Before your Trip

(information supplied by http://www.drivingabroad.co.uk)

Look at maps and plan your route thoroughly. Check Travel Links UK for online map and route planning systems or purchase a road atlas - we recommend Amazon.co.uk or Maps Worldwide. For more information on useful equipment visit the DA Shop.

Research the roads you’ll take. You’ll especially want to know if you’ll be traveling through areas of major road construction. Ensure the maps you are using are up-to-date. Check the roads before you go!

Make estimates of travel times along the route, so you’ll have an idea when you’ll be at certain points on your trip. This will help you to plan rest and meal stops. It will also help you plan to avoid traveling through a major city or area of road construction during rush hour.

Get the car checked, especially the filters, belts, fluid levels and have the oil changed. Don’t wait until the last minute, it may take time to get an appointment and parts may need to be ordered. You also want some time to drive around town and make sure that whatever they fixed stays fixed.

Check the condition of your wiper blades.

Check the operation of your turn signals, brake lights as well as the high and low beams.

Examine the tread on your tyres.

Make sure your car is prepared for the weather it will encounter on your trip.

Today, many cars have alloy wheels instead of hubcaps. These wheels usually have a lock to prevent them from being stolen. If you have a car with wheel locks, make sure you know where the key is stored (often with the jack). Otherwise, a flat tire will become a major problem since you won't be able to get the wheel off the car.

Get your car cleaned. You’ll feel better in a clean car.

Pack an emergency kit in your car. Include motion sickness medication if anyone in your group suffers from it.

Remove any items from the car that you won’t need on your trip.

Prepare some on road entertainment for your trip. Include games and CDs of music and/or audio books.

Check your plates, registration and insurance information to make sure they are all valid. Be sure to place your insurance company’s emergency contact number in your car.

Check your insurance for expiration dates and coverage for your automobile.

Safety First

Seat Belts:  No matter where you are driving, it is imperative that you wear your seat belt. This is a strict law in almost all countries, but on top of that seatbelts are there to save your life, so make use of them.

Avoid the temptation of road rage. Honking and yelling at the drivers around you is probably more likely to make someone get out their tire iron than to help get traffic moving. Be patient.

Drive carefully and slowly in wet and windy weather. If possible, stop and wait for the weather to settle down.

Fully service your car before leaving and ensure everything is running correctly.

Making Your Trip Enjoyable

Buy some new music or interesting audio books to listen to while on the trip. Try Amazon.co.uk's Audio Books section or the iTunes Music Store Audio Books Section for ideas.

Take advantage of this time together and talk.

Play games in the car to help shorten the trip. Popular games include counting types of lorry (Eddie Stobart etc).

Play "once upon a time"; One person starts a story with the setting and a character. Then they pass to the next person in the car who embellishes the story and passes it on. See how long you can keep the story going before someone finishes with "the end". Kids get a head start since they are in the backseat. Play "I spy". See who can find the most models of cars.  Ensure that the games are simple and do not divert the drivers attention.

Bring along games or toys to help shorten the ride. Avoid items with lots of small pieces.

If you have children and are old enough, give them a map of their own. Have them keep track of your progress by making them the navigator.

Schedule a quiet time for everyone in the car to enjoy. Enforce the rules so adults are included and must also obey this rule.

Wake up sleepers a few minutes before you arrive at stops. This will give them time to adjust and be ready to get out as soon as the car stops.

Snacks & Foods

Bring along plenty of water and munchies in the car. It may be cheaper to buy these at local stores prior to the trip rather than motorway "pit stops". It might also save you some extra stops.

Sticking to water will be much easier on your body than drinking lots of cola or fizzy drinks. Remember to avoid large amounts of caffeine. Caffeine can wear on your nerves. If the driver needs large amounts of caffeine to stay awake then it’s time to pull over for the night.

You don’t want to get yourself sick with all the junk food along the roadside, so you might want to consider eating a healthy meal or at least bring some healthy snacks.

Taking Breaks

Now, after talking about eating healthy, remember that some of the fast-food restaurants now have play areas. McDonald’s and Burger King both are offering free play areas at many of their restaurants. These can be a good place to stretch those legs and burn off some energy along the road. The adults can take their time eating without the little ones getting fidgety at the table.

Be careful when using rest stops along the road. Pass them up if they aren’t well-lit or seem unsafe. Remember to lock your car doors when you go inside. Since many rest stops suffer from criminal activity, you should always accompany your children into the restroom at a rest stop.

Well-lit, bsy gas stations can provide a safe place to take a quick break.

Truck stops are designed to provide a safe place to take a break. Just be warned that you can run into some inappropriate adult items in their gift shops.