There is nothing quite as stressful for a guest as getting lost on the way to their holiday getaway! Because your driving directions are automatically included in the booking confirmation your guests receive, providing clear and accurate instructions is a wonderful way to ensure they have a smooth journey - especially if they are arriving late at night or in difficult weather conditions.
Whether you are writing your directions from scratch or simply adapting a route you've downloaded from Google Maps, here are a few handy guidelines to make sure your guests never miss a turn:
Tips for writing great directions:
1. Include your GPS coordinates:
If your property is easily found on a map, providing your exact coordinates is a great starting point.
You can simply add: "Entering these location coordinates into your GPS will guide you directly to our property."
2. Guide them through remote or tricky areas:
If your location is a little off the beaten path or difficult for a standard GPS to find, don't rely on maps alone!
Provide specific, turn-by-turn directions starting from a popular, well-known spot.
3. Start with a familiar landmark:
Begin your route from a place most travellers will easily recognise, like the closest airport (e.g., "On exiting the CT International airport turn left...").
4. Cover the different angles:
Guests might be travelling from different cities, so it always helps to describe the approach from the main alternative directions.
5. Give them an idea of time:
Mentioning the approximate distance and time for key legs of the journey helps guests know they are still on the right track.
6. Mention any quirks on the road:
If there are unusual conditions, like a 10 km stretch of gravel road or ongoing roadworks, let them know so they know exactly what to expect.
7. Make your entrance obvious:
Explain exactly how to identify your property when they arrive, like looking for the last entrance on the left or a specific B&B sign on the gate.
8. Explain the complex or apartment gate process:
If your accommodation is within a secure complex or apartment building, guests often get stuck at the gate. Let them know exactly how check-in is handled once they arrive at reception or security. For example:
- "On arrival at the complex, provide security with your confirmation and unit number, and they will direct you further."
- "Specific instructions to the lockbox and directions to the apartment will be provided on the morning of your arrival."
Here is a great example of clear directions:
Directions to Robertson Guest House coming from George on the N2:
- Take the N2 south out of George, towards Mossel Bay.
- After 20 km, take Exit 45 to Stormsvlei on the right.
- Follow the R62 for 100km to the Bonnievale Cellar on your right. (Allow about 90 minutes for this leg as there are ongoing roadworks along the way).
- At the Bonnievale Cellar turn left into Winery Drive and follow the road to a T-junction, about 5 km.
- At the T-junction turn left onto the R317 heading towards Robertson.
- Pass Van Loveren wine estate and continue for 30 km until you cross the Berg River Bridge.
- After the bridge, turn left at the river stone wall, with a sign saying Robertson Guest House.