thrifty.