From Car Hire to the Perfect Playlist: Everything You Need for a Fantastic Road Trip

The spirit of adventure and the lack of responsibility, all coupled up with the simple fact you’re probably going to have a really enjoyable time is what draws many of us to the idea of a big road trip. And, while the UK isn’t particularly well-known for its big trips, you would be surprised how gorgeous some of its smaller journeys can be. Also, with the Euro tunnel connecting us to mainland Europe, the possibilities for a vehicular adventure are endless.

Yet, it’s all well and good saying you want to start a road trip, but let’s slam the brakes first; are you sure you know exactly what you’re going to need to ensure it’s an amazing journey? Getting sucked into the excitement of a road trip can mean we forget to fully plan it and, if you’re not fully prepared, your dream road trip could turn into a nightmare.

With this in mind, we Chief Vehicle Rentals thought we would put together the ultimate guide to ensuring you’re ready for your trip of a lifetime.

Let’s be honest, this part of the planning process is not the most exciting, however, it’s one of the most important. There are certain things aside from some form of map that you’re going to need to remember to ensure you’re not caught out on your road trip before you even start.

This is pretty obvious, but forgetting your documentation is a sure-fire way to not only put an end to your trip if you’re stopped, but you could face some pretty hefty fines. 

With this in mind, make sure you have your licence, insurance documentation, vehicle manual and any of the other documentation required to ensure you’re driving legally. To completely ensure that you haven’t forgotten them, go and store this documentation in your glove compartment so you can easily access it if needs be.

Whether you’re on the road for one week or one month, long drives can sometimes be unpredictable, meaning you need to be prepared to tackle any issues if you end up running into trouble. This means that you should be at the very least be considering packing a roadside assistance kit in case of an emergency.

If you’re considering an especially long trip and are handy with a set of tools, you may want to consider packing a spare tyre. You never know when one of your current set of wheels will give out and a spare can get you back on the road with minimal fuss.

Now that you have all the boring essentials out of the way, you’re going to want to consider how you’re going to keep yourself sane for those especially long stints between destinations. While you will of course have the great outdoors to keep you occupied, there are only so many gorgeous natural vistas to look at before they give way to boring stretches of motorway. With this in mind, here are some of our top tips to keep you busy during the quieter points of your trip.

We’ve all been there; those moments where we’re staring out the car window and the perfect song starts blaring out of the speakers, making us feel like we’re in a movie. Music is great for any occasion and is even more crucial for an enjoyable road trip.

No one wants to be sat in silence when they could be singing along to pop songs with varying degrees of success. Therefore, spend some time before you set off creating a few playlists to suit a variety of moods.

While nothing quite beats seeing something awe-inspiring with your own eyes, there’s nothing wrong with taking some quality snaps so you can remember the moment (and also brag to your friends when you’re home). 

While phone cameras are becoming more and more advanced, for the best quality photo, you’ll want a DSLR. Also, if your road trip has a bit of a ‘rough and tumble’ element to it, you may want to get yourself a more durable action camera like a GoPro.

If you’re not prone to bouts of car sickness, taking a good book with you for the ride can be a nice way to keep you occupied. It’s also a really good way to help you to unplug from your electronics which many of us find ourselves glued to.

Whether you’re trying and failing to do magic tricks or playing a mean game of snap, a pack of cards can be a god-send for when you’re bored. They’re one of the most versatile items you can bring because there are so many games to choose from, so brush up on your shuffling skills and store a pack in your glove box.

The start of a road trip is always going to be filled with excitement of what’s to come, however, that excitement will quickly give way to irritation if you haven’t taken the necessary steps to make sure your trip is relatively comfortable. Sitting in a vehicle for hours on end can be torturous without the right kit so here are some tips of what to pack. 

For starters, you’re going to want to pack sleeping stuff. Not having a place to rest your head when you’re wanting to sleep can be irritating, however, with a compact travel pillow and a warm blanket, you can make what is usually a pretty uncomfortable place to nap, much more bearable. Sunglasses are also pretty useful, especially during the summer months, in order to protect your eyes from glare and help you get some shut-eye.

Keeping fed and hydrated is important for longer car journeys which is why you should pack a water bottle and travel snacks to keep your energy levels up between stops.

Personal care

Being comfortable also means looking after yourself so don’t forget to pack yourself some toiletries and any of the other essentials you might need to keep you feeling fresh and healthy. Consider things like wet wipes, painkillers, dry shampoo etc.

While planning a road trip can be easy for some, if you don’t own a car or currently can’t use your own, what are you supposed to do? Thankfully, you can get in touch with one of the many car rental companies near you to get you out on the road.

Many vehicle rental companies can offer a range of services to fit your needs exactly. Maybe you’re after a smaller vehicle for a short trip from one side of the UK to the other? Or maybe you need a larger vehicle like a van to get you and your things across borders? With the help of a vehicle rental company, you can make your dream road trip a reality, even if you don’t currently own a car.

Looking for a quality car rental service? Get in touch with Chief Vehicle Rentals today

While vehicle rental companies can be helpful for a road trip, a professional in the industry can offer a comprehensive range of services that cover any requirement a customer might have, which is why it’s important to enlist the help of the best.

Here at Chief Vehicle Rentals, we have helped countless customers with their vehicle hire needs. From small car hires to motorhome rentals, you can rest assured our team can help. We can even offer businesses corporate fleets to keep your operations running smoothly. For more information on how we can help with your rental needs get in touch with our team or visit our website.