How long do you really need to enjoy a great road trip in the UK? The answer to this question is simple – as long as you want.

The UK is one of the best road trip destinations in the world and this is for many reasons. The roads are well maintained which makes driving in the UK stress free. The signs are all clear and the road rules are simple and easy to follow.

The most challenging part of planning your road trip is choosing what to put on your itinerary. You need to start by asking yourself what are the must see destinations on your list. Once you have done this – it is easy to get the itinerary organised.

The basics that you need to know for a UK driving holiday are that if you are under 25 years of age you may need to pay a young driver fee for your car hire. We have a variety of partners on our website including Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar and Alamo. This makes securing your car hire UK simple. Plan and book in advance as things get busy in summer.

There may be one way fees involved if you are looking at picking up your carhire UK in one destination such as London and dropping off in another such as Scotland. These fees however will always be included in our car hire rates.

Once you have picked up your vehicle it is important to follow the speed limits at all times. Built up roads have a max speed of 45km and country roads have a max speed of 64-80 km. Once you head onto a motorway you are able to travel at 112 km.

Seatbelts are compulsory in all areas of the UK at all times. The maximum BAC content allowed is  0.08. One of the best things about driving in the UK is that you drive on the same side of the road as in Australia.

Make sure you are very familiar with the headlights as often you will need them on all day due to misty/foggy conditions which are common in the UK. It is also important to consider the time of year that you are travelling. In summer and particularly the month of May you will have the longest days and daylight for the best driving conditions which is important when planning your itinerary. If travelling in winter it can often be dark by 4 pm.

London is a great place to start because of what it offers as a destination. My advice for London is to avoid the congestion zones where there are fees for driving in central London during peak periods.

Another good tip for driving around London is to make use of your smartphone as there is a great RAC mobile traffic app which will keep you abreast of all the traffic conditions in your area.

London has so many tourist hotspots including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Portobello Markets and Hyde Park.

A short almost 1 hour drive from London also takes you on the M4 through to Windsor. Take your time exploring the Castle, river, picturesque streets and cafes.

Also accessible by car and only a 2 hour drive from London is the Southeast area. Here you will drive through the seaside towns of Hampshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, and Surrey.

If the weather is decent take a stroll on Brighton Pier with fish and chips. A real must see destination is the charmed areas of Oxford and Cambridge which are steeped in tradition and make for a nice drive.

When you drive towards the Southwest your scenery will change dramatically to stunning beaches and coastline. Cornwall, Dorset and Devon are all magnificent spots to meander through and offer a unique village and historical feel to them.

No trip to the UK is complete without a leisurely drive to Scotland which is a picturesque journey year round. The drive from London is best done over a couple of days with a stopover in stunning York.

Once you hit Scotland – Edinburgh is the place to be as it is simply gorgeous year round (but wet) with much to offer the tourist. But if you want to have the best opportunity for good weather and a packed itinerary then I recommend going over summer. August is when things heat up in Edinburgh as it is festival and events time.

So hit the road and enjoy !

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Road trips in New Zealand are extremely popular all year round. We recommend allowing between 10 and 14 days in order to plan a full itinerary on both the North and South Islands.

New Zealand’s popularity over recent years has sky rocketed as travellers head there in large numbers due to the amount there is to see and do. There are so many different ideas and tips that experts and previous visitors to New Zealand will give you.

The convenience and ease of a New Zealand road trip lies in the magnificent scenery around every corner of the road and the low volume of traffic that is experienced.

The best advice we have is to plan your holiday well in advance so that you get to see everything this amazing country has to offer its visitors.

That means that you need to be super organised, plan your itinerary and book your car rental well in advance. Although New Zealand does experience a true climate of 4 different seasons a year it is still manageable to drive all around New Zealand year round.

The North Island of New Zealand offers stunning bays and beaches that are second to none. In winter the North can experience some snow around its peaks and National Park. The South Island offers glorious mountains and skiing that is simply sensational. In winter the South can experience snow anywhere especially on the Southern Alps. There are areas on the West Coast of the South Island such as the Bay of Islands where there will be some amenities closed during the winter months.

