road trip Archives - Serendipity Mommy

Reasons to Get Your Own Insurance When Renting a Car Abroad

August 4, 2020 by Mandy

Many of us have fallen into that trap when we try to rent a car abroad, searching for car rental deals online, finding an $8 per day deal, only to arrive and find that the price didn’t include insurance, and when you get to the counter they hit you with the astronomical costs. The decision to continue with just basic insurance isn’t worth considering, as a single incident means that your life savings could be lost such are the charges involved, but instead of agreeing to those insurance costs, there is another way.

There are many options which you can count on to get your own individual cover before you leave home, and there are some outstanding companies which will offer you insurance for your rental car. These companies provide you with a far better deal than the rental companies, and here is why you should consider getting yourself protected privately rather than through the rental company.

Lowering Costs

When it comes to fully comprehensive cover, rental companies can charge as much as $40 per day, which can often be more than 5 times the cost of the car rental itself. Instead of paying these exorbitant charges you can get yourself covered at a significantly lower price, and still be safe in the knowledge that you are completely covered should anything happen to the vehicle whilst it is in your care. There are also additional costs which now won’t have to be paid for, insuring sports goods for example or having more than one driver, everyone and everything in the vehicle will be covered when you arrange your own cover. The additional driver cover is a great idea too as so many rental car companies will charge you extra per day for each person who wishes to drive the rental car, yet another example of them looking to profit.

Complete Coverro

The insurance which is offered by car rental companies is highly confusing, and that is by design. It is the desire of the car rental company to make as much money from each rental as they possibly can and this is why they will offer additional covers such as tires and windscreens, which of course should be covered by your insurance in the first place. The same thing goes here for their Collision Damage or Excess Waiver, they have created additional covers which should already be contained within your fully comprehensive insurance, and again that is for the purpose of making more money. When you secure your own cover however you can be safe in the knowledge that full cover means exactly that, and every aspect of that full cover is laid out clearly.

Confidence

Even drivers who have taken out full cover policies can be unsure what they are and what they are not covered for and this can affect the confidence which you drive with. For example there are many policies sold by rental companies which don’t cover the health of another party should there be an accident, or perhaps their vehicle. This means that you end up driving with more care and attention than ever before and in some cases it will mean that you don’t take the car to certain places for fear of increasing the risk that something may happen. All of this of course shouldn’t be an issue and when you rent a vehicle you should have the confidence to get out there are enjoy the open road. When you get yourself some private cover you can do this, fully confident that should anything happen, you will have maximum cover for any eventuality. Instead of letting the rental company get into your head when you rent the car, as they enjoy doing to try and make you spend more, you can simply tell them that you are already covered.

Time

If you get insurance over the counter at the rental company you do not have the time to spend on really looking over the small print and the details surrounding the insurance agreement, which could cause you to miss out on some important information. If however you decide to go for a private rental before you leave home, you are going to have more than enough time to pore over the details, weigh up the pros and cons of what each provider is offering and a make a decision which you are going to be happy with. This of course is far more preferential than taking the word of the member of staff at the rental place and sighing your life away for something which you aren’t sure about.

Increased Cover

When many of these private insurance providers started to operate there was a lot of misinformation and a great deal of restrictions on where they were able to cover and who they were able to cover. These days however this is not the case and companies such as Bonzah are offering high quality service and conditions which ensure that each driver is offered complete cover all over the world. The process by which drivers can make a claim has also been heavily simplified and this just gives travelers that peace of mind, knowing that they are covered with a quality company which adheres to the highest standards. If there are any areas where you are not covered then you will know this from the outset so there will be no confusion that could result in you not being covered, the information is completely transparent.

Say no to those over-the-top charges from rental car companies and make sure that your insurance covers every single aspect of your vehicle and its contents whilst you are traveling. Investing some time ahead of your trip to make sure that you have high level private insurance for your rental car is the best way to save money, gain peace of mind and enjoy your trip without the worry of financial ruin should you get a bump, scratch, or something worse.

