A stress-free road trip is possible despite what you may have already experienced! Crying kids, irritable driving, and shoddy in-car AC need not ruin your family holidays any longer. From checking car safety for peace of mind to handy tech, here are some essential suggestions.
Plan Everything You Can Before Leaving
Planning is essential for reducing the stress of just about anything, especially travel. From your favourite playlist to the snacks you bring, anything can make the trip easier. However, none more so than transportation logistics. Before hitting the road, it helps to use reliable apps such as Parking Up to book parking spaces, as well as apps that can help you find accommodation. These seemingly small things can make a difference to the stress and enjoyment of a holiday.
Check the Car for a Stress-Free Road Trip
The average family has 2 holidays per year, and a road trip can be one of the most enjoyable. However, unlike a plane or train journey, you are responsible for everything to do with your car. Before setting off, there are some critical checks you can do to ensure a smooth start:
- Check the lights, tyres, fluid levels, wheels, and engine before setting off.
- Ensure your car has passed an MOT or mechanic check to avoid big problems.
- Thoroughly clean the car and secure extras like baby seats and pet cages.
Avoid Overpacking Luggage
Luggage is, of course, essential, and you need certain things. But you don’t need everything! A great man once said, “The things you own end up owning you”. There’s no point in taking things you don’t need when space is very limited. List essentials first, such as baby clothes, underwear and hygiene supplies. Then, and only then, think about packing extra stuff if there is enough space to do so. If not, just leave them, as you can buy what you need on the road anyway.
Bring Some Entertainment
Of course, entertainment may not be essential, but it might as well be, especially if you are travelling with young children. Something like a tablet or portable DVD player will keep the little ones entertained mile after mile. This can be a lifesaver for your stress levels and your back, as they no longer kick the seats and drive you insane! Of course, a playlist can also make a long trip go a little quicker, especially when you are facing bad weather or congested traffic.
Pay Attention to Roads for a Stress-Free Road Trip
A UK survey by Caravan Times found that 87% of parents find travelling with kids stressful. But fear not. There are some ways you can ease the stress of the road as the kids kick the back seat for two hours! When taking a UK road trip this summer, pay attention to the roads. Some planning and forethought with the highways will almost guarantee a stress-free road trip.
Choose your route
There are usually many more routes than the main ones when travelling. GPS systems usually show you the quickest route, but they don’t show scenic tours that make a trip more enjoyable.
Plan for unexpected stops
Planning is good, but overplanning is the enemy of a good road trip. Spontaneous stops can add to the excitement of a trip, so set aside some time to see things along the way.
Don’t forget about traffic.
Of course, traffic can be the enemy of enjoyment. However, you can avoid most issues by planning a trip on specific days, off-peak and at certain times on the roads of Britain.
Take Breaks and Share the Driving
Even the most stunning locations, exciting roads and serene spaces can’t beat the body and mind’s need for sleep. Tiredness will put a strain on your driving skills and can result in terrible and tragic incidents. The moment you feel sleepy, ask someone else to take the wheel or pull into the nearest rest stop or motel. In the UK, budget hotels like Premier Inn, Holiday Inn, and Travelodge are everywhere. What’s a few quid and one night against a potential car wreck?
Eat and Drink for High Nutrition
Of course, driving can take it out of you, and you need to focus, even on an empty road. The smallest lapse in judgment can be terrible. One of the best ways to beat road tiredness is to stay hydrated with water and eat something highly nutritious. A meal with protein that’s high in vitamins and minerals will reduce the chances of sleepiness. A chicken salad is a great example. It would also help to avoid energy drinks as these actually cause a sugar crash.
Use Tech for a Stress-Free Road Trip
The average person uses 9 smartphone apps per day, so most are more tech-savvy than they think. You have probably interacted with enough tech by now that you can install some nifty gadgets in your car to reduce the stress of a road trip. Here are some handy suggestions:
- Buy a dedicated GPS for all the real-time information you need on the journey.
- Install gadgets such as a USB charging bank to keep your devices juiced up.
- If you don’t have 5G phones or in-car Wi-Fi, a mobile hotspot is a lifesaver.
Keep Calm with a Backup Plan
Many small things can add up to a lot of stress when taking a road trip. As such, it is easy to lose your focus and succumb to road rage. However, it is vital that you try to stay calm. Expect something to go wrong because it probably will. For instance, a wrong turn can lead to pulling into road congestion. However, if you plan for wrong turns and such incidents, it’s not a shock, and you are prepared to deal with it. Extra petrol, a car game and some snacks soften the blow!
Summary
Planning as much as possible will help your next adventure and can result in a stress-free road trip. Paying attention to the roads, such as planning an alternative route, also helps beat stress. A backup plan for when something goes wrong will also help reduce the stress when travelling.
