Road trip tips

Millions of us hit the roads on the long weekends, keen to make the most of the time. But, unfortunately, a fair bit of that time might be spent in traffic. So here are our tips on how to best prepare, and cope, on the busy Bank Holiday roads.
Make sure you check out our guide to getting the most out of your mileage, so you're not caught out at the petrol pumps this weekend.

If it’s a particularly long journey, you should get your oil, your coolant, and any other fluids checked and topped up before you set off.
Make sure you’ve got a full tank, or battery, and the car’s all in working order – have a look under the bonnet and check electrics before you set off. Check your licence, registration and insurance are all up to date. Check your insurance has the right level of cover for your trip – e.g. all drivers for the trip are named. It’s also worth looking at whether you have emergency roadside assistance cover so you have access to towing services and approved mechanics should you run into engine or transmission troubles. Check your insurance covers this before you set off, and if you need another quote then check with Auto Trader. Properly program your sat nav before you set off. We’d also suggest packing a map just in case your sat nav loses signal or coverage. A map could also be handy for finding detours or scenic routes should you fancy a change of scenery.

If you’re planning a road trip in an electric car, there are a few things to factor in. Where you can charge your electric car, how long you’ll need to stay at the charging point and how much it’ll cost are obviously up there in terms of top concerns. But you’ll also have to work out how you’ll pay – there’s currently a mix of systems including contactless payments, RFID cards and apps.
Then there’s whether your electric car is compatible – most are, but charging points offer different charging speeds and the system isn’t universal yet. • It may sound scary, and it can be if you don’t know what you’re doing. But we’ve done the research and you can find compatible charging points on your journey using our free map - save the link and refer to it as you go. • You can learn more about the public charging network here, including how you’ll pay and what to do if your battery goes flat. • There’s also more in our in-depth guide to long-distance driving in an electric car, which should prove handy ahead of the Easter weekend.

We’ll assume you’ve got everything packed for your weekend away (double check you’ve got your phone charger though, just in case).
For the trip itself, you’re set for success if you’ve got: • Your documents – don’t forget your driving licence, car insurance and the like. It’s also worth making a note of contact details for breakdown services just in case • Some spare change toll roads and parking charges – just in case the card machines are down • A charging connector cable for your EV – not all public charging points offer them (those without are called untethered), so bring a cable and make sure it’s compatible • Sunglasses, which can help prevent squinting and eye strain • First-aid kit and other emergency essentials like a torch and spare batteries • Your spare tyre, If you’re travelling with kids, or easily distracted adults, then bring games and activities, music or movies to keep them entertained in the backseats. Electric cars like Tesla feature onboard entertainment including games, Netflix and Caraoke, and other brands including Polestar, BMW and Honda are also incorporating some exciting entertainment in their new electric cars.

The usual advice for long-distance driving (eat light and stay hydrated, wear comfortable clothes, blast fresh air if you get tired) all apply.
Try and avoid rush hour traffic if you can and look at alternative routes if you can’t. Otherwise, just brace yourself for a few hours sat in traffic. Don’t forget the law around using your mobile phone when driving has changed and only hands-free devices are permitted. So don’t think you can play on your phone while you’re sat in traffic – make another plan.

You’ll have already factored in stops for petrol stations, charging points, meals, coffees, toilet trips and everything else. But we’d advise you factor in couple more stops – especially if you’re travelling with kids. Traffic is expected to be heavy this weekend, so you may need to pull over (somewhere safe) and stretch your legs.
It’s also worth factoring in extra time so that driving doesn’t become too arduous – make it as much about the journey as reaching the destination.

1. Dacia Jogger

If you're travelling with family or pets, the seven-seater Dacia Jogger offers ample space for all, for a comfortable long journey. It also offers the flexibility to use it as a five-seater when you're in need of a large boot space to fit your luggage and other bits and bobs, and the convertible roof rails provide even more carrying capacity so that you're never out of storage space.

2. Bentley Bentayga Hybrid EWB

If you're out and about to enjoy the warm weather, this hybrid SUV offers you exactly what you need. The Bentley Bentayga Hybrid EWB comes with a panoramic roof option so that you can enjoy the sun, fold-out tables for backseat passengers so you can have a picnic in the car without any mess while enjoying the views and an optional fridge so that you can enjoy a fizzy pop and stay cool in the summer.

3. INEOS Grenadier

Travelling to a beach or a muddy campsite? The INEOS Grenadier comes with off-road tyres which provide incredible off-road performance. It also comes with a hose-out interior so you can wash off any mud and dirt after your adventures using drain holes and removable ‘safari window’ panels as optional which help you get an extra-nice view of your surroundings.

4. BMW i7

Comfortable cars can make long journeys much more pleasant. BMW i7 is a great car for long road trips - it offers the ultimate comfort with heated, cooled and massaging seats. Passengers in the rear seat can also enjoy tray tables, an optional widescreen TV that folds down from the roof and window blinds this car offers a truly cinematic travel experience for the family.

5. Volkswagen Multivan

Vans are becoming an increasingly popular option for families to travel around in. The Volkswagen Multivan has a huge interior space and it offers great flexibility. Its five individual rear seats can slide back and forth, remove, turn round, fold to form tables or set up any way you want. The central storage cubby slides on the same rails, allowing it to sit between the front seats for drinks, or slide back between the rear seats where a table unfolds from it. You can also remove all the seats and use it solely as a van if you have a lot of luggage or are carrying bulky items like bikes or surfboards.

6. Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

If you like to travel in style then the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is the car for you. Designed with aesthetics in mind, this is a sporty and cool-looking Porsche with a twist, thanks to the estate-style rear end. It offers ample legroom so you can stretch out and enjoy a panoramic view thanks to its sunroof. Switch to ‘gravel’ mode and you can enjoy off-roading capabilities if your road trip takes you off the beaten track.

7. Ford Transit Custom Trail

We love the Ford Transit Custom Trail's 'double cab in van' option as it provides ample space up front for a family and a huge luggage space in the back. It also comes in a trail spec version which has a toughened-up body and special traction-enhancing differential for when you want to go off-roading. Its tough interiors make it easy to clean which is especially helpful if you're travelling with pets.

8. Kia Sorento

If you're after a plug-in hybrid car that is fit for families then Kia Sorento may be the one for you. This seven-seat SUV comes with ample space to accommodate big families. You also have the option for a five-seater if you need more middle-row legroom and a large boot. The Kia Sorento comes with configurable digital instruments, heated seats and steering wheel, and a reversing camera all as standard.

9. Hyundai IONIQ 5

Famed for its legroom and good electric range, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 offers a comfortable drive especially when you're out on a long road trip. Besides the usual car tech and standard features, the IONIQ 5 comes with a soothing ‘sounds of nature’ feature which plays relaxing soundtracks like running water, crunching snow or a crackling fire for a cosy feel to keep everyone calm on long trips.

10. Mercedes EQS SUV

Out on a road trip but don't want to miss out on the latest episode of your favourite show? The Mercedes EQS SUV has just the feature for you. This SUV features a full-width ‘Hyperscreen’ option which gives the front seat passenger a screen of their own on which they can watch TV. But safety comes first, so the Mercedes comes with a safety interlock which cuts out the screen if the driver tries to look across.

Are you heading out for the long weekend? Share your road trip plans with us on Twitter or Instagram.