The UK is blessed with several stand-out routes, north to south and east to west, praised for their picturesque surroundings and unparalleled cultural highlights. You have options whether you want to combine countryside and city stops or simply get away from it all, and all are relatively easy to navigate.
The secret to having a great trip is proper planning. This doesn’t mean mapping out every minute of your trip and restricting your spontaneity. It enables you to see the best sites and get around safely without stress.
1. Choosing Your Route
We’re lucky to have some of the best road trips in the world on the doorstep, notably the North Coast 500, which encircles the Scottish Highlands. Other iconic coastal road trip routes in the UK and Ireland include Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and the Jurassic Coast between Dorset and Devon, where the cliffs conceal fossils.
Away from the coast, you’ve got idyllic rural areas such as the Lake District, where outdoor adventure is rewarding, and the romantic Cotswolds and Yorkshire. Check for special events running in these locations throughout the summer that will add to your experience, such as markets and exhibitions. Remember that the drives should be half the joy, and taking it slow will let you drink in the scenery.
2. Planning an Itinerary
Having some sort of itinerary provides essential structure for your trip. This is especially important for driving holidays, because you have to factor in journey distances and regular breaks. It also significantly reduces the decision fatigue you’ll face each day, leaving you with more time and energy to devote to relaxation and enjoyment.
Given the popularity of some of these routes, it’s a good idea to pre-book somewhere to rest your head each night. You can choose between stylish boutique hotels and cost-effective chains in the cities or seek out holiday rentals in rural areas. Book accommodation with parking whenever possible, so you don’t have a stressful end to each day.
3. Organising On-the-Go Entertainment
As hard as you might try, you cannot create an itinerary that perfectly suits the entire group. There will always have to be compromises that may leave people at a loose end from time to time. Some will also actively seek out solitary downtime to top up their social battery throughout the trip. You should therefore encourage your friends or family to bring books or download films, shows or podcasts and playlists for quiet moments.
Long stretches between destinations can also invite boredom. Traditional car games are a great way to keep the group engaged, but they’ll lose their appeal after a few hours. Passengers can access digital versions of familiar favourites like 80-ball bingo and card games via smartphones for engaging in independent play, giving the driver moments of much-needed peace!
4. Arranging Vehicle Checks
A summer road trip places different demands on your car than short local drives. Heavy luggage, high temperatures and long motorway hours can expose issues that barely appear during everyday use. Seemingly insignificant details, like worn tyre tread, can make a big difference to your safety in emergencies. Conducting a thorough vehicle inspection before you set off is a must.
Check fluids like oil, coolant and screen wash several days before departure, ensuring they’re at the recommended levels. Test your brakes, lights and wipers. Review your tyres, prioritising pressure and watching out for cracks and bulges that signal they’ve become unsafe to drive on. Consider features that will provide essential comfort during the drives too, such as air conditioning.
Breakdown cover also earns its cost during longer journeys, so make sure you have a policy in place alongside your car insurance. Remember to properly insure anyone who will be driving the vehicle if you plan on sharing the driving throughout the trip.