The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year on Australian roads. From Christmas to Easter, long weekends to summer breaks, thousands of families pack up and head out for road trips. It’s a time of excitement, but also a time when traffic, car hire demand, and travel stress can quickly turn a relaxing holiday into a logistical headache.
At Redspot Car Rentals, we know the difference good planning makes. Whether you’re renting a car at the airport for a family getaway or picking up a vehicle in the city for a coastal drive, keeping a few key things in mind can help ensure your road trip is smooth, safe, and memorable for all the right reasons.
1. Book Your Car Hire Early
Holiday car rental demand skyrockets during peak travel times — and waiting until the last minute can mean higher prices or missing out on the vehicle you need.
-
Plan ahead: Reserve your rental weeks (or even months) before your holiday to secure your preferred car type.
-
Choose the right size: Compact cars are perfect for couples, while families may need SUVs or people movers with space for luggage, prams, or camping gear.
-
Consider extras: GPS units, child seats, and toll pass options can make the drive more convenient.
Booking early not only guarantees availability but can also save you hundreds of dollars. With Redspot’s convenient airport rental locations across Australia, you can step off your flight and drive straight into your holiday.
2. Keep Everyone Entertained
Long road trips can test the patience of even the most seasoned traveller — especially kids. The key is preparation:
-
Classic car games: I Spy, Punch Buggy, and number plate spotting work well on shorter trips.
-
Onboard entertainment: Audiobooks, podcasts, music playlists, or movies (with tablets or in-car screens) keep kids busy on long drives.
-
Snack strategy: Pack a mix of healthy and fun snacks to avoid constant roadside stops.
-
Breaks matter: Plan regular stops to stretch legs, grab a bite, and explore along the way.
Tip: Redspot’s fleet offers modern vehicles with USB charging points and Bluetooth connectivity so you can keep devices powered and the entertainment flowing.
3. Expect (and Manage) Holiday Traffic
Peak holiday periods bring congestion. Highways to coastal towns, regional centres, and camping spots can be packed. To avoid stress:
-
Leave early or late: Travelling outside peak hours can save hours of frustration.
-
Be patient: Accept that traffic is part of the holiday experience. Keep calm, avoid aggressive driving, and focus on safety.
-
Use tech: Navigation apps can provide live traffic updates and suggest alternate routes.
-
Stay fuelled: Don’t push the petrol gauge — fill up when you can, especially on regional roads.
Remember: the goal is to arrive happy and safe, not just fast.
4. Safety First: Protecting Your Trip
Holiday driving often means a mix of city, highway, and regional roads — each with its own risks. Protect yourself by:
-
Resting well: Fatigue is a major cause of accidents during holiday periods. Switch drivers where possible.
-
Staying alert: Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk in regional areas.
-
Understanding your cover: With Redspot, you can reduce damage liability to suit your comfort level, giving you peace of mind.
-
Checking conditions: Summer storms, bushfires, and flooding can impact travel routes — always check before you leave.
5. Make the Journey Part of the Holiday
Sometimes the best memories come from the road itself. Scenic detours, quirky country towns, and roadside attractions can turn a simple drive into an adventure. With unlimited kilometre options available on Redspot rentals, you’re free to explore without worrying about distance.
Ideas for road trip fun:
-
Stop at a local bakery or farmers’ market.
-
Take a swim break at a hidden beach.
-
Snap photos at iconic landmarks along the way.
6. Why Redspot Makes Holiday Travel Easier
When you choose Redspot Car Rentals, you’re choosing a car hire company that understands Australian holidays. Here’s why thousands of travellers trust us every year:
-
🚗 Airport convenience: Locations at major airports make holiday pick-ups and returns simple.
-
🚗 Flexible fleet: From economy cars to spacious SUVs, there’s a vehicle for every trip.
-
🚗 Transparent options: Easy-to-understand cover packages, toll waivers, and extras.
-
🚗 Unlimited kilometres: Drive further, explore more.
-
🚗 24/7 roadside assistance: Travel confidently knowing support is just a call away.
Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead, Drive Happy
Holiday road trips are about freedom, fun, and family — but they also need planning. By booking your car hire early, keeping passengers entertained, and staying calm in traffic, you’ll avoid the common pitfalls that turn a dream getaway into a stressful ordeal.
With Redspot Car Rentals, you’ll have the right car, the right cover, and the right support to make your next holiday smooth from start to finish.
👉 Book your holiday car rental today and start planning your getaway with confidence.