Exploring Beauty of the Maldives on a Motorcycle Road Trip

July 30, 2020 by Mandy

The pavement of your driveway connects to the main road that further connects to an interstate highway. And the interstate highways connect you to every corner of the continent and beyond. As summer is ending and this is high time to kickstart that motorcycle of yours to take advantage of this network of pavement. For an adventurous soul, it is the best time for availing of the most exciting form of transportation. However, if a dream-like traveling the world on a motorbike is born from marketing and not from your passions, you won’t be able to enjoy your trip. You will be thinking many times the moment when you will return home and you can show your friends the amazing photos you did around some exotic places. When it comes to exploring the beautiful landscapes of the Maldives, your bike trip becomes even more fascinating. The Maldives is a cluster of thousands of islands each of which offers exciting opportunities including world-class resorts that are essentially the definition of luxury. You will have the sight of white sandy beaches along clear blue waters of the Maldives depicting a scenery of utopian dreamland. Here in this article, we have jotted down some great destinations of the Maldives for a bike tour.

Sightseeing in Hulhumale:

It’s best to start your road tripping in the Indian Ocean paradise of Maldives from Hulhumale Island. You can take a private or public ferry or seaplane to hop on to this exotic island but as Hilhumale is one of the islands that can be visited by road, visiting on a two-wheeler has a lot more fun. You can easily find a number of the budget as well as luxury hotels at Hulhumale Island. Sunbathing with your wife with a spectacular view of the bluest water and the white sands around is the best way to rejuvenate, when on a holiday. Being a part of the Muslim area, bikinis are a big no here, so, it’s better to dress decently while going there to enjoy unmatched beauty and splendor, sandy beaches, snorkeling, scuba diving, water sports, and resorts. In addition to the beauty of the beach, the warm hospitality of the locals, and top accommodation options make it an unbeatable destination.

Visiting the delightful island of Maafushi:

Maafushi is one of the largest and beautiful islands located in South Male Atoll, 27 km from Male, with a total population of just over 2,000 people. There are over 50 guesthouses in the region because of its popularity among the tourists. This island is world-renowned for its sandy white beaches, heartwarming hospitality, blue ocean, the tropical climate, and alluring coral reefs. This is an idyllic place with plenty of beautiful beaches, some great food, mesmerizing sandbank, offering you the surreal experience of dolphin safari, and home to water activities like snorkeling and diving. All these things are enough to put you in a mood to set out on a fully prepared, bringing all the travel luggage including safety gear like Viking Cycle vest and Viking Cycle gloves, motorcycle road trip.

Vacationing at Fihalhohi island:

Nestled on the southernmost rim of the Atoll, Fihalhohi is the last island of South Male and is the place for overwater bungalows that the Maldives is so famous for. The beach here is pristine and mesmerizing, surrounded by a stunning house reef that gives you the lifetime experience of discovering the beauty of marine life. You need to ride a speedboat to reach Fihalhohi. It treats you with the captivating view of the Indian Ocean and is truly a tropical paradise. The beach resorts here are equally charming with palm-thatched roofs and a private terrace overlooking the island’s terrain. You can enjoy a pampering massage at its spas, mouthwatering Maldivian and international cuisines and a wide variety of drinks and beverages.

Roistering in the beauty of Fulidhoo:

Fulidhoo is a tiny island, just 675 meters by 200 meters, located in the Vaavu Atoll, just 57km from Male Airport. It has only 200 permanent residents. The island is all about the local vibes – sleepy and quiet but stunning in beauty. You can indulge in snorkeling, diving, and kayaking in the lagoon in this slice of paradise. For tourists, there are a great number of guesthouses on this island for accommodation. The epic surf in this most northern of the inhabited islands of Vaavu Atoll will be the highlight of your Maldives’ tour. Moreover, this island is famous for Maldivian cultural events like Langiri, a traditional dance with drums and Tamara.