If you want to drive on both islands you can make 1 car rental booking. However most car rental companies will not allow vehicles to be taken on the ferry from 1 Island to another. This means you will need to arrange your ferry crossover date with the car hire company when picking up your car. When on the North Island you will return your rental to Wellington where you will board a ferry to Picton on the South Island. Upon arriving in Picton you can pick up your 2^nd rental.

If you are beginning your road trip on the South Island you will return the rental to Picton and take the ferry to Wellington before picking up your 2^nd rental.

Due to the popularity of New Zealand all year round, vehicles sell out well in advance and that is why early planning is essential. Although car hire is generally cheaper in winter, many vehicles such as 4WD sell out quickly in winter. You will also need to organise snow chains depending on where you are driving in Ski season/winter.

Summertime is when families come to New Zealand and request the larger cars and so again being organised in advance is paramount.  Make sure you request the vehicle size that will comfortably fit your luggage and passengers.

Most rentals available for car hire in New Zealand are automatic and the renter must have a full valid drivers license and be over the age of 21.

When driving around you will find that the speed on open roads is 100 km per hour and 50 km per hour in cities and towns.

For planning purposes you need to consider whether you require a GPS and this will also need to be added to your rental in advance. GPS units often sell out well in advance, especially in the peak summer period.

All drivers must adhere to the road signs/rules and any changed conditions. Seatbelts must be worn at all times and unless you are overtaking on a highway you should always remain in the far left lane.

On Motorways you must indicate for a minimum of 3 seconds before changing lanes and there are no u turns permissible. There is also no stopping on motorways and be aware that the motorways are regularly patrolled. Drivers will be accountable for any fines incurred whilst driving their rental.

In general New Zealand has well signed roads on both the North and South Islands. Local emergency services are also very responsive to changes in conditions and will close some roads that connect parts of the South Island if the weather requires it.

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Image 1: © Zhiyuli | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

Image 2: © Urosr | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

Check out these great offers thanks to our good friends at Budget.

1. Free Single Upgrade

Rent an Economy car (E.g. Group A, Hyundai Getz or similar) through to a Full Size car (E.g. Group E, Holden Commodore or similar) for 2 consecutive days and receive a free one car-class upgrade* (to a maximum Premium Full Size car, Group P).

Quote coupon UPNZ009 when making your booking. Offer is valid for rentals commencing before 30 November 2013. A blackout period applies between 24 March – 1 April 2013.

Click here to book.

*Terms and Conditions

• Upgrade valid for car groups A, B, C, D and E with a maximum upgrade from Group A to Group B, Group B to Group C, Group C to Group D, Group D to Group E and Group E to Group P.
• Offer valid at participating Budget Australia locations.
• Minimum rental: 2 day.
• Driver must meet Budget age; driver’s licence and credit requirements.
• Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, coupon or promotion including local branch specials. Cannot be used with contracted, corporate or industry rates.
• Vehicles and upgrade are subject to availability.
• Subject to the terms and conditions of the Budget Rental Agreement at the time of rental.

2. $25 off 4 days or more!

Rent a Group B car or larger from participating Budget Australia locations for 4 consecutive days or more and get $25 OFF your rental.*
Quote coupon number MPNZ016 when you book. Offer is valid for rentals commencing before 30 November 2013. A blackout period applies between 24 March – 1 April 2013.

Click here to book.

*Terms and Conditions

• Offer applies to car groups B, C, D, E, P, K, F, G, H, L, W and V only. Subject to availability.
• Offer valid at participating Budget Australia locations.
• Minimum 4 day rental applies.
• Quoted rate includes GST, Admin Fee and Vehicle Registration Recovery Fee.
• Quoted rate excludes Refuelling service charge, optional excess reduction and other optional miscellaneous charges.
• May not be used in conjunction with any other promotional, coupon or discounted offer including corporate, travel industry, net and non-discountable rates as well as local branch specials.
• Budget standard age, credit and driver requirements apply.
• Subject to the terms and conditions of the Budget Rental Agreement at the time of rental.

