Self-driving travel is a very popular way of traveling, which allows you to freely explore the beauty and culture of a region without being restricted by the itinerary of a travel agency. Yunnan is a province that is very suitable for self-driving tours because of its spectacular natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. However, traveling by car to Yunnan requires certain planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and safe trip. This article will provide you with some useful suggestions to help you plan the best self-driving route while controlling travel expenses to make your trip more meaningful and economical.

1. Plan your trip

1. Determine your travel time

First of all, you need to determine your travel time. The climate in Yunnan is very variable, especially at high altitudes, where the weather can change quickly, so you need to take these factors into consideration when choosing your travel time. The best time to travel is spring and autumn, when the weather is relatively stable and the temperature is more suitable, neither too cold nor too hot.

2. Choose a travel route

There are many famous tourist attractions in Yunnan, such as Lijiang, Dali, Kunming, Shangri-La, etc. You can choose a travel route that suits you based on your interests and time. The following are some more classic self-driving travel routes:

(1) Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La

This is a very classic self-driving travel route that allows you to appreciate Yunnan of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The total mileage of this route is about 1,500 kilometers and takes 7-10 days to complete.

(2) Kunming-Yuanyang-Honghe-Ruili

This is a western Yunnan route suitable for self-driving travel, allowing you to appreciate the magnificent natural scenery of Yunnan. The total mileage of this route is about 1,000 kilometers and takes 5-7 days to complete.

(3) Kunming-Jade Dragon Snow Mountain-Lugu Lake-Lijiang

This is a road suitable for self-driving travel The northern Yunnan route allows you to appreciate Yunnan’s mountain lakes and minority culture. The total mileage of this route is about 800 kilometers and takes 4-6 days to complete.

3. Book accommodation and car rental

When planning a self-driving trip, you need to book accommodation and car rental. Yunnan is very rich in tourism resources, but during the peak tourist season, the prices of accommodation and car rental will be relatively high. So you need to book in advance to get better price and service.

2. Control expenses

1. Choose the appropriate car model

When traveling by car, it is very important to choose the appropriate car model. If your trip is mainly urban driving, then choosing a small car will be enough. But if your trip involves some rugged mountain roads, then you need to choose an off-road vehicle or SUV to ensure your driving safety.

2. Save fuel costs

In self-When traveling by car, gas costs are an unavoidable expense. In order to save fuel costs, you can take the following measures:

(1) Maintain a stable speed while driving and do not accelerate or decelerate frequently to reduce fuel consumption.

(2) Check the vehicle's tire pressure and engine oil level before driving to ensure the normal operation of the vehicle.

(3) Try to avoid congestion and traffic jams when driving to reduce idle time and fuel consumption.

3. Choose affordable accommodation and meals

Accommodation and meals are also unavoidable expenses when traveling by car. In order to control travel expenses, you can choose some affordable accommodation and dining options, such as choosing youth hostels or B&Bs, and choosing local snacks or specialty restaurants to reduce travel expenses.

3. Precautions

1. Safety first

Safety is the most important thing when traveling by car. You need to obey traffic rules, keep your speed steady, and pay attention to driving safety. Before driving, you need to check the vehicle's oil, water tank, tires, brakes and other components to ensure the normal operation of the vehicle. While driving, you need to avoid driving while fatigued and take regular breaks to ensure driving safety.

2. Respect local culture and folk customs

Yunnan is a province inhabited by ethnic minorities, and the local culture and folk customs are very rich. When traveling by car, you need to respect the local culture and folk customs, do not destroy the local environment and scenery at will, and do not interfere with local residents and religious activities.

3. Protect the environment

Yunnan’s natural environment is very beautiful, but it is also very fragile. When traveling by car, you need to protect the environment by not littering or damaging natural landscapes and wildlife. Try to use environmentally friendly means of transportation and supplies to reduce your impact on the environment.

Summary:

Planning and controlling the cost of the best route for self-driving trips to Yunnan requires consideration of itinerary arrangements, vehicle selection, accommodation and catering, safety and culture, etc. . With reasonable planning and control, you can enjoy a safe, economical, and meaningful self-driving trip.