Self-Driving Trip Experiences in the American West on a Budget

Start with what matters most! Drive responsibly—speeding can lead to hefty fines, and the police won’t hesitate to chase you down if you break the rules. If you’re pulled over, safely move your vehicle to the side of the road as soon as possible! ‼️
Always give way to “school buses”—it’s a crucial rule to follow! ‼️❗️

Self-Driving Trip Experiences in the American West on a Budget
Self-Driving Trip Experiences in the American West on a Budget

**Car Rental: 🚗**
1. Opt for full coverage insurance—it’s a smart investment.
2. Planning to cross regions or use highways? Consider purchasing a 7-day highway pass to avoid unexpected toll fees. While many highways are free, this ensures peace of mind in case you accidentally enter a toll road.

Self-Driving Trip Experiences in the American West on a Budget
Self-Driving Trip Experiences in the American West on a Budget

3. Picking up and returning the car is straightforward, but here’s a tip: Use two mapping apps to verify the return location’s exact address. It’s common for the same IP address to show different locations on various maps, which could cause you to miss your flight.
4. Stick to 87 octane fuel (equivalent to 92 in China).

Self-Driving Trip Experiences in the American West on a Budget
Self-Driving Trip Experiences in the American West on a Budget

For luxury rentals, stick with 87 or higher unless otherwise advised by the rental company.
5. Don’t forget to bring both your original driver’s license and an international translation document.

Self-Driving Trip Experiences in the American West on a Budget
Self-Driving Trip Experiences in the American West on a Budget

**Fueling: ⛽️ (Figures 5, 6)**
1. Credit cards are widely accepted at gas pumps—simply insert yours into the machine.
2. If your card isn’t working, head inside the station and inform the staff of your pump number (visible above the pump) and the amount of fuel you need.
– Half a tank typically costs $30–40 in Las Vegas or Los Angeles.

Self-Driving Trip Experiences in the American West on a Budget
Self-Driving Trip Experiences in the American West on a Budget

– Fuel prices drop significantly in smaller towns near Page, often ranging from $10–20.
– If you prepay $40 but only fill up to $30 worth of gas, the remaining balance will be refunded to your card.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions in English. Pull out the nozzle, secure it in your fuel tank, select your preferred fuel type, and begin pumping.

Self-Driving Trip Experiences in the American West on a Budget
Self-Driving Trip Experiences in the American West on a Budget

The machine will stop automatically once your tank is full.
– Some stations issue receipts with codes that must be entered into the machine before proceeding.

Self-Driving Trip Experiences in the American West on a Budget
Self-Driving Trip Experiences in the American West on a Budget

**Highways: 🛣️ (Figure 3)**
1. Apple Maps tends to provide clearer directions compared to Google Maps. Stay focused on highway signs and remain in your lane. Avoid the far-right lanes unless you’re preparing to exit, as these can easily mislead you off the highway.
2. Even with turn signals, other drivers might not yield when you attempt to change lanes.

Self-Driving Trip Experiences in the American West on a Budget
Self-Driving Trip Experiences in the American West on a Budget

Timing is key—be patient and strategic.
3. Local drivers tend to move quickly, so stay vigilant. They may not slow down for you, even if you have the right of way.
4. Rest areas and gas stations are conveniently spaced every 20–30 minutes along the route. Take advantage of these stops to refuel and stretch your legs.

5. Be mindful of occupancy requirements in the leftmost or second lanes. Some sections allow single occupants, while others require two or more passengers. Always check the signs and adjust accordingly.

**Speeding: 👮**
1. Police officers are diligent about catching speeders. Even slight infractions, such as exceeding the limit while changing lanes, can result in tickets.
2. If the car ahead suddenly slows down, take it as a sign—there’s likely a speed trap or police presence nearby. Reduce your speed accordingly.
3. In small towns especially, resist the urge to speed! ‼️ Safety first.

ROAD TRIP ADVENTURE: LOS ANGELES TO LAS VEGAS AND BEYOND! 🚗

– **Los Angeles to Las Vegas:** The drive covers a scenic 4 to 5 hours, but factor in stops and traffic, and you’re looking at around 6 hours of travel time. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the California desert!

– **Las Vegas to Page:** This leg of the trip takes about 4.5 hours behind the wheel, though most travelers find it closer to 5.5 hours when accounting for breaks and sightseeing. Prepare to immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes as you leave Nevada’s vibrant lights for Arizona’s natural wonders.

– **Crossing Time Zones:** As you head toward Page, keep in mind that you’ll cross into Arizona, which is one hour ahead of Las Vegas. Don’t forget to adjust your watch—and perhaps enjoy an extra cup of coffee to stay energized!

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