A vacation in Cebu is never complete without a road trip to places like Moalboal, Bantayan or Camotes. But naturally, you might think there are more fun and affordable ways to do that without paying an expensive tour package or hiring a van.
You might think: Why not just do it with a rental and drive your own way along with your friends?
That is certainly a good idea! But like all good ideas, it needs an effective plan (and one you might need to make even before you land). You obviously cannot just pick the cheapest options you checked out on your flight. It is important to know the kind of roads you will be traveling, what kind of vehicles are good enough to last you through the journey and if there are any driving laws you need to know.
So, to help you along, here are some suggestions.
1. Stick to SUVs and pickups.
While a lot of work has been put into the roads leading to Cebu’s many tourist destinations, some of the smaller ones are still a bit bumpy. That means you are still better off limiting your car rental options to pickup trucks and SUVs. The idea of driving up to a beach in a Nissan may sound snazzy, but not when there is a rough three-to-five hour road trip before that.
This goes especially if you are meeting with a local friend who just so happens to live on a property where the roads are barely even paved out. The same goes for a number of homestays that have been setup in these tourist spots. Take no chances and aim for the biggest, toughest vehicle in your budget’s range.
2. Make sure it is spacious and clean.
Cebu road trips can last anywhere between a whole afternoon to even a whole day. (Although the good news is that traffic will not be the issue. Some of these places are just really far from the city.) That means if you and your friends are going to be spending that long on the road, you naturally want to do it in a vehicle that smells nice and has a lot of room to keep you from getting stiff.
You also want enough room to have a good amount of food with you on the road. Depending on the destination, you would at least need to stop to eat lunch. If you do not fancy eating out at some random, roadside eatery, then make sure you have room in the back for the meals you got packed.
3. Make sure you are prepared for emergencies.
Finally, your designated car rental company should also be one that never jeopardizes your safety for the sake of a cheap price. Always go for the ones that, while affordable, can also afford to have vehicles prepped for a number of road trip emergencies.
This not only includes important items like a spare tire as well as a contact number, but also things like rental car insurance and a clear policy for liabilities. And on the side, there is also nothing that should stop you from bringing your own emergency items while on the road.
Most first-time Cebu travellers can sometimes underestimate the real extent of the experience when they go on a road trip to tourist spots outside the city. As cliche as it sounds, it is not just the destination itself that makes it great but also the journey! That is why make sure your car rental is not just affordable, but still good enough for the whole ride!
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