When university is out for a few days in autumn and you want to make the most of your time off, jump in the car and enjoy the autumn colours on a road trip. Road trips are easy, inexpensive, and you can decide your schedule rather than worry about train seat sales or confusing rail diversions. Whether you’re heading out for an afternoon adventure or a week-long tour of the countryside, you can find a destination that suits your interests when you head out on your next road trip.
Before you leave home, take a few minutes to sit down and start planning. Do some research about where you’d like to go and how you’re going to get there. If you have a Sat Nav system in your car, type in your final destinations and get everything ready ahead of time so you’re ready to hit the ground running when you set off from home. Otherwise, grab a map and write out some directions for yourself to keep on hand in the car so you don’t get lost.
Plan how much time you’re going to be spending in the car each day and how far you’ll be driving. Fill up a cooler with some drinks and snacks, and on the day you leave pack a few sandwiches so you have some food handy when you get hungry. Also, be sure to pack lots of water in case you get thirsty.
One of the best parts of a road trip is the soundtrack that goes along with it, so pack the car full of your favourite CDs, or connect the car’s sound system to a custom-made playlist on your MP3 player. Audiobooks are another great way to keep yourself entertained on the drive, and you can listen to your favourite stories without ever opening a book.
Before you leave home, check to make sure your car is in top condition. Taking your car in for a quick check-up could prevent any major roadside breakdowns, and spending some time looking under the bonnet and checking tyre pressures while you pull in to a lay-by for a rest will alert you to any problems while you’re out on the road.
While you’re on your road trip, it’s also a good idea to pack some emergency supplies with you in the car. Keep a thick, warm blanket on hand and make sure you always have some cash in case you get stranded. Charge your mobile phone each day before you hit the road so you can make any emergency calls, and consider any other items that you can tuck away into your boot such as jump leads or a spare tyre in case anything goes wrong.
Whether you’re touring the highlands of Scotland or running along the beach by the cliffs of Dover, there’s more than enough to see and do when you hit the road on your adventure. By preparing for your road trip ahead of time and updating your car insurance policy, you’ll have everything you need to get out and have a great time on your October break.