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How to Survive a Transfercar Road Trip as a Parent

For most people who have reached a certain age, the idea of a road trip is an image of a perfectly happy family having the time of their life traversing the country, discovering new places and experiences, learning about each other and forgetting about their worries.

Thanks to Transfercar, it is now possible for families who may not be “vehicularly well-equipped” to also enjoy road trips in cars and campervans that they would otherwise be unable to afford. This free rental car setup also enhances the road trip with an added layer of adventure, making it a truly unique family experience. Another great option is to contact camper trailer Sydney to get a hybrid caravan to travel with your family.

In reality, however, road trips are a much more erratic affair which can take its toll on everyone, parents in particular. I have had a ton of experience as a road trip participant, first as one of the children, but in the last few years also in the capacity of The Dad….Here are my tips:

Research Beforehand

The idea of a road trip that you undertake out of the blue may seem like an adventurous and exciting one, but in reality you are only inviting misery. If you just take off, it is far more likely than not that you are going to encounter nothing but boredom, sprinkled by occasional moments of panic.

You probably already have a route in mind and you should research it in depth before heading out. This will include finding the sights to see and experiences to be had. When doing this, you should keep in mind who you are traveling with. If your children are your average 10 or 15-year olds, a visit to a furniture manufacturer or a typewriter museum might not be the best idea. Stick with stuff that you know children love.

You might also want to make your road trip a teaching experience, both when it comes to the area you will be traveling through and when it comes to cars and driving. Children can learn plenty about cars and proper ways of taking long journeys on a road trip. Of course, if your own expertise is somewhat limited, there are always places where you can learn. This blog, for instance, is great for learning about repairs, this one is a fantastic one if you have daughters who might want to learn about cars from women’s perspective and this blog will teach you all there is about tyres. There is really no shortage of info out there.

Do not Overdo It

It is very easy to overdo it once you start planning your road trip. Many of us have those “tendencies”, so to say, to turn into scheduling monsters that cannot be contained and that are able to ruin even the most pleasurable of trips with their itineraries, their programme and immovability. It is absolutely essential that you do not turn into one of those monsters.

One of the best ways to avoid this is to be attentive of clues that will be all around you. If you keep hearing the sighs of your children in the back seat because the next bathroom break is not due for another 60 minutes, you are becoming the monster!

A road trip should be a pleasurable experience and you need to remember to be Zen from time to time. The planet will not fall off its axis if you miss a spot along your route or if the night catches you 13 kilometres sooner than you expected.

Relax. Enjoy time with your family.

Enjoying your Free Rental Car

If you decide to take advantage of Transfercar to find a vehicle for your family road trip, there are a few things that you will want to keep in mind. For example, it is going to be a one-way trip, so it might be a good idea to try and coordinate the free cars in a way that your family does not have to wait for days at your end destination before you can all drive back. The good news is that many people do these back-to-back bookings with Transfercar and it should not be a problem.

Another good idea would be to apply for a few vehicles in both your starting and your return destination so that you maximize the chances of landing the best possible vehicle at the best possible time. Also, depending on the size of your family, you will want to ensure that the car is going to be suitable for your road trip.

Finally, keep one thing in mind, road trips are fun adventures and with Transfercar they just might become even more fun.

AUTHOR: James D. Burbank is the editor-in-chief of a business-oriented blog BizzMarkBlog and a father of two. He has also been a huge road trip enthusiast his entire life. Oh yeah, he is also a huge Utah Jazz fan.

