Are you driving long-distance for Christmas this year? Whether you’re heading north to the Highlands or going south and crossing the border, getting ready for this momentous journey requires some careful preparation.
From family entertainment on the road to keeping your vehicle safe, we’ve outlined five of the best tips for getting ready to visit family in the holidays.
- Get your vehicle ready
Long journeys demand reliable vehicles! In the months leading up to your departure, you should do everything possible to ensure that your car is in top condition with an up-to-date MOT.
Booking an MOT a couple of months beforehand will reveal any areas that need immediate attention, therefore giving you a clear plan for maintenance. Along with routine servicing, you should also ensure to making sure your car insurance is appropriate for your destination and the length of the trip.
Servicing your car and getting covered now ensures that you’ve done everything possible to think of safety in advance.
- Plan your route
Knowing which roads you’ll take means you can drive with clarity and confidence. It’s also worth planning a contingency route to follow in case you encounter any problems or heavy traffic along the way.
Before you depart, make sure to check the road conditions on your planned route. Keeping notifications enabled means that you’ll find out about any traffic news immediately, giving you time to adjust your route where necessary.
- Keep everyone comfortable
Many people find long distance journeys quite difficult.
Before the big departure, you should ensure that you’ve taken all the possible steps to help your family feel comfortable and relaxed in the car.
For children, this might include putting travel pillows behind their heads or even giving them portable devices on which to play games. Fighting boredom is no easy task in the car, especially when the conversation runs dry!
Classic games like Eye Spy make a good way to break up the journey. But the very best way to make the time pass faster could be to travel during the night, allowing your passengers to catch up on some sleep.
- Plan a rest stop
Knowing when you’re going to stop and stretch your legs gives everybody something to look forward to.
By planning this in advance, you can handpick the best service stations en-route to suit your needs and keep everyone happy. For example, you may prefer to choose a service station with a large chain coffee shop like Starbucks or Costa.
Alternatively, if your family would prefer to go for a nature walk on the drive, you could look for rural service stations or even quaint towns and villages to explore.
- Final checks before you go
Lastly, before you set off, try to give your car a quick once-over. Make sure there are no engine lights on and check the pressure of your tyres to ensure a smooth, fuel-efficient journey.
Packing a few essential supplies could pay dividends too. Try to pack a foot pump and hi-vis clothing in case you get a puncture. For the family, keeping spare coats, bottled water and long-life snacks in the car will always be worthwhile.
With all this careful organisation, you’ll be ready for a smooth, seamless and stress-free journey!