Your Long Road Trip Survival Guide: 7 Must-Know Tips
There’s something romantic about packing up the car and chasing freedom down the motorway. Whether you’re heading off for a family adventure or carving out time to reset and reflect, a long road trip still stands as one of the most flexible, memory-making ways to travel in the UK.
As a full-time content creator, digital business owner, and mum of three, I feel like I have mastered the art of planning trips that feel effortless. But trust me, they don’t just happen by accident. Over the years, I’ve learned how the smallest preparations can make the biggest difference when you’re hours from home and halfway to the Sussex or Yorkshire coast. From spontaneous detours to boot-packing rituals, I’m sharing exactly how to make your long road trip feel smooth, calm, and well-curated. All without losing the sense of adventure.
Why a Long Road Trip Is Still the Ultimate Escape
In a world where everything feels go-go-go, there’s something beautifully grounding about taking the scenic route. A long road trip gives you the freedom to slow down, reset your rhythm, and rediscover the joy of the journey itself. No flight delays. No luggage drama. Just open roads, snack breaks, and the chance to explore the open roads on your terms.
From the peaceful pockets along the Essex coast to the postcard-worthy pitstops through Sussex or Kent, road trips give you room to breathe. You choose the soundtrack. You decide when to stop for chips. And you create the kind of memories that don’t need a passport stamp to feel special.
Give Your Car Some Pre-Road Trip TLC
No one wants to be stranded in a lay-by with a baffled satnav and a boot full of melted snacks. Before you head off, take a moment to give your car a little love. Check your tyre pressure, oil levels, screen wash, and lights.
This is especially important if you’re taking a recently purchased vehicle out for its first long drive. A long road trip is a perfect way to get a feel for used cars and how well they’ve been maintained. Think of it as your own version of an MOT. Just with better coffee and no waiting room stress.
Charlotte Tip: Keep a compact emergency kit in the boot – jumper cables, torch, gloves, and a mini tyre inflator. It’s not glamorous, but it’s peace of mind on wheels.
EV Road Trip Ready: Planning Ahead with an Electric Car
If you’re driving an electric vehicle, a little extra prep goes a long way. Long gone are the days of range anxiety, but for a long road trip, it’s still important to plan your charge stops strategically. Use apps like Zap-Map or Pod Point to find fast-charging stations along your route and check whether they require specific access cards or apps to use.
Make sure your charging cable is packed (and actually works), and double-check the connector type for your vehicle. You’ll also want to account for charging time in your journey planning, especially if you’re stopping somewhere scenic. A 30-minute coffee break and a walk along the coast can be the perfect excuse to recharge both your battery and your mood.
Charlotte Tip: Save charging station locations offline in case you lose signal. And always have a backup station pinned in case your first option is full.
Potty Training on a Road Trip? Yes, It’s Doable
If you’re mid-potty training and heading out on a long road trip, don’t panic. It’s all about planning and giving yourself plenty of grace. Pack a travel potty (or a foldable seat insert), wipes, spare clothes, nappy bags, and a waterproof mat for car seats. Accidents might happen, but it’s better to be over-prepared than stressed out on the A140.
Choose stopovers with family-friendly facilities, and factor in more frequent breaks than usual. If your little one has a favourite book or toy that makes potty time easier at home, bring it along. Familiarity helps. And remember, some service stations are much nicer than others, so it’s worth checking reviews ahead of time (yes, really).
Charlotte Tip: Keep a small “potty kit” in the passenger footwell so it’s within reach. Not buried in the boot or under snacks and cardigans.
Map Your Route, But Leave Room to Wander
Spontaneity sounds dreamy… until you’re rerouted into three hours of roadworks. A basic route plan helps you avoid unnecessary detours and keeps things feeling calm. Use a satnav or your favourite app to check for traffic hotspots. Especially on weekends when over 17 million leisure trips take place across the UK.
Having your route mapped also means you can plan relaxing breaks. That could mean stretching your legs at a National Trust spot or grabbing a proper coffee at a service station that’s less “chaos” and more “calm energy.” A printed paper map can also come in handy when signal disappears.
Charlotte Tip: Highlight 2–3 fun “optional” stops along your route. It adds excitement to the journey without the pressure of a tight schedule.
Don’t Pack Like You’re Moving House
It’s so tempting to bring everything, especially with kids. But space is sanity on a long road trip. Pack light but smart: water bottles, snacks, chargers, a power bank, and key documents. Leave enough space to actually find things when you need them.
A clutter-free car means less stress and more breathing room, which matters when you’ve been in the same seat for three hours and someone in the back is asking for a fourth snack.
Charlotte Tip: Soft weekend bags are easier to squeeze into tight boot spaces than hard suitcases. Plus, they double as overnight bags if you’re breaking up your journey.
Beat the Boredom with Entertainment
Even the most scenic countryside route can lose its charm after a few hours. Keep the energy up with a curated playlist, podcasts, or an audiobook the whole car can enjoy.
For younger passengers, pack their headphones, download a few episodes of their favourite show, and bring travel-friendly games or activity books. It’s not screen-time guilt, it’s survival. Entertainment options matter more than you think when you’re trying to avoid the dreaded “Are we there yet?”
Charlotte Tip: Create a special road trip playlist and start it the moment you pull off the driveway. It sets the vibe instantly.
Know the Rules Before You Hit the Road
Speeding, texting, even eating at the wheel – UK driving laws are stricter than many people realise. Before heading out, give the Highway Code a quick refresh. It’s a small step that could help you avoid fines or points on your licence.
This is especially true if you’re driving somewhere unfamiliar. Speed limits can change without warning (Yeah nice one M60) and things like bus lanes, cameras, or phone usage rules vary by area.
Charlotte Tip: Save the Highway Code link to your phone’s home screen. That way, you can reference it quickly without fumbling through tabs at the service station.
Before You Go
A long road trip isn’t just a way to get from A to B. It’s a reset. A chance to step away from routines, make space for memories, and rediscover the small joys that make life feel expansive again.
There will be snack crumbs. Someone might get hangry. Your satnav might try to sabotage you. But the beauty is in how you handle those little hiccups – with calm, confidence, and a few clever mum hacks stashed in your centre console.
So whether you’re exploring the Essex coast or heading deeper into the heart of Sussex or Yorkshire, remember to slow down, stay present, and romanticise the ride.
With love, gratitude & soft girl CEO vibes.