Conclusively, this route for motorcycle tours starting from Hulhumale to Maafushi and Maafushi to Fihalhohi and from Fihalhohi back to Fulidhoo is the most mesmerizing tour for motorcyclists who wishes to visit the Maldives.

Where to go on a road trip in Australia and New Zealand

November 8, 2019 by Mandy

Going to Australia and New Zealand will be on most people’s bucket list. The landscapes and cultures appeal to a lot of tourists, and some may only make it here once in their lives. Others may feel like their home and stay a lot longer.

However, there’s nothing like a road trip to learn about a place and the people you’re traveling with. So why not explore Australia and New Zealand on four wheels? These are just some suggestions you may want to think about if this sounds like the journey of a lifetime to you.

Pacific coast

If you’re looking for a typical flavor of Australia, then going along the coastal roads of New South Wales and Queensland will give you all you expect and more. Starting in Sydney, you’ll wind your way north towards Brisbane, with plenty of opportunities to stop off and explore just a little bit of the eastern side of this vast country.

Make a pit stop at places such as Port Stephens, Newcastle, and Byron Bay and discover the surfing beaches, seaside towns and national parks along the 900km route. You could even go west at Newcastle and check out the Hunter Valley region: perfect if you like cheese, olive, or chocolate as you find these local producers.

Vehicle hire experts such as Advantage Rental Car will be able to offer you a rental car for your trip. See if you can pick it up direct from the airport at the start of your trip – that way, you can get out onto the open road and start your exciting drive as soon as possible.

Perth to Exmouth

For those on the west of the country, there’s this route that begins at Western Australia’s main city and goes up towards Exmouth, just as the coastline turns northeast. The 1,200km journey shows off this part of the world’s coral coast, and other beautiful views.

As well as the turquoise Indian Ocean, there’s the Pinnacles Desert, Shark Bay, and the gorges of Kalbarri National Park to look at in awe. If you go between June and September, then you get the added bonus of seeing the colorful wildflowers across the landscape.

Auckland to Cape Reinga

Many tourists will use Auckland on the north island as their base when going to New Zealand – and if you don’t have many days in this picturesque country, you’ll still get to explore some of it’s best places from here. Head north out of the city, and you’ll not only see magnificent landscapes but have fantastic experiences.

Make your way to Paihia, the gateway to the Bay of Islands, which is made up of 144 islands with green countryside and blue waters. You can swim with dolphins here or, if getting into the sea isn’t your thing, you can take a ferry to the historic town of Russell. Then head up to 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga – the top of New Zealand – and onto the Kauri forests and waterfalls that are inland.

Save on a Charter Bus Rental for a Family Adventure

May 17, 2019 by Mandy

A charter bus is the most convenient way to travel during any group trip. Who doesn’t want to just relax and have fun while on a vacation without having to worry about the road ahead? The best options available while travelling are almost hardly ever easy to access. But a charter bus makes that happen for you, combining the best of all worlds by providing comfort, safety, ease of mind and plenty of space to all those who rent it. One of the most convenient ways to travel, hiring a charter bus is the best choice you can make for you and your group on your next trip. Charter bus rental price is also a big perk as it is mostly cheaper than hiring many small vehicles while providing almost double the comfort. Whether it’s a wedding, a family gathering or a road trip with friends, renting a charter bus is the most sensible option. It not only ensures the safety of the group but gives you ample space and time to have fun with your friends and family.

Let’s take a look at some of the many advantages of chartering a bus for your next group trip:

1. Budget Friendly

Choosing a charter bus will definitely help you avoid making a major dent in your wallet. While hiring a couple of four-wheelers instead of a bus may be the first thing that comes to your mind, availing that option can cost you twice the amount you would have to spend if you were to hire a charter bus. Charter bus rental prices are not just cheaper, but also astoundingly rewarding for all the convenience it provides.

2. Unity

The main advantage of hiring a charter bus is that it lets the group trip remain a group trip. There’s no separation, and all the people on the trip can enjoy their time together without having to worry about anything else. Spending time together is the main point of a group trip, and a charter bus makes sure that it is taken care of for the whole journey.

