Recent data reveals people take an average of 3.94 holidays a year, yet road trips are often overlooked. Offering the perfect balance of freedom and adventure, road trips make for a great alternative for those planning their next getaway.

With searches for “Road trip” experiencing a 5000% surge in the past month, the experts at Choose Leisure have shared their top tips to help drivers ensure a smoother, more enjoyable road trip experience.

Five tips to help you get road-trip ready:

1. Planning your route

Prepare for detours, road closures or traffic delays by knowing the route you will take ahead of time. Utilising navigation devices can help prevent delays and identify rest stops, petrol stations and attractions along the way.

It’s also a good idea to download offline maps in case of poor signal areas and be sure to remain open to unexpected detours that might lead to hidden gems.

2. Budgeting correctly

Take time to estimate all potential expenses to avoid unexpected financial stress. Calculate fuel costs based on your vehicle’s mileage, the total distance of your trip with the current fuel prices. Consider other factors such as food and entertainment costs.

While it’s most convenient to use your card for most purchases, always carry cash for situations where digital payments aren’t accepted, especially for tolls, parking meters, small businesses or road vendors. Having a mix of bank notes and coins ensures you’re prepared for any unexpected expenses along the way.

3. Share the wheel

If you are travelling with others who can drive, ensure you rotate driving responsibilities to avoid fatigue and boredom. Plan a driving schedule in advance, switching drivers every few hours or at major stops to allow each person time to rest, eat and enjoy the scenery.

For solo travellers, staying alert is crucial so schedule regular breaks every two to three hours to stretch, hydrate and reset your focus. Listening to podcasts, upbeat music or audiobooks can also help keep your mind active.

4. Vehicle Health Check

Before hitting the road, it is crucial to make sure your car is in good working condition. Check essential fluids like engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windscreen washer fluid. Inspect tyre pressure and tread depth to improve fuel efficiency and safety. Test your battery to avoid unexpected breakdowns, and make sure your brakes, lights, and wipers are functioning properly.

All these functions will affect how well your car handles the road as well as prevent breakdowns or accidents.

5. Be Emergency-ready

Stocking the car with emergency equipment such as jump leads, a spare tyre and a first-aid kit could be the difference between a minor or major problem. Being able to resolve potential challenges can save time, money and stress.

Add essentials like a torch with extra batteries, bottled water, blankets, and non-perishable snacks in case of delays. Having roadside assistance contact information on hand is also a smart precaution for peace of mind.

Searches for Road Trips and related keywords

Location Average Number of Searches per Month 2023 Average Number of Searches per Month 2024 % Change

England 77,140 84,210 9.2

Wales 5,500 5,870 6.7

Scotland 9,440 10,040 6.4

Northern Ireland 4,040 4,060 0.5

Nationally, England saw the largest hike across the board with a 9.2% uplift in searches, compared to the rest of the UK.

Wales and Scotland followed closely with a 6.7% and 6.4% increase in interest, whilst Northern Ireland only jumped by 0.5% in total.

Molly Fisher from Choose Leisure, who conducted the research said:

"It’s exciting to witness the growing enthusiasm for road trips across the UK. As more people embrace the freedom and adventure they offer, this trend underscores the appeal of road travel as a flexible, accessible, and scenic way to explore.

“Keeping these important considerations in mind can help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable journey.”