Transfercar for Dummies: Learn to Relocate like a Pro

Long gone are the days when being accepted for a car relocation was just pure luck. When Transfercar started its operations back in 2008, we only had a handful of vehicles that needed to be relocated each month. Now we’re talking thousands, so there is definitely an opportunity for you to find the right car or camper relocation, but it all starts with a bit of planning and an understanding of how Transfercar works. So we’ve decided, to start the year, to help you to make the most of our amazing system with some simple tips:

1. Understand the basics

There are no direct bookings on Transfercar; Drivers make requests to relocate a vehicle, the rental operators get alerted and then select a driver when they log in to our system. Rental operators can receive just one request or sometimes 5 or more for the same vehicle, as there is usually a few hours between the time they list their relocation and the moment when there are able to process those requests. This means that in many cases some drivers’ requests will be rejected as only one can be selected per car. Rental operators either choose the successful driver on a first-come, first-served basis, or can also choose to trust a driver that has previously relocated before, or who requests extra paid days. Therefore if your relocation request gets rejected or expires, it is nothing personal, and you should try again with another vehicle.

2. Request multiple vehicles for the same route

As explained above, you will not always be accepted for a relocation you have requested, therefore to maximize your chances of driving a free rental car or campervan, it’s best if you can request up to 3 vehicles for the same route and similar dates as this will increase your chances of getting a car. Once you get accepted for one relocation, our system will automatically cancel the other pending requests, so you should no worry about any cancellation fee.

3. Subscribe to email alerts

Look for this button on the left column of the page where search results are displayed, or go to ‘Settings’ in your Transfercar account, to set up email notifications regarding the listing of new vehicles on your preferred route.

and then:

This enables you to be the first informed about the availability of a relocation for the dates that interest you.

4. Plan ahead

You need to allow enough time to request vehicles, as it’s usually hard to get accepted for a same day request as rental operators need time to respond.That said, we usually don’t have availability for car relocations six months down the track, so the best time to start looking for a relocation is usually a few weeks to a few days before your desired pick-up date.

5. Trust your eyes…

Trust that what you can see on the website is true. The rule is, ”if it’s not on the website, we don’t have it”. Please don’t call customer support to ask for availability about a camper that you would like to relocate a few months down the track; If it is not listed on the website, then our answer will always be no…

Likewise, relocations are non-negotiable. If it’s written that a car is a manual, then it’s a waste of your time to try to ask for the car to be automatic instead. If it’s written that the ferry is not included, there is no point in trying to negotiate this either…

6…. but read carefully

Please read all the relocation details carefully and email support with any questions you may have, rather than requesting a car and then cancelling it you realised you made a mistake. You would not believe the number of people who cancelled a booking because they thought the ferry or fuel was included, when it was clearly stated the contrary….Remember that we may charge a fee for last-minute cancellations!

7. Understand the difference between 24 hours and calendar days.

Read this blog post to understand how rental operators use different methods of calculation for the number of days rented depending on if the vehicle is a car or a campervan: https://www.transfercar.co.nz/blog/transfercar-user-tips-nz/our-new-date-picker-explained

8. Allow enough time between drop-off and pick-up for back-to back bookings

You can for instance relocate a car from Queenstown to Christchurch and then pick-up another car from Christchurch to continue your journey on the same day. However to do this in our system, you will have to make sure that the drop-off time of your first relocation falls before the pick-up time of the second vehicle, otherwise it will be flagged as an error. You should always secure your first relocation first, and then select a second one once you have been accepted for the first relocation, rather than requesting both at the same time, to avoid having to cancel the second leg if you’re not accepted for the first leg.

Now search for your free rental car and happy travelling!

Eastland: An unforgettable coastal journey

We’ve recently introduced car relocations from Napier to Auckland, giving you 48 hours to explore the hauntingly beautiful East Coast of New Zealand. It is an area that is still very pristine and largely off-the-beaten track, and State Highway 35 is without a doubt one of the most beautiful roads in the country. The Eastland region is also the first region in the world to see the sunrise every day.

We highly recommend that you hop on a cheap bus ride or flight to Napier (Jetstar is offering flights at just $49 one-way from Auckland) and then drive a free rental car back to Auckland….

