Road trips are fun and exciting, seeing new and interesting places, meeting people and experiencing new cultures, and most importantly taking a break from the usual.
If you have ever heard of Route 66 in movies and songs or heard about history-making Nigerians like Olabisi Ajala (a.k.a. Ajala travel all over the world), you will know that taking a trip is a trip! The best way to do this is by car but travelling by road has its advantages & disadvantages. Travelling by road in a car is advantageous because it allows you to go where you want and when you want.
Before you set out though, it is advisable to have your car checked, serviced, and made ready for the trip.
Hit the road and the world opens up; wind in your air, engine purring under your feet and the world just passing by your window continuously.
Talking about the advantages of travelling by road, one would think flexibility.
Flexibility is one of the major advantages of travelling by road in a car. You are not restricted by timetables and schedules, and there is no baggage limit- except for the size of your boot.
Another advantage of travelling by car is that it gives room to play & explore on the journey. You can choose and change your route at will. There is also no problem if you want to visit some unscheduled places of interest on the way.
You also may or may not follow a pre-planned schedule & route, and when traveling with family or friends, it is typically easy to find a compromise.
Whilst it is not a common phenomenon here to take your pet dog along for short trips, it’s actually not a bad idea as they also double up as guards.
Travelling by road is full of incredible opportunities. Everywhere you go there is something new to see and do. Seeing new cultures and changing topography, all add to the excitement of the trip! If you pick a spacious car for your trip you will be able to purchase some items of interest along the way, even as you see many beautiful villages and small towns. Road travel in Nigeria and across many African countries increases the possibility of exploring optional remote restaurants and cafes that are unreachable to most tourists, allowing you to taste a variety of dishes and slice of life experiences.
Another great benefit of travelling by car is that it can save a bit of money, in comparison with air travel, as it is a much cheaper way to travel and passengers have the opportunity to bond closely.
However, for all the pros, there are downsides to travelling by road. They can put a downer on the trip and even dents on your vehicle. Car breakdowns are time-consuming and potentially expensive. Moreover, breakdowns in remote areas can end up leaving passengers stranded, with hefty repair & towing bills!
Abandonment of faulty cars during road travel can leave your car more vulnerable to being stolen by car thieves or scavengers who can break in and steal valuables. There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of your car being stolen:
- Never leave a car with open doors and windows and do not forget to take the car keys with you.
- Never leave valuables in plain view in an unattended car.
- Try to park your car in well-lit or high foot traffic areas.
Long hours behind the wheel can take its toll on the driver. Try to take a few ‘stretch-out’ breaks (of at least 15 minutes) every two hours at safe spots like petrol stations and other well utilised service points like FirstBank Cash points around the country!
All in all, driving is fun. Always remember to maintain high awareness and be on the lookout for anything that might want to impede your trip. Utilising modern tools like maps and location apps can make the trip safer and more interesting.
Drive with caution to arrive safely. For more information about our ATM network or Agent locations where you can get easy access to cash as you journey, visit www.firstbanknigeria.com
Image source: SHUTTERSTOCK