3. 10 days for the price of 8

Rent a Group B, Group C, Group D, Group E, Group K or Group P car from participating Budget Australia locations for 10 consecutive days or more and get 2 days FREE of the base rate*.
Quote coupon TPNZ090 when making your booking.  Offer is valid for rentals commencing before 30 November 2013. A blackout period applies between 24 March – 1 April 2013.

Click here to book.

*Terms and Conditions

• Offer applies to car groups B, C, D, E, K and P only. Offer subject to vehicle availability.
• Offer valid at participating Budget Australia locations.
• 2 days free will be applied at the time of rental. Minimum 10 day rental applies.
• Offer valid at participating Budget Australia locations.
• Quoted rate GST, Admin Fee and Vehicle Registration Recovery Fee.
• Quoted rate excludes Refuelling service charge, optional excess reduction and other optional miscellaneous charges.
• Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, coupon or promotion including local branch specials, contracted, corporate and industry rates.
• Budget standard age, credit and driver requirements apply.
• Subject to the terms and conditions of the Budget Rental Agreement.

4. $100 off 12 days or more

Rent a Group B car or larger from participating Budget Australia locations for 12 consecutive days or more and get $100 OFF your rental.*
Quote coupon number MPNZ053 when you book. Offer is valid for rentals commencing before 30 November 2013. A blackout period applies between 24 March – 1 April 2013.

Click here to book.

*Terms and Conditions

• Offer applies to car groups B, C, D, E, P, K, F, G, H, L, W and V only. Subject to availability.
• Offer valid at participating Budget Australia locations.
• Minimum 12 day rental applies.
• Quoted rate includes GST, Admin Fee and Vehicle Registration Recovery Fee.
• Quoted rate excludes Refuelling service charge, optional excess reduction and other optional miscellaneous charges.
• May not be used in conjunction with any other promotional, coupon or discounted offer including corporate, travel industry, net and non-discountable rates as well as local branch specials.
• Budget standard age, credit and driver requirements apply.
• Subject to the terms and conditions of the Budget Rental Agreement at the time of rental.

Search all our car hire rates here.

Check out these great offers thanks to our good friends at Avis.

1. Save $40* on your time and kilometre charges

Rent an Intermediate (Group C), Standard (Group D), Full Size (Group E), Full Size Sports (Group P), Premium (Group G), Luxury (Group H) or Hybrid (Group L) car with Avis in Australia for 5 or more consecutive days and save $40* off the time and kilometre charges. Plus you’ll receive an Avis Holiday Vouchers Booklet valued at over $300 – available at selected locations.

Include coupon number MPPA081 in your reservation.

Offer valid on rentals commenced by 31 August 2013. Blackout period applies.

Click here to book.

*Terms and Conditions

• Subject to vehicle availability.
• Blackout period: 27 March to 6 April 2013.
• $40 off is applicable to time and kilometre charges only.
• Offer available at corporate and participating licensee locations in Australia.
• The standard Under 25 Fee in Australia is $28.46 including Administration Fee and GST. This applies to all drivers aged 21 to 25. Drivers under 25 can only rent car groups Economy – Standard 4 door automatic.
• Avis standard age, credit and driver requirements apply.
• Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, coupon or promotion and is not available on package tour, travel industry or government rates.
• Subject to the terms and conditions of Avis Rental Agreement at time of rental.

2. Save $50* on your time and kilometre charges

Rent an Intermediate (Group C), Standard (Group D), Full Size (Group E), Full Size Sports (Group P), Premium (Group G), Luxury (Group H) or Hybrid (Group L) car with Avis in Australia for 6 or more consecutive days and save $50 off the time and kilometre charges. Plus you’ll receive an Avis Holiday Vouchers Booklet valued at over $300 – available at selected locations.

Include coupon number MPPA082 in your reservation.

Offer valid on rentals commenced by 31 August 2013.

Click here to book.