Day 1. Napier to Tolaga Bay (268 kms, 3h30)

Pick up your free rental car in the morning and start your drive going South! Yes, that’s the opposite of where you’re supposed to go, but Te Mata Peak is only a 25 minute drive South of Napier, and definitely not to be missed! The bare golden hills of the area are simply breathtaking.

Enjoy a tasty picnic or gourmet pizza in one of the beautiful vineyards nearby, before returning to Napier, and then start your drive towards Gisborne. The road is mostly inland to start with, passing beef and sheep stations, many maori settlements and peaceful villages, but it also passes through spectacular coastal scenery.

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You can have a world class surf at Wainui Beach to break up the journey before continuing on to Whangara, which is the location of a great Kiwi film, Whale Rider.

Another half and hour or so and you will reach Tolaga Bay and its famous historic wharf. The turquoise waters and huge landscape provide a spectacular backdrop for photos. This is also the start of the Cooks cove walkway (2.5 hours) which provides spectacular views of Cooks cove and the hole in the cliff wall, but you may not have time for this.

Day 2. Tolaga Bay to Whakatane via the East Cape (320kms, 4 hours)

On your way to the East Cape, you will first go through Tokomaru Bay which is a stunning white sandy beach with rocky headlands at each end. The area is rich in culture and history. Follow the coastal road to Waima at the eastern end of the bay and you will find the photogenic old wharf, relics of the era when transport on the coast was all by sea.

Te Araroa is another 1h30hrs away. With its long pebble beach and slightly desolated feel, you really feel like you’ve reached the end of the world. In a way, it is…

From here the road follows the ocean, winding past rocky foreshore, driftwood strewn beaches, sandy and rocky bays, and spectacular cliff top ocean views. Don’t forget to also stop at the Pacific Coast Macadamia Farm for good coffee and macadamia products!

Raukokore Church makes an incredibily scenic stop on the way. This Anglican church is a landmark of the East Cape region, which stands isolated close to the shore of Papatea Bay. The church was named as one of the East Cape/Gisborne region’s “101 must-do” sites by AA.

Continue the road to Te Kaha, 70km before reaching Opotiki, which is a popular holiday village made recently famous by Taika Waititi’s film Boy. Another 100 kms and you will reach Opotiki – this cruisy little town feels like it hasn’t changed for decades. It has a great long beach that you can have all to yourself.

Day 3. Whakatane to Auckland (300 kms, 3h30)

Unless you have purchased one additional day, you need to return your relocation car this morning, so you won’t have much time to stop on the way…. Just get up early and enjoy an easy drive all the way to Auckland, and savour the memories of your spectacular trip!

All photos: Copyright by Pascal Languillon

Airbnb in Australia: best places to stay under $100

Getting a free rental car is great, but what about accommodation, you wonder? We’ve got you sorted. We partnered with Airbnb in order to enable you to book comfortable but cheap accommodation across Australia – and you’ll even get a $25 discount on your first Airbnb booking (read the conditions here). With thousands of listings in Australia, Airbnb has become the preferred platform for peer-to-peer accommodation rental. Here’s our selection of some of the best places to stay under $100/night. Cheaper than a hotel, and in most cases, much better!

Sydney:

Ideally located just 8 minutes’ walk from Sydney’s Central train and bus station, this recently renovated Victorian terrace is just one stop away from Town Hall (the centre of the city) and three stops from Circular Quay ferry terminal (the Opera House). From $84.

Melbourne

Fully stylized two-storey loft apartment in the more liveable part of Melbourne CBD. $100

Fantastic room in a beautiful Carlton North terrace house. Includes a private loft space with a TV and beanbags. Enjoy the use of the kitchen, lounge/dining area & outdoor courtyard. Close to bars, cafes, restaurants & public transport. Breakfast included!

Nice room in a beautiful heritage building is situated in the most accessible part of South Yarra with the wonderful Royal Botanic Gardens at one end of the street. $85.

