8 top tips for stress free road trips

Summer is here! Well, kind of! Whatever the weather, summer road trips with your family are priceless. Whether you’re enjoying a well-earned staycation in the UK or off on a day trip to somewhere you’ve never explored, both you and your car must be road trip ready! We all know road trips can be stressful, so with careful planning and preparation, you can make your next family road trip one to remember (for all the right reasons). Follow our 8-step guide to stress-free road trips.

1. Check over your vehicle.

Before you even think about heading out on your road trip, you must ensure your car is ready for it. You’re likely to do more miles than you usually would when commuting or taking the kids to school so take the stress out of your next road trip by maintaining your vehicle properly. This could include having your car serviced to ensure it’s in the best possible condition, checking over key areas like tyre pressure, and oil levels and top-up windscreen wash if needed. It’s also recommended to set off with a full tank of petrol or diesel. If you’re an electric car owner, make sure your vehicle is fully charged before you head out.

Explore our easy car maintenance checks you can do at home.

2. Clean out your car.

An untidy and dirty car can create a stressful environment for both driver and passengers. Whilst you’re checking over your vehicle you should also consider its current state of cleanliness. Remove any rubbish and anything you don’t need for your road trip. Remember, overloading your car with excess weight will increase fuel consumption and it’s likely you’ll already have to consider a heavy load. Then, give your car’s interior a good clean. Wipe down your car’s dashboard and remove any dust before vacuuming every nook and cranny.

3. Take out breakdown cover.

One of the easiest ways to have a stress-free road trip is to have the right breakdown cover in place. If you’re not sure what to do in the event of a car breakdown, it can leave you helpless at the side of the road. When you compare quotes for breakdown cover, check what the policy actually covers. There are different levels of protection to choose from and optional extras you can add on.

Types of breakdown cover:

Home Start – covers you if you break down on the drive or within a short distance from your home.
Roadside Assistance – covers you if you break down on the road and the vehicle can be fixed at the roadside. If it can’t you can be towed to the nearest garage.
National Recovery – This type of cover is good for road trips because it covers you for callout and roadside repair but it also includes a tow to any location in the UK.

4. Plan your route and any stops.

Before you set off, it’s essential you know your route and where you will stop if you need to. Long car journeys can get tedious and you may need to stop for toilet breaks and to stretch your legs. Planning your route will not only help take the stress out of your road trip but it will give you an idea of estimated travel time too. If you have an EV or hybrid car, you may also want to check where the electric car charging points are located along the way. It can also be worth downloading offline maps to your smartphone if you’re using it as a Satnav.

5. Pack the essentials.

Aside from what you’d need for your trip, like luggage and personal items, there are a few essential items you should pack for a road trip.

First aid kit.
Snacks and water.
Sickness tablets.
A change of clothes.
Wipes and napkins.
Hand sanitiser.

Top 5 summer road trips UK

6. Keep the kids entertained.

Whilst you’re packing for a stress-free road trip you need to include a few essentials to keep the kids entertained. There are a range of games and electronics you can use to make sure everyone is happy on board. Make sure any electronics are charged and games/movies are downloaded before you set off. If you travel through an area of no service, your content may not load. There are a number of games you can play away from the iPad too. Why not try out the classic game of I Spy or have a round of 20 questions?

7. Reduce distractions.

Did you know that distracted driving is an illegal offence? If an incident or accident occurs because you are distracted, you could face a fine and even penalty points on your license. Before you set off you should minimise the risk of getting distracted whilst driving. Think about things like putting your phone away and turning off notifications if you’re using it for navigation. if you are travelling with kids, make sure they are comfortable and have their seatbelts on before you drive off to reduce the need for complaints or issues along the way.

8. Enjoy the ride.

And finally, enjoy the ride! If you’re off on a road trip which may take a few hours, use it as a time to reconnect with your family and get caught up with them. Summer road trips are a great way to explore new places and make memories with the ones you love.