Each year, numerous H&B travelers embark on a self-drive Expedition through the U.K. and Ireland.
Although the service of a professional Driver-Host is lost in the process, there are a variety of unique benefits to a self-drive Expedition. Not the least of which is the flexibility to chart your own course.
If you’re counting down to a self-drive Expedition, here are a few helpful tips to consider before you get behind the wheel.
We also covered the topic in detail in the episode below of the Golf and the Good Life podcast.
Have Reliable GPS
When navigating the unfamiliar roads of GB&I, your GPS can either be a best friend or worst enemy. All rentals arranged through H&B come with a GPS, however we suggest brushing up on its functionality before setting off from the agency.
It also never hurts to have a backup option.
If you have international usage on your cell phone, you will likely be able to use Google Maps and other navigation as normal. Of course, you should check with your carrier before using international data to avoid an unwanted surprise when your next bill arrives.
If you will not have international cell service, you may still be able to utilize Google Maps by downloading an offline version of the map to your phone. Instructions on how to do so can be found here. Although the offline map will lack some of the detail and functionality normally found in the apps, it may come in handy for navigation.
All of this comes with a fair warning: by the end of the trip, the command “In ¼ mile, at the roundabout, take the 2nd exit..” will be like an annoying song that gets stuck in your head for days on end.
Appoint a Navigator
While your GPS is essential, the continuous commands can be exhausting. Especially if there are any distractions from other passengers or scenery.
Our advice is to appoint a navigator to help identify your next turn, roundabout, or exit. This will allow you to focus more on the traffic and narrow roads.
As an added bonus, you can probably turn down the GPS, preserving everyone’s sanity.
Allow Extra Time
Despite growing more comfortable with the driving as your trip carries on, you will almost always find that the travel time takes longer than what the good folks at Google indicate.
Conservative driving on the other side of the road is usually one explanation.
Stops at the previously mentioned pull-offs for photos are another.
But in either case, don’t sell yourself short on time. We usually add an extra 20% to the estimate shown in Google Maps.
Take A Warm-Up Drive
For many golfers on a self-drive trip, a primary concern leading up to the journey – aside from the safe arrival of their golf clubs – is driving on the left side of the road.
Even if it’s not your first time doing so, getting acclimated to the other side of the road (and a driver’s seat on the right side) can take some time.
If your itinerary allows, we suggest following the advice of our Marketing & Communications Manager, Daniel Jones…
I always plan a warm up drive, just to get back into the swing of things. For example, after landing in Inverness on a recent trip, I decided to take an hour-long drive to Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness. The drive was a stern welcome back to driving in the U.K., yet it served its purpose well. And the view when I arrived was worth the investment.
Unleaded vs Diesel
This may seem like a rather small detail, but it’s one that can cause a particularly massive headache during your trip if overlooked.
Diesel is far more common across the pond than it is stateside, and it’s very likely your rental car will require it.
The trouble potentially comes into play at the gas station, where the Diesel pumps use a black handle and Unleaded have a green – the exact opposite of how we label them in the U.S.
Thankfully, modern pumps usually prevent a diesel nozzle from entering an unleaded tank, but triple check your choice before pulling that lever. Otherwise, you may have a bit of trouble making the next tee time.
Study the Road Signs in Advance
On top of driving on the opposite side and using a different type of fuel, many of the road signs across the pond may be unfamiliar as well.
Take this one, for example…
To the uninitiated overseas driver, the sign may seem like advance warning of a picturesque spot to pull off and snap photos. After all, such pull-offs are as common as these signs.
Unfortunately, this sign isn’t offering friendly assistance to tourists. Instead, it’s warning of cameras installed nearby to catch those who are speeding.
Our advice: Brush up on the road signs before you get behind the wheel.
Stop And Smell The Roses
The great advantage of doing a self-drive Expedition is that you are only on one person’s schedule… Yours.
There are likely to be numerous places between Point A and Point B that are worthy of a stop.
Whether it’s a distillery gift shop, a picturesque pull-off on the Ring of Kerry, or a village pub for fish and chips, the spur of the moment decisions you make are likely to provide some of the most memorable moments of the trip.
If the thought of stopping somewhere crosses your mind, do it.. Chances are you’ll be glad you did.
For additional insight ahead of your golf trip across the pond, visit the pages below or have a look through our Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
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