Brisbane

Located 5mins drive to the Sleeman Centre at Chandler and The Belmont Range. Private & self contained, with open plan living & kitchen areas, and french doors that lead to a beautiful sunny covered deck. $89

Comfortable studio tastefully decorated, own entrance, small kitchen, air con. Opens onto covered terrace surrounded by lush tropical garden. $85.

Adelaide

Modern townhouse with tranquil courtyard is ideal for relaxing and feeling at home. The ground floor double bedroom with comfortable queen size bed is private, overlooks an enclosed quiet courtyard. A second bedroom is also available.

Perth

A private room in a lovely house in Northbridge. Only a short walk from the Cultural Centre, CBD and train station. $89

Cairns

This stylish, modern, separate studio, attached to the main house, has its own entrance, deck & ensuite for total privacy. It has views of the garden and pool, is close to cafes, transport & the airport & there are bicycles and free Wi-Fi for guests .$62

Now you know what you need to do: book a free rental car and get a $25 discount to stay at one of those fabulous rooms.

Airbnb in New Zealand: best places to stay under $100

Getting a free rental car is great, but what about accommodation, you wonder? We’ve got you sorted. We partnered with Airbnb in order to enable you to book comfortable but cheap accommodation across New Zealand – and you’ll even get a $25 discount on your first Airbnb booking (read the conditions here). With thousands of listings in New Zealand, Airbnb has become the preferred platform for peer-to-peer accommodation rental. Here’s our selection of some of the best places to stay under $100/night. Cheaper than a hotel, and in most cases, much better!

Auckland

A very comfortable studio in the jungle! Set in a superb native bush setting in a quiet neighborhood only 15 minutes drive to the city center. Bonus: you will be meeting Pascal, Transfercar’s very own marketing manager, and will get first-hand tips on how to make the most of our great service. From $89.

Cozy & Comfy in Kingsland

Stay in a tastefully renovated historic 1910 villa located in the buzzing suburb of Kingsland in Auckland , with a wonderful lounge , stunning bathroom and gracious hosts. From $95.

Wellington

Lovely, quiet double room in sunny character house. Very close to the bars and cafes in Newtown, the town belt, bus stop and supermarket. 20 minute walk to town (10 minutes by bus) & close to airport. Continental breakfast provided . From $97.

Sunny Bayside Escape in Wellington

This bright private bedroom is perfect if you’re looking for style and comfort with your own luxury bathroom and access to a modern equipped kitchen. Watch the sunrise or sunset from the360° view of Evans Bay. From just $65/night.

Christchurch

A clean modern room from $57/night which includes pop-corn. The hosts have a baby but provide earplugs, lol.

Queenstown

Check out this nice queen room in an apartment that has nice views, for $99/night. Not bad for Queenstown.

Dunedin

Royal/British themed double room in a modern and quirky house from only $45/night!

Nelson

This cute one bedroom flat in the centre of Nelson is a short walk from everything you need. It’s warm, sunny, funky and bright. Just $100/night.

The historic Gables is located within 5 minutes walk of Motueka’s High Street and beach front. Upstairs bedroom with king size bed, your own bathroom and mountain views awaits. Breakfast provided with use of fridge kettle and toaster. $100/night.

Now you know what you need to do: book a free rental car and get a $25 discount to stay at one of those fabulous rooms.

Drive the Great Southern Touring Route

The Great Southern Touring Route turns the romance of the road trip into a grand love affair. Drive along the Great Ocean Road past the iconic surf spots of Torquay and Bells Beach, then onto the holiday haven of Lorne and the magnificent Twelve Apostles. Walk through waterfalls and lush forest in Otway National Park and watch whales from the historic town of Warrnambool. Stretch out your journey with a stay in any of the many scenic seaside towns, from Apollo Bay to Port Fairy. Away from the wild and windswept Southern Ocean, you can explore Aboriginal history in the Grampians and gold rush heritage in Ballarat.