3. No hassles, no worries

You don’t have to be worried about reaching the destination, the traffic or the route if you hire a charter bus. The experienced drivers can make sure that the trip is smooth sailing for you and your group, always taking care of your comfort and individual needs while at it. They also can suggest you some amazing places for you to check out on the way, making the trip way more fun than you might have initially expected.

4. Environment Friendly

Now, many people don’t think much about this, but let’s also think a little bit about the earth. A fully loaded bus gets more than 4 times fuel efficiency than a fully loaded car. By hiring a charter bus, you are also helping in saving fuel and reduce pollution.

5. You are the boss

Remember those car trips where the one behind the wheel was the alpha and the seated ones were the peasants who had to go wherever the alpha took them? Forget about that now, as the group gets to decide the pit-stops and re-routes without any blowbacks from the one behind the wheel. You just need to tell the driver about what you want and your directions will be followed, with almost no additional prices unless you exceed the distance you rented the bus for. From the music to the pit stops to how much time you spend taking in the view outside, it is all up to you to decide.

Family Road Trip Activities

April 24, 2018 by Mandy

Road trips are a great way to leave your responsibilities for a few days and just go on an adventure. In fact, taking one with the family is even better. But, while you’re driving down the road, you and your kids can start to get a little restless, especially if it is longer than two hours.

There are plenty of ways to pass the time; you can tell each other stories play games on your phone, browse through social media, or take pictures and videos.

If it’s an unplugged activity you want, then you’ve come to the right place. Alpha Car Hire has gathered up a few activities you can try with your kids for your next road trip:

Maps

Often in video games, you’ll see a small map that shows where the protagonist is headed and what he can expect in that particular area. So, why not give your kids a map that shows the route your family will take to your destination?

Print out a Google map, show the kids your starting point, the roads you will take, and the places you will stop for bathroom breaks. If you’re up for it, you can also arrange a list of things people living in your destination like to do.

Doing this gives your kids something to look forward to and may even spark their curiosity.

Colouring/Craft Projects

Nothing can make time go faster than arts and crafts. You get so caught up in the work that you surprise yourself when you see how much time has passed. Arts and crafts are usually done on a table while you’re sitting in a chair, but luckily doing that in the car is now possible.

Prepare a small basket filled with arts and crafts materials like crayons, colour pencils, papers, colouring books, and erasable markers.

Before you go, place it next to your child in the backseat and make sure he can reach inside it. If you have a small table for your children that can attach to their car seat, even better. That way they will have enough room to do their art without trouble.

This can help keep them busy for a few hours and can even help avoid the inevitable question: “are we there yet?”

Travel Toys

Aside from doing art, another thing you can give your kids is travel toys. You can have them select the toys they want from their collection or take on additional responsibility around the house to earn money so they can buy new toys for the trip.

This way, they learn the value of money and they can get a new toy to bring for the trip. A win-win for you and your kids.

Car Games

Speaking of playing with toys, car games are another time passing activity you can try. The best part about this is that everyone can get involved.

You can introduce them to classic car games like I Spy. You can also make it even more exciting by playing road bingo, where you print out cards or use an app to check off things you spot along the highway or backroads. Magnetic board games like Snakes and Ladders are also an excellent activity for older kids.

These activities are fun and can help you and your kids bond during the drive.

Audio Books

Ever wanted to introduce your kids to Harry Potter but never had the opportunity to do so? Now is the time to send your kids on a magical adventure with the use of an audiobook.

This is perfect for long car rides. Download a few audio books, play it on the car stereo and be taken away on an adventure completely different from the one you are taking.

Not only is it a great option for kids, it is also great for parents who want to catch up on their reading but has never found the time to do so.

There are plenty of activities to try during a road trip. Whether it’s imagining a running man alongside your car or with toys, it will certainly make your trip memorable and might also inspire your kids to do the same with their own family someday.