Twenty Tips to Avoid a Road Trip Disaster

Let's be honest, there's never been a better time to hit the open road. Whether you're planning a cross-country adventure, a weekend escape, or simply exploring somewhere new a little closer to home, road trips remain one of the most flexible and rewarding ways to travel. But before you grab the keys, fire up your sat nav and set off with nothing but optimism and a packed playlist, take a moment to prepare. Here are twenty essential tips to help you avoid a road trip disaster and keep your journey running smoothly from start to finish.

Whether it's -5 or 40 degrees you won't be getting very far if your chariot is less than roadworthy. After a long layup, a full service and safety check is essential. We've covered the topic of starting your car after storage here.

Of course, you will have fitted new fuel hoses as part of your pre-trip service, but accidents happen and a fire extinguisher in the cabin or an automatic fire suppression system just in case, is a hugely sensible choice. Sadly 'those' photos are already circulating on social media, and you really don't want your family holiday to become another smokey and smoldering statistic. Read our guide to choosing the correct fire extinguisher here.

We know you can't take one of everything with you, but a small spares package especially if you are driving an older classic vehicle, is certainly recommended. Ignition Points, Condensor, Rotor Arm, Distributor Cap, Fan Belt, Engine Oil, Coolant, and a plentiful supply of cable ties, tape, and some WD40 would be high on our list. Breakdown cover might seem like an extravagance until the day you have to use it when it becomes a lot cheaper than an emergency recovery truck.

A box of parts won't be much good without some tools to do the job. You can buy a decent case of tools (sockets, spanners, screwdrivers, etc) for around £100 if you are just starting out, or grab a few of your favourites out of the garage and wrap them up in a rag or put them in a small toolbox for ease.

Give your spare tyre a check over and ensure it's correctly inflated should you need it. Likewise, pull out the locking wheel nut key, jack, and wheel brace to give them a trial run before you leave to save any hard shoulder surprises later on. If you don't have room for a spare wheel, a can of tyre weld is an absolute must to help you limp to a local fast-fit garage for a full tyre change.

Check the forecast in advance. If you are traveling to Scotland, don't expect it to be as sunny and warm as a week in Sussex. Always take a raincoat; getting wet wearing one is far more preferable to getting soaked without! If you are staying under canvas you'll soon notice it gets cold at night, so a decent jacket and a hat for wearing whilst sat around the fire will be a welcome addition to your rucksack or suitcase.

A portable power unit for phone charging is a great piece of kit to take on any trip away. Make sure you pack the correct cables with you too and a means to recharge it, should you get close to a mains plug or USB on your trip away.

To save any arguing over what radio station you are going to tune into (I personally try to avoid the ones that play adverts every twenty minutes), knock up some classic playlists with a bunch of 'not heard that for ages' tunes to make this adventure your best adventure yet.

Take photocopies of all necessary vehicle and license documents, and carry those with you as well as the originals. Should you encounter any trouble, especially if traveling overseas, hand these copies to the authorities first; and save the real ones for emergency use only!

Should you be venturing a little further afield do familiarise yourself with the rules of the road on the way to your chosen destination. There are travel kits you can buy with bulbs, breath testing kits, etc. and that's before you add Coronavirus into the mix. It might not be quite as simple as booking a ferry or a train...

With a bit of forethought, you can save a few pounds by buying fuel in a local town, rather than at a motorway Service Station. It might not be a huge amount but could pay for an ice cream or two for you and your passengers by the time you get home.

Not saying you are going to break down, but take five minutes and search for specialists who you will pass on your way. Read a few reviews, and pick a favourite so that should a problem arise whilst away, you know exactly who to call. If you are heading near Farnborough, then check out our friends at Beetlelink.

If overseas travel is on the cards get familiar with any foreign currency and the exchange rate before you leave. Split your cash between a few of you for security, and don't leave it in the vehicle unless locked away in a hidden safe.

You are going away to have a good time. Don't overcook your concentration by spending all day every day behind the wheel. Allow some extra time for comfort breaks, to explore a shop or village that might appeal, and please don't make it a cross country race to catch the last ferry home!

Sunshine and pub gardens go hand in hand, but for everyone's safety stay off the sauce if you are doing the steering. Likewise, a heavy night will still be in your system the morning after, and a driving ban certainly would be classified as a major road trip disaster.

A decent supply of fluid and food will keep everyone comfortable whilst you get your adventure underway. Pack a 12v cool box (or better still a campervan fridge) to ensure your refreshments stay at a pleasant temperature.

Even in 2026, motorists offer rich pickings for the petty criminal, and a handbag or a smartphone is a prime smash and grab steal for them. Don't underestimate their audacity to pinch something much bigger either; bike racks with bikes, roof boxes, speedboats on trailers, and fully loaded caravans have all been known to go missing when your back is turned. That's before you consider a cheeky crook might just jump in your pride and joy and drive off into the sunset, taking the whole lot in the process.

If in doubt, stop and take a picture. In today's world of digital images, it'll cost you nothing but a moment in time. If you are traveling as a family try to include everyone using a selfie stick or the timer function, and make a conscious effort to print a few when you get home. There's something quite nice about an album full of photos you've taken yourself.

So, with all that in mind, grab those sunglasses, hit the road, and keep us posted with what you get up to using #HeritageAdventure across Social Media. Drive safely.

Andy