Top tips for a staycation road trip
So, you’ve found the perfect spot for your summer staycation, you’ve packed your bags, now all that’s left for you to do is get there. But whether you’re alone, coupled up or bringing the whole family along, you’ll want to make sure your road trip isn’t a bumpy ride. Luckily, we have a few tips and tricks for a hassle-free UK holiday.
Plan your staycation route in advance
Whether you’re heading off for a weekend in the Lake District or planning a week taking in the sights of the Scottish Highlands, you’re going to need to have your staycation route down to a tee.
The good news is that the days of relying on your passenger to read out directions (and then making you miss a turn) are over. With a whole host of in-car technology available these days, from sat navs to smartphone mirroring, you’ll never have to rely on an oversized road atlas again! You can even hire a sat nav from us free of charge to help you get around.
Factor in your road trip rest breaks
If you’re heading further afield for your staycation, it’s worth figuring out a few places to stop and stretch your legs before you set off. We know it’s not the most entertaining aspect of road tripping, but food and bathroom breaks can help fight off fatigue, and avoid a distracting chorus of ‘I need the toilet,’ and ‘are we there yet?’ from the little ones in the back.
And it’s not all soggy sandwiches and endless queues for the toilets. Some service stations, like Tebay Services along the M6 even have farm shops on site, offering everything from local meats and cheeses to homemade crafts – perfect for snapping up last minute holiday gifts for friends and family.
Queue up a road trip playlist
If you’re the passenger, then it’s your duty to keep everyone’s spirits up, even if the heavens have opened or there’s an argument brewing in the back seat! Usually a great playlist will be your saviour. Try to cater to everyone’s tastes, young and old, but be especially kind to your driver by lining up some of their favourites (and try to go easy on Baby Shark, for everyone’s sake).
Keep the kids occupied
If you’re a parent, we don’t need to tell you how challenging it can be to keep the kids entertained on a long car journey so that you can concentrate on the road ahead. Make sure to charge phones and tablets before you leave, and download some of their favourite films to save your data when you’re on the move. Be sure to bring along some headphones, too.
Stay safe
If you’re heading off for some well-deserved rest and relaxation, remember to take positive steps to keep you and your family safe. If you’re taking your own car, check your usual first aid kit and any breakdown or puncture repair kits you might have. But be mindful of the risk of COVID-19 where you’re going, especially if you plan to stop at high-traffic motorway services. It’s a great idea to pack a kit with hand sanitiser, face coverings, alcohol wipes, plastic gloves and plastic bags for disposing of them quickly and safely.
Consider car hire
And if you want to make your staycation even more of a breeze, why not consider hiring a car?
Bigger vehicles with more space for luggage and passengers, fantastic fuel economy and performance and lots of extras like car seats and sat navs are all great reasons for hiring a car for your staycation. And to help get you moving, at Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental we offer great weekend rates, too.
Ready for your staycation? Why not save time and book your car hire online?
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