July 11th, 2021
By Danielle Penman & Elissa Pierce
1. Give your car a check up
As most people have cut down on driving during lockdowns, you may not have submitted your car to any meaningful inspection recently. To avoid any problems on your trip, it is a good idea to check your tyre pressure and tread depth before you set off. You should also inspect your brake fluid, oil, windscreen washer and coolant levels as well to make sure everything is ready for the long drive.
It would also be sensible to store an emergency kit in your boot in case something does go wrong on your trip. Typically, the kit would contain a hi-vs jacket, first aid supplies, insurance details, a spare tyre, as well as food and water.
2. Plan your route
Sat Navs and Google Maps have made planning driving holidays much easier. But sometimes the technology can let you down, especially in remote areas. Make sure you have printed directions, a map or the offline version Google Maps – one or all can be useful backups if something does go wrong.
It is also worth bearing in mind that navigation tools usually give you the quickest route from A to B. But this isn’t always the most enjoyable way to travel. It could be worth spending a bit of time to see if you can find a more scenic route, a better service station or if there are any points of interest to stop at if you go a different way.
If you would like to choose a scenic route on Google Maps, you can select the three-dot menu button next to the start point at the top of the screen. Select route options and then you can choose to avoid motorways. You can also choose to ‘add stop’ if you would like to go on some detours without needing to change your directions.
3. Remember to keep some spare change in the car
Many places stopped using cash during the pandemic and card payments are usually accepted in most shops and restaurants. However, it is still worth remembering to bring some spare change on your driving holiday, especially if you’re heading to a rural area. There may be some toll roads, bridges, or car parks that require cash payments along the route. You may also fancy grabbing a drink or a sandwich from a small café or country pub that doesn’t take card payments.
4. Take a break
When going on any form of road trip you should be careful not to push yourself too far. One in five of all major road accidents is caused by driver fatigue, according to research from AXA. Ideally, to avoid getting tired you should take a break every two hours or after 100 miles of driving. It is also a good idea to split the driving with whoever you’re travelling with if possible. This should give you a chance to take a longer break from driving and alleviate any stress or fatigue.
5. Hide valuables
Many people choose to take expensive belongings such as cameras or sports equipment with them on driving holidays. If you’re not familiar with where you’re driving, then it is particularly important to keep any valuables in your car hidden. Make sure your wallet or phone isn’t left on display while you go for a scenic walk in the country or a day at the beach.
6. Check new rules if going abroad
As Covid-19 travel curbs begin to lift, you may be tempted to head further afield on your driving holiday. If you are planning to go abroad soon, it is crucial that you check the latest regulations, guidance, and restrictions. With the pandemic and Brexit, the rules for driving overseas may have changed significantly. Remember to bring essentials, including a breathalyser, headlamp beam deflectors and a GB sticker for your number plate if you’re driving through France.
When it comes to insurance, you will also need to get a ‘green card’ alongside the typical certificate of insurance. This will act as proof of coverage for driving in the European Union. Make sure you apply for the green card from your insurer with plenty of time before you plan to travel to avoid any potential delays. If you’re a JURNY customer and you would like to apply for a green card, please get in touch using the email address below: [email protected]