Top considerations when planning a road trip in the UK

Before you embark on the ultimate UK road trip, there are quite a few considerations to keep in mind. You need to make sure you have a clear road trip itinerary and all the tools necessary to carry it out before you set off. Here are all the top considerations when planning a road trip in the UK to ensure that your adventure goes smoothly.

1. Make sure you have an appropriate vehicle ready to go

When you set off on a road trip adventure, you’ll need a car to get you where you need to go. If you already have one that can handle the trip, great. If not, you’ll need to hire a vehicle. Be sure to opt for something that can handle the distance, and don’t forget to check whether full coverage is included in your travel insurance terms.

2. Solidify your directions beforehand

The key to a successful road trip in the UK is having the directions nailed down before you set out. Given the fact that many roads in the country were established before cars were around, you’ll find numerous one-way streets and sudden sharp turns. To ensure you’re not taken by surprise, download offline maps on your smartphone and get USB chargers to make sure you always have directions.

3. Whatever you do, make sure to avoid speeding

Speed limits are fairly strict throughout most of the UK. While it can be tempting to want to rush off to your next destination, it’s best to remain well within the speed limit. Other drivers may be speeding, but that doesn’t mean you should, too. A speeding fine may cause you to cut your road trip short, as it can severely eat into your budget.

4. Make sure to avoid toll roads

Toll roads aren’t typically as much of an issue in the UK as they are in places like the United States. Even so, they can still be a problem should you run into one. It’s always best to stretch your budget as far as it’ll go and avoid toll roads entirely. You can do so via any maps app, but ideally the same one you use for your directions.

5. Avoid the congestion charge in London

When you plan a road trip in the UK, London is likely to be one of your destinations. When visiting, try to avoid driving through the Congestion Charge Zone. This area of the city centre will automatically charge you for driving through in a car. Also, cameras will pick up your license plate and charge you an extra fee if you don’t meet ultra-low emission zone standards.

6. Consider taking a ferry

While the mainland of the UK has plenty to offer, your road trip may take you to some of the surrounding islands. Fortunately, travelling by car doesn’t prevent you from exploring these areas as well. All you have to do is find a ferry that will take you and your car along for the ride.

7. Plan your primary stops

When drafting your road trip itinerary, you’ll need to consider your primary stops. While this is largely up to personal taste, there are some tips to keep in mind. Make sure each stop works for your desired experience, and make sure the path to and from each is efficient enough for a road trip.

8. Plan the secondary stops

In addition to the primary stops on your itinerary, you’ll want to plan a few secondary stops. Keep in mind that these stops shouldn’t be planned all that much in advance, and it’s okay if you have to miss a couple. They’re mostly just meant to be interesting destinations useful for a driving break for an hour or so.

9. Don’t forget to pack lightly

You don’t need all that much for a road trip, so consider packing lightly when planning your adventure. You’ll need clothes, electronic devices and maybe some medication. Everything else can easily be found throughout the UK. That includes food and snacks. In fact, it may be better to force yourself to try new regional foods in the destinations you visit.

10. Plan your route in a circle

Even the most satisfying road trip can be ruined by realizing there’s one massively long drive back home at the end of it all. Even if you want to split your experiences in each direction by backtracking the entire route to get home, it can get old. Instead, plan your trip in a circle so you can hit new destinations along the way back home.