There’s something oh-so-exciting about packing your bags and hitting the road with family and friends. Although the average Brit takes 1.3 flights per year, sometimes you can’t beat an old-fashioned road trip.
Whether you plan on sticking to Scotland and exploring everything we have to offer around here or you fancy visiting somewhere like Cambridge, Oxford or Canterbury, there can be so many amazing places to discover and explore around the United Kingdom.
If you’re planning your next adventure by car, buckle up. We’re about to tell you exactly how to prepare…
1) Planning and packing
We like to be as spontaneous as the next person. But sometimes a little planning goes a long way.
So, you don’t end up stranded (trust us, it happens!), start by mapping out your route. Once you’ve decided how far to go, you can work out how much you can afford to spend on lodging or accommodation when you’re there, factoring in the cost of petrol.
Once you know where you’re going, you can start the fun part: packing.
Start by getting all your essentials in the car. It’s a good idea to pack plenty of food, road trip snacks and large bottles of water. Even if you’re going to be staying somewhere with plenty of amenities, it’s never a bad idea to be over-prepared.
You should also pack emergency supplies in the event anything goes wrong. For example, a torch, shovel, blanket and ice-scraper never go amiss.
Now it’s time to think about entertainment. If you’re travelling with children, be sure to pack plenty of colouring books, audiobooks and even an iPad for any fidgeters. For teenagers, pack some playing cards to pass the time.
2) Preparing the car
Arguably the most important part of any road trip is the car itself. After all, no car – no road trip! So, it’s important to check it’s in good condition. Be sure to check:
- Tyres – Check that your tyres are properly pumped up by giving your car a once-over. Then, if they’re looking okay, go ahead and check the tread depth by doing the 20p test.
- Brakes – Take your car for a test run. If you have to brake hard before your car screeches to a halt, you might want to get them looked at by a professional before your journey!
- Fluids – Lift up the bonnet and top up your car with essential fluids like oil, screen wash and brake fluid.
- Insurance documents – Make sure that your car insurance is comprehensive and covers you for all eventualities. You might also check if gap insurance is worth it, just in case you’re involved in an accident or theft that results in a total loss of your vehicle.
Final thoughts…
Although it can seem like there’s a lot to think about before you set off, once you’re on the road, you’re guaranteed to have a whale of a time.
Now all that’s left to do is load the car, grab your fellow road-trippers and start your next adventure.
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