Photos: Stocksy

MADE BY MEMBERS • February 2022

Your top tips for a road trip to remember

Last year we asked all you drivers out there what advice you had for your fellow road-trippers? Here, we publish the wise words we got in response. Expect crushed sunglasses, surprise snacks and couples therapy ahead

“Instead of stopping at services, try pencilling in a stop at a small town supermarket instead – they have toilets and the food is often way cheaper. Many have a café, too. When we drove from south Wales to York recently, we decided we’d make a stop at Ashby-de-la-Zouch instead of services and it was lovely.”
Emma Kaye, Wales, Blue

“You just need a Springsteen playlist, some sweets and crisps and a good farm shop stop.” Jamie Davis, UK, Blue

“If in doubt, disco all the way. Even if you’re exhausted, the moment that music starts playing you’ll be reminded that you’re out of the office and on your way to finally having some fun!
Conor, Manchester, Blue

“Always take pictures of your hire car before setting off and note down the mileage. This can help avoid any issues when it’s time to hand back the vehicle.” K, UK, Silver
“Pack light! You don’t need all those trainers filling up the boot. Save some space for souvenirs and trinkets that you pick up along the road.” Jennifer Brown, London, Blue

“I like a good ol’ dodgy motel. They’re great for giving you a real feel and reflection of the place you are travelling through. Having said that, I always make sure I do book at least one night of luxury, just in case.”
Jane Newbrook, Sheffield, Silver

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“Our best road trip was eight days driving the ring road in Iceland. An absolute gem for a trip, though, is a little app called maps.me. Download the area you’ll be in and it’ll give you driving and walking distances from anywhere to anywhere, plus pre-plotted access to anything from the nearest petrol station to the furthest waterfall.”
Ben, Kent, Bronze

“Never feel guilty about stopping for a bathroom break!” Laura Mountain, UK, Blue

“If you’re travelling with anyone who suffers from motion sickness, try heading off while it’s still dark. It’ll keep sickness to a minimum, and, if made all snug, any kids will hopefully sleep on the journey. Another way to avoid sickness is to make sure that you stick to toast and water before setting off – no cereals and definitely no sickly sweets and crisps. Keep it plain and you will gain!”
Cassie Ashby, Buckinghamshire, Blue

“I can’t overstate this enough, but a good amount of rest before getting behind the wheel makes for a far superior trip and keeps you safe, too!” Zenon, London, Gold

“Always take a spare pair of sunglasses with you just in case you sit on/tread on the normal pair when getting in or out of the car. I did that once upon a time, but fortunately did have my spare pair with me! You need them to take the glare out of sunset driving, for sure.”
Richard Francis Williams, Southampton, Blue

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“No trip or view is worth it if you’re hungry. But make it a lottery. Ask somebody you know to buy you a random selection of snacks and hide it in a bag. No peeking until you travel. Set off and, when hunger strikes, it becomes its own little adventure. Whoever got you the snacks will be on your mind – be it for good or bad reasons!”
Michael, London, Blue

“A top tip for when the children are getting fed up: hold a bubble wand over the air-con fan and you get an instant bubble party in the back!” Nicola Friend, London, Blue

“Decide on your must-sees ahead of time so you know exactly where you’re stopping and why, rather than travelling for countless hours in one stint. This reduces the amount of time spent in the car itself and helps make memories, no matter how small. These anchor stops will also dictate how much driving you need to do each day to stay on schedule.”
Mark Hopkins, Liverpool, Blue

“Use road trips as a chance for free couples therapy. Alongside the fun and adventure, trips can be a great time to reconnect and discuss those subjects you’ve been skirting around. Be honest and kind and the road ahead could be more exciting than you’d ever hoped.”
Richard Hickman, Cheshire, Bronze

“Snack wisely – how much do you love your car’s interior? Go for something tasty, yes, but most of all something easy to handle and definitely not crumbly.” Andrew Laughton, Herefordshire, Blue
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“You want a nice clean car, top tunes, great snacks and – most important of all – a little stove for brewing tea at a beauty spot along the way.” Stephanie, Oxfordshire, Blue

“If you’re travelling with children, give each of them a fruit pastille (or similar) and tell them it’s a challenge to make that pastille last as long as possible. Trust me, they’ll be so focused on making that pastille last for ages, even when it’s become the smallest sliver, that they won’t dare talk. I do this on all long journeys when I want peace.”
Luisa Lauren, West Yorkshire, Blue

“Travel with us is very different as my son is autistic. What really helps is carrying a head set and sensory devices like a weighted blanket and a favourite pillow.” Suzy Anne McKoy, UK, Blue


Did you know there’s bonus Avios when you book flights and car hire together as part of your British Airways Holidays package? To book your road trip adventure, click here

This article has been tagged Opinion, Driving