*Terms and Conditions

• Subject to vehicle availability.
• $50 off is applicable to time and kilometre charges only.
• Offer available at corporate and participating licensee locations in Australia.
• The standard Under 25 Fee in Australia is $28.46 including Administration Fee and GST. This applies to all drivers aged 21 to 25. Drivers under 25 can only rent car groups Economy – Standard 4 door automatic.
• Avis standard age, credit and driver requirements apply.
• Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, coupon or promotion and is not available on package tour, travel industry or government rates.
• Subject to the terms and conditions of Avis Rental Agreement at time of rental.

3. Save $90* on your time and kilometre charges

Rent an Intermediate (Group C), Standard (Group D), Full Size (Group E), Full Size Sports (Group P), Premium (Group G), Luxury (Group H) or Hybrid (Group L) car with Avis in Australia for 10 or more consecutive days and save $90 off the time and kilometre charges. Plus you’ll receive an Avis Holiday Vouchers Booklet valued at over $300 – available at selected locations.

Include coupon number MPPA083 in your reservation.

Offer valid on rentals commenced by 31 August 2013.

Click here to book.

*Terms and Conditions

• Subject to vehicle availability.
• $90 off is applicable to time and kilometre charges only.
• Offer available at corporate and participating licensee locations in Australia.
• The standard Under 25 Fee in Australia is $28.46 including Administration Fee and GST. This applies to all drivers aged 21 to 25. Drivers under 25 can only rent car groups Economy – Standard 4 door automatic.
• Avis standard age, credit and driver requirements apply.
• Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, coupon or promotion and is not available on package tour, travel industry or government rates.
• Subject to the terms and conditions of Avis Rental Agreement at time of rental.

4. Save $100* on your time and kilometre charges

Rent an Intermediate (Group C), Standard (Group D), Full Size (Group E), Full Size Sports (Group P), Premium (Group G), Luxury (Group H) or Hybrid (Group L) car with Avis in Australia for 11 or more consecutive days and save $100 off the time and kilometre charges. Plus you’ll receive an Avis Holiday Vouchers Booklet valued at over $300 – available at selected locations.

Include coupon number MPPA084 in your reservation.

Offer valid on rentals commenced by 31 August 2013.

Click here to book.

*Terms and Conditions

• Subject to vehicle availability.
• $100 off is applicable to time and kilometre charges only.
• Offer available at corporate and participating licensee locations in Australia.
• The standard Under 25 Fee in Australia is $28.46 including Administration Fee and GST. This applies to all drivers aged 21 to 25. Drivers under 25 can only rent car groups Economy – Standard 4 door automatic.
• Avis standard age, credit and driver requirements apply.
• Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, coupon or promotion and is not available on package tour, travel industry or government rates.
• Subject to the terms and conditions of Avis Rental Agreement at time of rental.

Search all our car hire rates here.

Hertz are one of our biggest partners in Australia and world wide.  Now they are also the 1^st to introduce a mobile Wi-Fi service in Australia.

When travelling around Australia with Hertz, you now have the option of adding mobile Wi-Fi to your booking.

One advantage of this is the significantly lower cost than what you pay for hotel Wi-Fi, especially when you factor in mobile roaming costs if coming from overseas.

The device is small enough to fit in pockets and connect up to 5 devices at the same time. It is available from the following cities; Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Darwin and Cairns at a cost of $12 per day plus tax.

Add this extra to your webcarhire.com booking with Hertz today and let us know your feedback.

Search all our car hire rates here.

Before your next trip it is worth downloading some of the many useful travel apps to make your trip easier and more convenient. Below is a list of some our favorites that have been tried and tested by our team.

PACKING PRO- this app is great as you can make lists as you think of things that you will need for your trip. You can also preset reminders for must have items such as passports and visas. Use this app and you will get on the plane knowing you have left nothing behind.

GOOGLE TRANSLATE- the language barrier can be too hard sometimes and this is made easier with this easy to use app that works in 60 different languages.

HELP CALL- you never know when an emergency may strike and it is always handy to know you can reach emergency services fast from anywhere. This app detects where you are from 126 countries and all you need to do is touch the button and you will be connected to the appropriate emergency service.

XE CURRENCY CONVERTER- there is nothing better than finding holiday bargains. Never be caught out when you come home with what you thought was a bargain, but what was really not a bargain. With this app you will be able to convert prices immediately and with precision.

