6 tips to help you prepare for your next road trip

Going on a road trip with a group of friends (or family members) can be an exciting and enjoyable experience. However, a smooth and safe journey does require some planning ahead. Here are 6 tips to help you prepare for your next road trip, including how to make sure your car makes it back in one piece and ready for your next 4-wheeled adventure:

How to prepare for your next road trip

Safety tips – Perform some car checks

The most important factor of a road trip is, of course, your car! This vehicle will be the one thing getting you all from a to b, so it’s essential to make sure it’s in good working condition before you hit the road. Before you leave, check the fluid levels and oil, brakes, tires, and other essential systems in your car. Also, don’t forget that it’s recently passed its MOT!

If you’re preparing for your first road trip in a RV, here is how to check your campervan before leaving to make sure you have a perfect holiday on the road.

Prepare for your next road trip – Plan your route

While road trips can be fun when they go a little off the beaten track, ideally you do want to reach your end destination. That’s why it’s a good idea to properly plan your route in advance. If you’re traveling in a big group, make sure everyone understands the proposed route so that if you ever get stuck, at least one person will know where you’re headed next! A GPS or physical map will also guarantee you never veer too far off course.

How to prepare for a road trip – Pack some essentials

Depending on the size of your car, space might be lacking on your road trip. But some things should naturally take priority – after your luggage, of course! Don’t forget to pack a good first aid kit, a torch, water and snacks, and any other emergency items in case you do break down away from some services.

A car repair toolset is one thing you should always have on hand. Even if you’re not an expert mechanic, having a basic tool kit will enable you to handle any smaller problems that may come up while you’re traveling. In case you experience a flat tire while driving, you should also bring a tire inflator and a spare tire. A touch-up paint kit is an additional essential thing to bring. After a lengthy drive, it’s simple to pick up little nicks and scratches on your automobile; a touch-up paint kit can help you quickly and effectively fix these minor defects. You may enjoy your road trip in peace knowing that you’re prepared for whatever the open road may bring by bringing these necessities.

Safety tips – Check the weather

Quickly looking at the weather before you leave can help you plan for any unexpected downpours (or even storms) that might make driving dangerous. Checking the weather in advance will also help you pack the car accordingly. For example, if you’re traveling during the winter, make sure you have snow chains, ice scrapers, and blankets on hand.

Stay safe during your travels

Learning how to stay safe on the road can not only prevent a crash on your road trip but can make sure your car also makes it back without any scratches or bruises. As well as performing some car checks before you leave, make sure to constantly look out for any warning lights as you start racking up the miles. If you’re planning a long road trip, it’s also likely that the driver will start to feel drowsy after a few hours, so it’s important to swap roles when they start to have trouble focusing on the road. Taking out temporary car insurance is an easy way to share driving responsibility with your friends on a road trip. 

Don’t forget the entertainment!

While it’s important that the driver always keep their eyes on the road, sometimes the other passengers might need some extra entertainment to whittle away the hours. Before you finally hit the road, don’t forget to curate a playlist for the road trip, as well as think of some games that will keep everyone occupied during the trip.

Looking for some further inspiration? Check out some of the best places to explore in the UK!