Welcome to Wildscenes.com.au, where road trips get dirtier by the minute.

We love travelling on four wheels, the ability to see the world at ground level and the freedom of stopping whenever we want a closer look. Despite the rising cost of fuel, travelling by car is still the most effective way to travel when it’s more about the journey than the destination. Here’s a selection of road trips that will take you across the world:

WILD WILD WEST

Road trippin’ in the USA - fun and debauchery on Route 66

WILDERNESS

Outback Australia on four wheels - crossing the Nullarbor Plain

WILDEBEEST

Car-trekking in Africa - Namibia's grand canyon, dunes, desert and, of course, a safari

CAUTION! - Road trip tips

Every driving holiday comes with risks, even if you are the best driver in the world. Here are some handy hints to avoid tragedy.

Before you go:

• Service your car to ensure it is roadworthy. Even if you do it yourself, make sure you’ve done a basic check to top up the oil and inflate your tyres to the recommended level. Make sure your spare tyre is roadworthy too. And fill the tank with petrol.
• Get travel insurance. Even if you’re travelling domestically it’s best to ensure everything is covered should you need help.
• Put together a breakdown kit. An engine manual and a basic tool kit should cover most situations, from changing a flat tyre to jump starting the engine. If you’ve serviced your car you shouldn’t encounter too many problems unless you meet a spot of misfortune. Write down important phone numbers and bring them with you.
• Pack a first aid kit. You can buy first aid kits from chemists, some supermarkets and even some post offices - or pack your own with a selection of bandages, adhesives, insect repellent, disinfectants (such as iodine, saline or tea tree oil), a pair of tweezers and a first aid manual. If you’re prone to particular injuries or conditions (e.g. insect allergies), prepare for those situations too. Don’t forget sunscreen.
• Bring some food and water. Even if you’re not going off road it’s best to be prepared, especially if you have special nutritional needs. Some towns in the sticks may not have a wide selection of food available, it may be expensive or you may not want to stop for just a snack.

Hiring a car:

• If you’re hiring a vehicle, the hire company should have serviced your vehicle but it doesn’t hurt to ask or have a peek yourself.

• Familiarise yourself with the car. Even if it’s your car you may want to refresh your memory on a few things - from how to engage cruise control to using the jack.
• Check that your insurance policy covers car hire. If not, most car hire companies will offer it to you when you rent a vehicle.
• Make sure you have the right car for your needs. Large cars can be thirsty with the petrol but you don’t want a city runabout if you’re going off road.

Stress free driving:

• Change drivers every 2-3 hours. If you are the only driver, take regular breaks to prevent driver fatigue. Stop and take a nap when you’re tired. Even a 15-minute power nap makes a big difference.
• Don’t break the law! It may go without saying, but practices like speeding and drink-driving can really ruin a holiday if it ends in a coffin. Even if you only get fined, it does put a dampener on the holiday atmosphere. If you’re driving in another country, make sure you’re familiar with their road rules, including checking whether you need a special licence or permit.
• Take care of distractions. Kids are the ultimate concentration-breakers; make sure they’re occupied with other activities. Music at a high volume and insects buzzing around the car can also be distracting.

Wildscenes.com.au is sponsored by Private Fleet