Self-driving travel is a self-guided tourism that distinguishes itself from traditional group tours, offering a new form of travel where individuals drive themselves to their destinations.
It provides travelers with flexibility in choosing destinations, participation processes, and the experience of freedom.
Self-driving travel possesses inherent characteristics such as freedom and individuality, flexibility and comfort, selectivity, and seasonality. Compared to traditional group tours, it has unique features and charm.
In simple terms, self-driving travel involves individuals driving their vehicles for leisure. The inaugural China Self-Driving Peak Forum in 2006 defined it as "an organized and planned form of tourism primarily using self-driving as the main mode of transportation."
The literal meaning of self-driving includes the driver being the individual, and vehicles encompass various types such as sedans, off-road vehicles, camper vans, motorcycles, and bicycles, focusing on private ownership but also allowing for borrowing, renting, and other methods. The purpose of driving can be diverse and spontaneous, ultimately determined by the vehicle owner or travel group.
It is evident that self-driving is one of the activities within the context of traveling by car, and when used as a means of tourism, it brings about specific changes. The driver can be the owner or their companions, driving for leisure rather than work or transportation, making it a private rather than public tourism activity.
Self-driving travelers generally belong to the middle to upper-income class, enjoying relatively good living conditions among urban residents. In terms of education, the majority have a higher level of education, possessing strong awareness and literacy in tourism. Regarding age distribution, the main demographic consists of middle-aged and young individuals. Regarding group composition, it predominantly displays characteristics of groups of 2 to 7 people.
If one were to choose the most suitable season for self-driving, it would undoubtedly be autumn. The cool autumn breeze transforms the landscape into a colorful display from south to north, east to west. During this time, there is neither summer's heat nor winter's cold. Driving with the windows down, feeling the refreshing autumn breeze, and cruising on roads with ever-changing scenery.
Along the way, you can witness the earth adorned with red maple leaves, golden ginkgo leaves swirling in the air, and the joy of farmers celebrating their harvest through the traditional practice of "Autumn Drying." The highways resemble grey rivers flowing through mountains, covered by thin mist, creating an experience where the car travels through the scenery and people wander within a painting.
Throughout the self-driving journey, "driving" may occupy a significant portion of the time, especially if the destination is far away, requiring a full day or more of driving. In such cases, proper planning is essential, following a few fundamental principles:
1. Considering the duration of the vacation, self-driving route, and the number of drivers in the car to determine which attractions can be visited. Understanding the maximum driving hours per day and the farthest reachable destination is crucial, marking points of interest along the way.
2. Allocate more time for attractions worth exploring, choosing accommodations with unique features and local culture nearby. Plan a more compact schedule for shorter visits and move on to the next destination swiftly. Consider staying in guesthouses rather than hotels to experience local customs fully.
3. Use various apps to find local specialties and restaurants near points of interest, thoroughly enjoying the local cuisine. For longer journeys, lunch can be prepared and brought along on the day of departure.
4. For electric vehicles, consider the range on highways, plan breaks for quick charging at service areas, and consider charging conditions when booking hotels or guesthouses to ensure a fully charged start the next day.
Self-driving travel offers a unique blend of freedom and personalized exploration, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and diverse cultures. It becomes the perfect season for a self-driving adventure, especially during autumn, with its vibrant landscapes and cool breezes.