TRAPSTER- always remember when you rent you car through webcarhire.com, that you will be able to feel comfortable on the roads in any country with this app. It informs you of all accidents, hazards and speed cameras in you area. There is also an option to find your destination/ attraction by using the search and route component of this app.

What are some of your favorite travel apps?

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Phillip Island is the perfect venue for a lazy or action filled weekend away in Victoria. It is one of Victoria’s top tourist destinations and is world renowned for its famous penguin parade. Its Wildlife experiences and wetlands make it an ideal winter destination.

Phillip Island is approximately a 2 hour drive from Melbourne and its proximity to Melbourne makes it easy for a weekend getaway.  Simply get onto The Monash Freeway (M1) and take the exit for Phillip Island onto the South Gippsland Highway.

You will arrive at San Remo which is where the iconic Pelican Feeding takes place daily at midday on the foreshore. Indulge in some lunch at the Pelican View Family Restaurant and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the region. When you continue driving you will cross over the bridge onto Phillip Island.

Accommodation in the region is plentiful and ranges from budget stay accommodation to holiday parks and beautiful resorts such as The Silverwater Resort and Quest Phillip Island.

Be sure to book in for the nightly penguin Parade which takes place at twilight.  Arrive early to ensure you get a good view of the Penguins.

The Nobbies is where you will find exceptional views of the entire coast with magnificent scenery. If you want to experience a true scenic adventure then Phillip Island Helicopters is the attraction for you.  Drive a short way to Cape Woolamai where the walking trail is picturesque and well worth doing.

The Rhyll Trout and Bushtucker Farm is a great fishing area that includes indoor trout fishing  Stay a while and enjoy eating your catch which will be prepared by the kitchen and is truly delicious.

The nature and wildlife experiences on the island are endless and range from nature parks such at Maru Park and The Koala Conservation Centre to Churchill Island.

To see where the Moto GP action takes place, head to the world renowned Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. You can go kart riding on a scale replica of the actual track, take a guided tour and look at the memorabilia.

If you like a maze and love optical illusions, then you must visit A Maze N’ Things where you will find a maze, illusions and even mini golf . A visit to Phillip Island is never complete without indulging in a visit to Panny’s Chocolate Factory. At Panny’s you can make your own chocolate bars, enjoy free samples and hit the shop for some take home delights.

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A recent poll produced by Skyscanner asked New Zealand and Australian Skiers to rate their favourite ski fields.

It’s no surprise that Treble Cone in NZ featured in the top 10.

Why not take advantage of our great offer with Jucy car rentals?

All you need to do is book your car hire on our website with Jucy and you will be able to ski Treble Cone completely free!

This offer is valid until the end of the ski season.

The French Alps are world famous for their winter ski holidays but they offer plenty of options for summer holidays too. Whether you’re interested in leisurely pass times such as sightseeing and spas or looking for adrenalin fuelled adventure you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for.

There is something innately pleasing with looking at mountains and the surrounding vistas, come to the French Alps in the summer and you’ll discover an amazing landscape criss-crossed by well signposted walking trails. Local tourist offices will be able to advise on walking in their areas, and offer suggestions regarding levels of difficulty. Most ski resorts will have some of their lifts running over the busy summer months, so as long as you have a head for heights you can ride to the top of the mountain to take in the sights without the leg work.

Early summer is when the mountain flowers are out in bloom, with whole meadows full of different flowers. After enjoying the visas on offer why not continue the relaxation by heading to one of many mountain spas which are dotted through the Alps, enjoy bathing in a thermally heated outdoor pool whilst gazing at the surrounding mountains or even treat yourself to a massage.

But if relaxation is not what you’re looking for then the Alps can provide too.

Mountain biking or VTT as the French call it is incredibly popular nowadays with most ski resorts spending quite a lot of effort in creating specialist biking trails across their areas with up lifts provided by their excellent ski lifts.

Road biking is also very popular in France the home of Le Tour, one of the biggest and most demanding road bike races in the world. If you like getting dressed in Lycra and cycling up big hills then Alps has plenty to offer, there are several specialist cycle tour companies who will take you on mini-Tours to ride some of the famous stages of the Tour de France.

