7 Essentials You Need for Your UK Road Trip

If you’re planning a road trip around the UK this summer, then here are seven absolute essentials you’ll need for a safe, stress-free journey.

Driving Licence

This is by far the most important as you can’t go anywhere without it! Ensure your driving licence is up-to-date. If you need to change any details, such as your address or surname, you’ll need to fill in the relevant form and return your old licence but you can still drive while you wait for your new licence to arrive.

You’ll also want to check that your driving licence covers you for the category of vehicle you’ll be driving, especially if you’re hiring a vehicle, such as a campervan for your trip.

Insurance

A close second in order of importance is insurance. You need to ensure that you’re covered by the appropriate car, bike or motorhome insurance before your trip. It’s a good idea to keep your insurance documents and policy number with you when travelling in case you need to report an accident or make a claim.

GPS and Map

Most people use a GPS device or maps app of some kind to help them navigate their route but it’s also a good idea to pack a hardcopy of a map just in case your phone battery runs out or you lose signal.

Hands-Free Kit

It is illegal to hold your phone whilst driving in the UK, however, it can be used for navigation purposes, provided it’s stored in a hands-free mount and doesn’t block your view of the road or traffic in front of you.

Therefore, if you intend to use your phone during your road trip, whether to utilise its sat-nav capabilities or listen to music or take important calls, you must invest in a hands-free kit that will allow you to glance at your phone screen and operate it with voice commands or via the steering wheel so you can keep your focus firmly on the road ahead.

Phone Charger

There’s nothing worse than your phone battery dying at an inopportune moment during your road trip so make sure you pack a charger that can be plugged into your car’s cigarette lighter or USB port to charge your phone as needed.

First Aid Kit

You should always carry a well-stocked first aid kit in your vehicle in case of accidents during your trip. Typically, a basic first aid kit should contain waterproof plasters in a range of sizes, a pair of gloves and a pair of scissors, sterile gauze, and an assortment of dressings as a minimum.

Food and Drink

There’s no denying that people have a tendency to get hangry during road trips, particularly if they’re stuck in traffic or broken down. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a selection of drinks and snacks available to keep you going until your next pit stop!