Are you planning to make the most of the summer months by heading off on a road trip with your nearest and dearest? Then you may be wondering how to plan your adventure so it goes off without a hitch.
Take a look at our four top tips below that will help you plan a fun-filled trip for your friends or family.
1. Plan your route and stops
Have some fun planning your route and where you want to stop.
There are plenty of fantastic destinations for road trips across the UK, such as the North Coast 500 in Scotland, the picturesque Jurassic Coast, and the incredible landscapes of the Lake District.
Once you've chosen a rough area you'd like to explore, plan your stops according to the attractions you want to visit and where you'll be staying overnight.
If you're travelling with kids, make sure you plan plenty of breaks to stretch your legs, grab snacks, and nip to the loo.
2. Prepare your vehicle
Before you hit the road you'll need to prepare your vehicle for the journey.
Do a thorough maintenance check including looking at your tyres, checking the windscreen wash levels, topping up your engine oil and coolant, and making sure your lights are working.
With warmer weather in the summer, it's also worth checking that your air conditioning is performing at its best.
Test it beforehand and if it's blowing warm air or not working well, it may be worth getting an aircon regas so you feel comfortable in the car.
3. Pack light and smart.
The key to a successful road trip is to pack smart. Think about essentials first, such as travel documents, medication, a first aid kit, food, and water. Put these in an easily accessible spot in your car.
In terms of clothing and shoes, create a list of items you'll need before you start packing. This will avoid throwing items in at the last minute and hoping for the best, then realising you've forgotten things once you're away.
To build your list, check the weather forecast and think about the activities you'll be doing while you're away.
You can save space in your car by using packing cubes or vacuum bags for your clothes. They save heaps of room and are great for organising items.
4. Plan your entertainment
Make your road trip fun for everyone by planning entertainment in advance. Download some audiobooks or create music playlists you can listen to while travelling in the car.
As well as in-car entertainment, consider activities you can do throughout your journey. If you're with your kids, this could be trips to a wildlife park, adventure playground or outdoor activity centre.
If you're with friends or travelling with your other half, you could plan to visit national parks, leisurely walks in the countryside or meals out.
You could also take board games to play in the evenings and download films on your tablet or laptop that you can watch during rest stops.
There are plenty of ways to make your road trip run smoothly, including organising entertainment, packing smart and preparing your vehicle.
By following these tips, you can plan a successful adventure that everyone will enjoy!
