Staycations are supposed to be a time of relaxation, soaking up the sun in Devon, or taking in the incredible scenery of the Scottish Highlands, there’s plenty of offer across the British Isles.
It’s not always that easy, though. Whether it’s a flat tyre halfway through your journey or forgetting to stop for food at t the appropriate time, there’s plenty that can go wrong during a staycation journey.
So, if you’re hoping to start or end your journey without any added stress, let us talk you through the top tips you can use for a stress-free staycation journey.
5 ways to prepare for your journey before setting off
To avoid stress during your journey, it’s best to make some checks on the vehicle that’s going to take you on that journey; if you look after it, it’ll look after you.
Check fluids like screen wash, coolant
Fluids like screen wash and coolant are crucial, particularly during long journeys that might throw a few curveballs at you. For screen wash, top the reservoir up to the maximum level.
For coolant, check the level sits between the min and max markers on the reservoir. If topping up is needed, ensure the engine has fully cooled before opening the coolant cap – opening it on a hot engine can cause pressurised coolant to escape and cause serious burns. Top up only to the maximum marker using the manufacturer’s recommended coolant type, and never overfill.
Check tyre pressure
Not only can incorrect tyre pressure decrease MPG, costing you more, but it can also increase the chances of flat tyres. A quick check of tyre pressure can save you a huge headache part-way through your journey.
Check lights work
Most modern cars have sensors that will alert you if there’s a failure in your lights, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do a full manual check yourself. Check all headlights, indicators, and brake lights before every long journey.
Pack snacks and water
A rumbling tummy on a long journey is never a good sign. While you should be stopping for regular breaks over a long journey to eat, drink, and rest, you should also ensure that you and your passengers are satiated.
Plan your journey
These days, Google or Apple Maps are good at keeping you on the fastest route possible, but you may also want to see some sights along the journey, or stop off at a small village, so be sure to plan that before you set off to avoid the stress of figuring that out on the day.
Keeping it stress-free while driving
Now that the essential checks have taken place, it’s time to minimise your stress during the actual journey.
Pick your music or podcast
The last thing you need during your journey is for the music to become an issue. Pick a playlist that is easy listening and won’t cause arguments between the driver and the passengers. Alternatively, you can just pick a radio station and let the DJ decide your tunes.
Go with the flow during traffic jams
Switching lanes every two minutes during a traffic jam rarely saves meaningful time and increases the risk of accidents. Stay in your lane, move steadily with the traffic, and keep an appropriate gap to avoid unnecessary braking, this helps traffic flow more smoothly for everyone.
Keep it cool
During the journey, ensuring a comfortable temperature is crucial to a stress-free journey. Dress comfortably for a long journey, to ensure that you’re not too hot or cold once the temperature in the car equalises.
With our top tips for keeping your journey stress-free, you can bet that your next road trip will be a breeze. For more help and advice, check out the rest of our blog!