Saudi Arabia is a unique place for a road trip. It has modern cities, beautiful nature, and a lot of history. Every part of the country has something to offer. Planning is crucial to having a happy time and avoiding an unpleasant situation on the road. Hence, whether it is your first time or you have travelled, the following ten essential and easy-to-follow tips will help you have a fun and hassle-free road trip in Saudi Arabia.
Plan Your Route in Advance
In this case, plan where you intend to go beforehand. Saudi Arabia has many landmarks that make for unforgettable Umrah experiences, like Riyadh’s Kingdom Tower and AlUla’s Edge of the World cliffs. If you plan to visit, look for Umrah packages with flights and these beautiful spots in its itinerary.
Using your smartphone’s navigation is fine for finding the best routes using Google Maps or Waze. It can also notify you about traffic jams or roads that have been closed. For those of you exploring new regions, download maps in advance. I find that way useful in covering my material, so you will not get lost even if you lose your internet connection.
Pack the Essentials
The packaging process is an essential component of any car travel. List all the items required to travel down from your destination. Carry plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during hot days when the sun is powerful. Bring food, such as nuts, fruit like apples, and energy drinks. These will help keep your body and mind fresh during long trips.
Hence, the first aid pack, which should be taken anywhere, must include adhesive plaster and antiseptic solutions. As per law, you should also have your I.D. card, passport number, vehicle registration papers, and insurance papers with which the vehicle is imported. The kit also includes:
- A power bank.
- A car charger for your phone.
- An extra battery for your handheld equipment.
Understand the Driving Rules
Traffic laws in Saudi Arabia are highly enforced by all those operating vehicles on roads in the country. Everyone operating vehicles must abide by traffic laws by driving on the right side of the road and wearing their seat belt. However, the implemented speeds are diverse relative to the type of road, so it is essential to observe signs.
Do not drive while talking on your phone. There are harsh penalties for distracted drivers. Pay attention to the fact that speed and traffic light cameras cover some roads. If you are hiring a car, know its primary and fundamental features. Certain rental facilities may have unique rules and regulations, so it’s also a wise idea to contact them.
Choose the Right Vehicle
The car that one uses will define them. To choose the right vehicle, it is helpful to consider the type of journey you are planning and the kind of country route you will travel. For city trips, a small car is usually enough. But if you plan to drive in the desert, mountains, or on rough roads, an SUV or 4×4 is a better choice.
Having a reliable car is essential to planning a road trip in the comfort of the vehicle. Mechanics suggest that it is always better to spend some time preparing rather than preparing to solve some mechanical problems.
Stay Aware of Weather Conditions
In Saudi Arabia, climate change is related to the season and region. Summer temperatures often surpass 40 degrees Celsius across most of the country. When driving during this season, it is wise to opt for early morning or evening drives when temperatures are relatively lower. To make your Umrah journey simpler and ensure you can concentrate solely on its journey without worry and inconvenience, obtaining an e visa umrah may make things even simpler for you. Hajj and Umrah are two best occasion for the successful road trip. For this you have to book the Hajj and Umrah VISA or the tourist VISA from the United States or place of residence.
Cold and often even freezing winters are experienced, especially in the northern part of the country. If you are visiting during this time, pack warm clothing. Sandstorms are common in desert areas. They reduce visibility and make driving dangerous. Preferably, you should avoid going out when there is a storm by postponing the trip or choosing the right direction.
Take Regular Breaks
Many drivers know that the car serves not only as a comfortable transportation vehicle but also serves as a place of work when spending hours on the road. To prevent taking a break during this period, one should consistently sit or stand for at least 2 to 3 hours and then take a 15-minute break afterwards. Roadside stations or cafes are perfect for taking a short walk, having something to eat, and exchanging energy.
Enjoy your breaks. Depending on your break time, enjoy the places where you stop, such as walking around and looking at interesting things. Seeing an exciting sight or trying local foods in a small town is okay. These minor side trips make the journey more fun and exciting.
Respect Local Culture and Traditions
Saudi Arabia is a country with extraordinary values and historical backgrounds. As we all know, there are always things we need to respect when we are in other places we do not live in. Women should not dress provocatively, especially when heading to rural areas.
Even if you don’t speak much Arabic, learning basic phrases such as Salam Alaikum (Hello) and Shukran (Thank you) will enable you to interact with locals more comfortably. At any measure, if you are driving to minor cities, you should respect their life and living.
Explore Hidden Gems
Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam – three major cities of Saudi Arabia – offer plenty of attractions for tourists to see and do. Take different routes to visit quiet villages, beautiful nature, and old historical places.
For example, the Asir Mountains have beautiful views and a cool climate, while the Farasan Islands are great for snorkelling. Al-Uqair is a small town with an old fort and a lovely beach. These places are often mentioned in travel guides and other spots worth visiting. Exploring new places can be very rewarding if you want to see the real Saudi Arabia.
Have a Backup Plan
Failure is bound to happen no matter how well a plan or strategy is made. One road may be closed, the weather might turn bad, or the car might decide to break down. Having a contingency plan in mind will help you tackle such instances calmly.
Therefore, if your car has problems, it is good to know about minor issues, such as a flat tyre. This gives you a bounce to work on issues you could not anticipate without spoiling the trip.
Capture the Moments
The beautiful landscapes in Saudi Arabia provide many chances to take great photos during a road trip. Every stop is an opportunity to take fabulous pictures of the golden deserts, modern resort cities, night souks, etc. If you’re on the Umrah packages with flights take some extra time to explore the surroundings and capture the beauty of your journey. Always have your camera or smartphone to capture beauty during the trip.
Get photos with other members of your travelling party or capture the locals and their way of life, but always obtain their permission first. Recording your road trip is essential because it helps keep memories alive long after the journey.
But remember the present moments as well. Life is often best captured when a person leaves the camera a little, looks at it, breathes in everything, and appreciates what is around them.
Final Thoughts
If you abide by these guidelines, your journey will be comfortable and fun-filled. Preparation is critical, safety first, and most importantly, having fun during the trip. From wide deserts to tall mountains and lively cities, Saudi Arabia offers a fantastic road trip experience. And if you’re also planning to perform Umrah during your visit, the convenience of applying for an e visa Umrah makes the process easier. Hajj and Umrah VISA or tourist VISA should be approved from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
