Road Trip Fails: Real Stories from Lonely Planet Experts and Pro Tips to Avoid Them
Road trips embody the ultimate freedom—just you, your vehicle, and the open road ahead. However, without support nearby, a single mishap can derail your adventure. To help you navigate safely, Lonely Planet's seasoned staff and Trailblazers share their real-life road trip fails, along with expert advice to sidestep these pitfalls.
A Scenic Route in the Wrong Direction
During a self-drive safari in Namibia, I accidentally exited a petrol station onto the wrong road. I drove westward through stunning landscapes until my satnav directed me onto a rough dirt trail. Realizing I'd taken the B2 to the coast instead of the B1 north to Waterberg Plateau Park, I pulled over, reprogrammed the device, and made a U-turn. The detour cost only an hour, and it was beautifully scenic.
Pro tip: In remote areas like Namibia, set your satnav to allow U-turns. Otherwise, a wrong turn could add 1,000km to your journey.
Off-Road Adventures Aren't for Every Vehicle
In Cappadocia, Turkey, we spotted a steep, sandy track leading to a trailhead. Our budget rental car descended cautiously, but ascending proved impossible. We cleared debris, revved the engine, and even unloaded passengers before scraping enough traction to escape.
Pro tip: Consider terrain when renting—opt for a suitable vehicle over the cheapest option to avoid costly rescues.
Campervan Capers in Canada
New to driving a 25-foot campervan en route to the Rockies, I blocked a Calgary supermarket parking lot on our first stop for supplies. Horns blared amid the backup. The next morning near Banff, we froze in -5°C after forgetting the heat and leaving a window open.
Pro tip: Watch the mandatory rental instruction video—it covers essentials like heating, parking, and emptying the toilet.
Watch for Unwanted Stowaways (Especially Eight-Legged Ones)
On a six-week Australian road trip from Sydney to Cairns, a massive huntsman spider hitched a ride in our packed car. Unpacking at the beach, we spotted it on the cooler—prompting a frantic evacuation that even deterred helpful locals.
Pro tip: In Australia, expect surprises; always secure your boot to prevent critters from sneaking in.
Penny-Pinching Predicaments on California's Pacific Highway
To save on pricey U.S. gas, we aimed to return our rental Mazda empty. In San Francisco, we looped the Golden Gate Bridge amid traffic, coasting hills until the engine died just short of the lot.
Pro tip: The extra $10 on fuel spares immense stress near rental returns.
Travel on Public Holidays Takes Its Toll
Heading to Dinan, Brittany, from Le Havre on a French holiday, a beach morning delayed us. Roads clogged, leading to a three-hour toll queue amid family meltdowns, followed by another at the rest stop.
Pro tip: Build in extra time for local holidays—toll waits can double your travel duration.
Speeding Tickets and Top-Notch Mexican Food
Racing through the Chihuahuan Desert toward El Paso in a rented truck, a Texas Ranger pulled us over. Claiming we headed there for a burrito diffused the tension—he laughed, warned us, and shared his favorite spot.
Pro tip: Resist speeding, no matter the rush—though it might net great food recs!
Outsmart Potential Outlaws with Local Language Skills
En route to San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico, traffic halted due to a 'banditos' blockade—turns out, teenage kids demanding fees. Basic Spanish helped us negotiate through.
Pro tip: Learn key local phrases for road trips abroad—they can resolve sticky situations.
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