Are you planning on staying put and hitting the road for your next holiday? If so, you’re not alone. Staycations are a popular choice for many, with a third of us opting to holiday closer to home. And, with so many beautiful locations to explore, there’s lots to uncover here in the UK.
Should you be in the process of preparing for a road trip, here are some ideas to help you get everything ready before you get behind the wheel
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Plan your route
To help you get your travels underway, decide on a destination first. You might want to drive to the chart-topping Brighton and Hove, or meander along country lanes around Wales.
Once you’ve got a shortlist of some places you’d like to drive to, consider the route you need to take to get there. This will help you narrow your shortlist further as you can rule out roads that might not be suitable or journey times that don’t fit with your plans.
Vehicle safety checks
Another deciding factor will be how roadworthy your car is. It must be up to the challenge of being driven for long periods in a variety of settings, from motorways to rural lanes.
Be sure to check your car before you set off. Make sure the tyres are at the legal limit and suitable for a range of terrains. Are your brakes in working order too? Are the lights operating as they should? Tick off the essentials as you don’t want it to break down while you’re away from home.
It’s also important to have your driving licence and documents with you, and that your car insurance policy is up to date. This can give you peace of mind during your trip.
Packing essentials
When it comes to packing for a road trip, it’s important to think about how to be economical with the space you have – especially if you’re thinking of camping as part of your holiday. An overloaded vehicle can decrease fuel efficiency, so plan outfits before you set off.
Make a list of the essentials and consider having a capsule wardrobe in place that you can mix and match during your holiday. As you’re driving around the UK, layers are a must too. These will be handy if you’re suddenly hit by showers or if the weather turns cooler.
It’s worth booking accommodation or campsites that have a washing machine. This will save on packing and means you can wash and re-wear clothing during the week.
Accommodation and attractions
As well as considering accommodation that has a washing machine, it’s important that you decide where you’ll stay ahead of your road trip. Try to book in advance where possible and have a backup plan in mind should you need it. For instance, it’s worth having a tent in your vehicle as a backup.
Also, you might want to book tickets to popular attractions in the areas you’re travelling to, especially if you’re driving during peak seasons. Researching where to go also means you have an outline of what you want to do while you’re away.
Staying safe
A driving holiday means you’ll need to make considerations that you don’t need to make when you’re taking the train or plane. Here are some important safety tips:
- Take regular breaks: Don’t drive while you’re tired. Plan your journey in a way that allows you to stop off and stretch your legs or take a nap.
- Share the driving: By taking turns to drive, you’re reducing the likelihood of the designated driver becoming too tired to be behind the wheel for the next leg of the journey.
- Follow the signs: Make sure you’re alert to signage. You’re driving on unfamiliar roads and it can be easy to miss a Give Way or One Way sign.
- Stick to the speed limit: Look out for speed limit signs and if you’re unsure, always go slow in built-up areas.
Are you all set for your big trip? Where are you heading to?