Paragliding is certainly not for everyone, but is increasing in popularity and there are many places throughout the Alps with flying schools to teach all levels of students. In popular areas its common to see groups of 20-30 people flying at once, and all schools will offer tandem flights if you want to experience the thrill without taking your life into your own hands.

Rock climbing is quite a specialised hobby, but throughout the Alps you’ll find Via Ferratas which are routes up a mountain that have been equipped with fixed cables and metal ladders to enable non-climbers to experience a climbing route. It is necessary to use a special harness and a helmet, there are many activity companies offering guides and equipment hire. It’s a relatively safe way to experience the thrill and exposure of mountain climbing.

White water rafting is a family friendly activity which is on offer throughout the Alps, a great way to spend the afternoon and guaranteed a few laughs along the way.

There are many, many great options available in the French Alps to have a truly memorable summer holiday.

This post is bought to you by Adam Dinsdale, owner of a ski chalet in the ski resort of Chatel, part of the Portes du Soleil ski domain.

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Far North Queensland (FNQ) is the ideal location to experience some much needed warmth during the winter. It is where the rainforest meets the reef and as such the holiday options are endless. FNQ is home to the Great Barrier Reef with the largest reef system in the world. It is in FNQ where you will also find the world heritage listed Daintree rainforest.

FNQ offers something for all types of travelers from the most discerning traveler who appreciates luxury, to the budget conscious backpacker. It is also where you will find the sweetest and best tasting fresh pineapples, mangoes and coconuts.

Start by taking a flight to Cairns as this is the gateway to FNQ and all of its offerings. Upon arriving in Cairns, you can either pick up a rental car and start heading north or spend a couple of days exploring Cairns itself or even Mission Beach which is a short drive South.

The drive North from Cairns is picturesque with beautiful and tranquil waters on one side and lush forest on the other. The road winds all the way through and your first stop is Palm Cove which is less than 20 minutes from Cairns. Palm Cove is host to a gorgeous strip of restaurants and cafes and has a quaint / boutique feel to it. The cafes and restaurants are mostly beach front, as is Peppers Beach Club and Spa which offers great accommodation for singles, couples and families.

If you continue the drive North for approximately 40 minutes of coastal winding road you will arrive at Port Douglas. On the drive you will love the deserted beaches that are scattered along the coast where there are the most magnificent views of the Coral Coast. Port Douglas is home to the magnificent 4 mile beach and started as a quaint fishing town many years ago. Port Douglas and its main strip Macrossan Street, has built itself a world-class reputation, which is forged on fine food, shopping, glorious beaches and tourist attractions.  To experience Port Douglas like a local head to the Iron Bar for the famous cane toad racing.

Accommodation ranges from budget motels and apartments to the ever popular resorts and highly recommended spa resort, Thala Beach Lodge. A holiday in Port Douglas includes some of the best dining experiences such as at the Nautilus restaurant, which is nestled into Island Point Hill and has even been given the seal of approval from Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Whether you choose to base yourself in Cairns, Palm Cove, Port Douglas or even Mossman, which is only 20 minutes north of Port Douglas, you will be able to experience the best attractions of the region. On November 14 2012 there will be a Total Solar Eclipse. The only place on earth you will be able to witness this will be in FNQ.

The snorkeling and Scuba Diving opportunities on the reef are world class and for those who want to remain dry then a glass bottom boat ride is for you. Relax on the boat and still get to experience the amazing Barrier Reef as you look through the glass below.

A visit to the Daintree river and the lush Mossman Gorge is a real treat and definitely not to be missed. The township of Kuranda which lies near Cairns is also worth exploring. Here, you will find the beautiful Butterfly Sanctuary as well as various art and cultural experiences. You can enjoy a train ride through the mountains or even take a cable car over the tree tops. Hot Air Ballooning is also a favorite due to the amazing views from high above which includes the Atherton Tablelands.

Book your escape now as the best time to go is between June and October before the monsoonal weather hits the region.

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