Quebec Travel

Archive for May, 2009

A self-drive holiday is a great adventure for adults and children alike. However, before you make a commitment to rent a vehicle, make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the rental so as to avoid any unhappy disputes with the company. Make an effort to understand your responsibilities and liabilities before you make a commitment.

Some thoughts for you :

1. What are types of vehicles available and their differences ?

2. How are the rental charges calculated ? Does the rate include unlimited kilometers ?

3. Does the rental company have branches and where are they located ?

4. What if repairs are required ?

5. What if I commit a traffic offence ?

6. Can I change my vehicle or downgrade my vehicle ?

7. Are animals permitted in the vehicles ?

8. How much is the cancellation fees, booking amendments and travel insurance ?

9. Is there a minimum rental duration ?

10. What kind of driver’s licence is required and what is the minimum age required to drive the vehicle ?

11. Where can I collect and return the vehicle ? Not all rental companies allow you to return the vehicle at the airport.

12. How can I make a rental extension ?

13. Can I make a one way rental ?

14. Are maps and campground guides provided ?

15. Does the rental company provide driving tips and a vehicle consultation ?

16. Can I pre-book a baby seat or a booster seat and what is the rental fee ?

17. Does the rental company provide camping kits such as tent, built-in ground sheet, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, pillows, ice box, crockery, pots and pans ?

18. Can I make multiple rentals ?

19. What are some of the travel restrictions ? For instance, campervans can only be driven on sealed/bitumen or well-maintained roads.

20. What if there is a change of drop off destination ?

A lot of people are choosing Class A motorhomes as their traveling vehicle over fifth wheel and travel trailers these days. You see them everywhere now. And to be sure, traveling in a Class A motorhome has a lot of advantages. But you should also be aware of some of the disadvantages too before deciding for yourself. Here is a brief look at the matter from both sides:

Advantages:

1. Class A RVs are very easy to drive on the open road.

2. There is just no substitute for the comforts and amenities that can be enjoyed in a Class A as opposed to smaller, less roomy motorhomes and RVs. If you want it, usually you can get it in a Class A.

3. No compatibility issues to worry about here. Whenever you tow your home behind you there is always a need to make sure that the tow vehicle and the RV are in complete synchronization with each other because if they are not working together you will be fighting the wheel the whole time you drive down the highway. With a Class A, it’s an all-in-one package. Just jump in and go.

4. When you arrive at your destination, there is no need to even get out of your RV in the case of bad weather. When you tow a vehicle there is a certain amount of setup that has to be done initially and you have to transfer from the tow vehicle to the RV. With a Class A, you are already home when you arrive.

Disadvantages:

1. Price. Class A motorhomes can be very expensive and as more manufacturers keep packing in expensive features that trend will probably continue to grow. New units also take a serious depreciation hit, so bear that in mind when you buy.

2. If you want to get around town once you arrive, you probably will need to tow another vehicle behind you adding to the cost of this setup. It’s just too difficult to setup and take down your Class A every time you want to run to the store. Of course, you may opt for bicycles instead, but then that limits how far you can go and can be difficult to travel far in bad weather.

3. If your motorhome breaks down, you will probably have to spend a night or two in a motel while it is at the RV repair shop. Most shops try to get you in and out on the same day, but if the repair is serious enough, or parts are hard to get, that just may not be possible. With a towed vehicle, you still have your home to stay in if the truck has to go in for work.

4. Class A RVs can be very long, especially the more expensive models, and that can narrow your choices of where you can stay as some campgrounds simply don’t have the facilities to accommodate long rigs.

The disadvantages of owning a Class A motorhome that are listed above should not be taken to mean that you shouldn’t own one. Just don’t get so caught up in the advantages of Class A RVs, that you don’t also consider the disadvantages as well. After looking at both sides you can make an educated decision about whether it will be the best choice for you.

Motorhome Driving Safely

Whenever we go for trip for holidays those moments must be memorable. We should be care full about our traveling safety in all sides. Specially, at the time when we are having our own vehicle. Car driving is very different from RV, Motorhome , 4WD Driving. Risk of driving is as big as the length and strength of the vehicle.

When you are going to drive motorhome you should be care full about all accessories of it and mirrors should be adjusted in proper direction. The person who is going to sit on the driver’s seat must check other equipments of motorhome like, brake, horn, accelerate, head lights, indicators, wipers, seat belts etc..

The driver must be aware of the account for motorhome’s size when he/she uses that much big vehicle. This information will be use full at the time of taking turn within small amount of space. Proper idea of size of our vehicle is very important because the heavy vehicle takes more time to slow down, change the track and to accelerate.

Avoid driving or pulling your RV during bad weather and high winds. Because of the size and mass of RV’s it can be extremely dangerous to travel during periods of high winds. It’s better to get to your destination one day later, than to risk traveling in bad weather.

Limit your driving time to 300 to 350 miles. You will be more alert, and arrive at the campground with abundance of day light to get set up and settled in before it gets dark outside. This gives you a chance to relax and get have a rested for another day of travel, and to enjoy some of the facilities the campground has to offer.

During winter journey you should carry the following: reflective warning triangles, warm clothing, a shovel, at least two fire extinguishers and possibly tire chains. Some conditions and situations require you to drive with your headlights on while driving in rain and it’s a good idea wherever you are. Motorhomes, campervans and mobile homes have important windage, so take extra care in exposed or windy places and when necessary.

There are some very important tips before going to start the huge vehicle.

- Disconnect and put away electrical cable, sewer hosepipe, and water hose.

- Check TV antenna to insure it is in the proper direction.

- Check to insure that items inside compartments are secure and the compartments are properly secured/locked.

- Connect brakes and signal lights.

- is the door step pull backed?

- is the outside door locked from the inside?

- Are the rear-view mirrors and driver? Seat adjusted properly?

- Some other general things to keep in mind are don’t use mobile while driving, give enough concentration on your driving, keep speed which is under your control.

For so long, Safety or secure driving debate have centered on protection while driving that Americans have mostly forgotten so, to take the proper safety actions before motor home starting.

Some certain points keep of in your mind when drive to Motorhome :-

1. Your cell phone is switch off.

2. Be sure to engine warning lights.

3. Best position the seat and head fetters.

4. Set your mirrors. Motorhomes and travel trailer for especially important.

5. Safely to all loose objects in your Motorhomes.

6. Concentrates to your drive without any unusual thought.

7. Comfortable driving distances in a day are around 300kms.

8. If you feel you are getting tired pull over and take a rest or find a rest area and stay the night.