Road Trip Wisdom: Do’s, Don’ts & Tips for a Memorable Journey

I’m the type of person who loves fun and spontaneous adventures but also enjoys planning and organising. Luckily, my boyfriend Elliott shares this trait, which makes us a great team for adventures!
This skill of ours came in especially handy when we decided to take a road trip to Scotland. Neither of us had ever done a road trip before, but we were confident we could make it happen. Being our first holiday together and with the added complexity of driving all the way to Scotland while stopping at various places on the way there and back we knew we needed to plan ahead.
The holiday turned out to be absolutely brilliant, filled with unforgettable memories and the adventure of a lifetime! Now, we’re already planning our next road trip WOOHOO!
For anyone considering a road trip, I thought I’d share some do’s, don’ts, and helpful tips to make your experience as wonderful as ours.
Do’s
Make a Plan: Spontaneity is great, but a little planning goes a long way. Work out your route, set a budget, and book hotels in advance.
Book Parking in Advance: Research parking options ahead of time. This will save you money and ensure your car stays safe during your stops.
Pack Road Trip Essentials: Bring a first aid kit and any car-related items that might come in handy, like jumper cables or a tire repair kit.
Bring Portable Chargers: Pack a portable charger as well as a car charger. This way, you’ll have a backup if your phone battery gets low after a full day of exploring—or in case your car breaks down. Thankfully, we didn’t experience any breakdowns, but having a portable charger was a lifesaver for keeping our devices powered while we explored all day.
Prepare for All Weather: UK weather can be unpredictable, so pack for every eventuality. Bring a coat, umbrella, and sturdy shoes for rain; gloves, a hat, and a scarf in case it snows; and a swimsuit, towel, and sunglasses for sunny days or beach visits. It’s better to be over-prepared than caught off guard.
Take Advantage of Discounts and Rewards: Look for ways to save money while still having a fabulous trip. Elliott and I used Buyagift vouchers we’d been given as gifts, which covered a gorgeous afternoon tea in Edinburgh and two other dining experiences—for free! Additionally, Elliott signed up for a hotel rewards program through his work travel, and by saving up points, we didn’t pay for any of the six incredible hotels we stayed in, saving us around £1,900!
Don’ts
Don’t Overpack: Stick to essentials and plan your outfits carefully. We managed 10 days with one suitcase and one carry-on bag, which worked perfectly. Of course, packing may vary depending on how long you’re traveling, but try to avoid bringing unnecessary items.
Don’t Second-Guess Yourself: Trust your research and enjoy the moment. If you’ve planned well, things will usually go smoothly. One of our stops turned out to be underwhelming, so we adjusted by heading to bed early and adding an extra night in Edinburgh the next day—which ended up being the best decision ever!
Don’t Forget to Stay Hydrated: If you’re exploring places that involve a lot of walking, drink plenty of water. Keep extra water bottles in the car just in case.
Don’t Focus Only on the Destination: Embrace the journey. A long road trip offers so many opportunities to discover hidden gems along the way, so keep your eyes open for unexpected adventures.
Don’t Forget to Have Fun and Make Memories: Above all, enjoy yourself! Road trips are about creating stories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Hope this inspires your next road trip! 🚗💨
Comments