The UK is blessed with some fabulously scenic roads, with the North Coast 500 in Scotland, the Snake Pass across the Peak District, and the B3135 Cheddar to Ashwick route as three good examples. Of course, we then have the M25 as an example of a terrible road, but hopefully, your road trip doesn’t include that!
Once you have your route planned – and it’s OK to be flexible in this regard – it’s time to lock down the rest of the logistics for the trip. First up is your mode of transport.
Travelling from A to B
If you own a car, make sure it is roadworthy before the trip. Check tyre pressures, refill the screen wash, and top up your AC gas if the weather is hot. If the car is due an annual service, consider bringing this forward by a few weeks, so you can deal with any issues before you set off. Verify that you have breakdown cover in place, just in case.
Not owning a car needn’t be an insurmountable hurdle. Hire cars are easy to come by and if you shop around, you can probably find a reasonable rate from a local car hire place. National car hire agents are usually more expensive, so go local if you can. Book in advance for the best rates.
Borrowing a car from a friend or family member is another option worth considering. If your own insurance doesn’t cover you for other cars then temporary vehicle insurance, also known as cheap day insurance can be bought for one hour up to 60 days from some insurers. It’s ideal if you have someone willing to lend you their car for the trip. It is a very cost-effective solution for short-term use. Get several quotes for cheap day insurance to secure the best prices.
Accommodation
Unless you plan on making the trip last less than a day, it’s time to book your accommodation. Have a budget in mind and stick to it. Check your route and work out the best places to stop along the way. Scenic towns and points of interest are best, as you then have an opportunity to stay a bit longer and explore.
Use sites like Booking.com and Trivago to find hotels or go on Airbnb for self-catering accommodation. If the weather is warm and you’re feeling adventurous, camping can be cheaper, especially if you can park up and head off the beaten path for a night of wild camping. Alternatively, if you are lucky enough to own a camper van or similar, all you need to do is find suitable places to park up for the night.
GPS and Snacks
Driving can be boring at times, so stock up on snacks and drinks, and have a few playlists ready to go. If you don’t already use it, sign up for the ad-free Spotify service and download some playlists and podcasts. Use your smartphone as a GPS nav tool and keep it charged at all times. Google Maps is just as useful as any Satnav device these days.
Finally, throw a blanket and a first aid kit in the car before you set off, just in case of problems on the way.