A private car service is a car just for you, driven by a professional to one or more locations. In Thailand, hiring a car with a driver can be one of the best ways to see the country. In this post, we’ll look at some of the duties of a chauffeur and how to know if it may be a good fit for you on your next trip abroad.
The Basics
In a culture saturated with personal drivers hired through apps, it’s important to distinguish these services with that of a private car. A private car is hired in advance, sometimes hours or days ahead, and it is often used to travel between multiple locations.
For example, a traveller might hire a car to drive them to a tourist site, take them to a meal at another location, and then bring them back to their hotel. Private cars are also often more regulated than other cars for hire.
The Benefits
There are many upsides to hiring a private car service, whether your trip is long or short.
Comfort
Private cars are a cut above taxis and app-ordered vehicles. They are well-maintained and equipped to make your journey as comfortable as possible. This can be especially important in countries like Thailand where air-conditioning can be the difference between an enjoyable day and a slightly annoying one.
If you’re travelling for business, this aspect can be invaluable, as you may need to take meetings while you get from one place to another, and you need to show up sharp and refreshed.
Convenience
Few things are more convenient than a car arriving at your door to take you exactly where you need to go. However, when it comes to vacations or long-term business trips, this kind of convenience comes with another benefit: getting to actually see the country you’re visiting.
Many people return from a trip having only seen tourist destinations and the insides of restaurants. With a private car, you can enjoy the view from the window and take in everything around you.
Punctuality
Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, being on time is a big deal. Missing the guided tour you paid to join or showing up late to an important meeting are both risks that come with driving yourself.
In foreign places, especially those with complex streets like Bangkok, one wrong turn can put you behind twenty minutes. Paying for a private car service is paying to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Flexibility
A private car service allows you to plan the trip of your dreams down to a T. If you want to stay longer at a beautiful vista, you can stay. If you’re out late and want to start your day later the next morning, one phone call puts you back on track for the day you want. Car services also save you from the hassle of researching public transportation lines and schedules!
Local Insights
While it’s not always an official part of a private car service, the knowledge of your driver can be a big advantage. Of course, all professional car service drivers are familiar with the roads and country in which they’re driving, but they may have even grown up where you’re travelling. Being able to ask the person behind the wheel if they have any recommendations for food or drink or unique places to see can add a facet to your trip you never expected.
The Road to Comfort
Hiring a private car service can offer you the best of multiple worlds. You can spend more time enjoying your surroundings, you can always be comfortable and on time, and you can get the insights of a local. Especially when you’re in a foreign land for an extended stay, having your own personal driver can be one of the fastest ways to reduce your stress and increase your ability to sink into the culture.
Interested in the idea of a personal driver for your next foray in Thailand or elsewhere? Check out our post on what executive car service is!