If you want to enjoy a summer break while minimising your costs and cramming maximum variety into your day-to-day experience, then a family road trip might be exactly what’s called for.

Whether you’re touring Eastern Europe, conquering Route 66, or simply going for a weekend staycation in the Highlands of Scotland, a well-planned trip can be the stuff from which the best holiday memories are made. But exactly what should go into your road-trip plan?

Choose your vehicle & get the right insurance

Without the right vehicle, your road trip might not be all that it could be. If you intend that your vehicle double as your accommodation, then you’ll need a campervan or motorhome that’s suited to the size of your family, and that offers all of the features and facilities you need.

Bear in mind also that you’ll need to be insured. This might mean cover for the vehicle, as well as the contents. This is where specialised campervan insurance tends to be cost-effective. Be sure that, if you intend to modify the vehicle, you notify your insurer. If you don’t, then you might find that the claims you make are rejected.

Plan your route and book essential stops

When most of us think of road-trip planning, we tend to think of the route itself. Where are you going to be stopping, and how are you going to move from place to place? What diversions will you take when the major roads are closed?

The UK is home to some truly stunning routes, like the North Coast 500, which make the way forward easy to see. You’ll need to pick out the stops along the way, and bear in mind any restrictions on parking. If you don’t have a place to park for the night, then you might find that you end up paying over the odds.

Pack smart for family life on the road

The more space-efficient your storage setup, the better. Think about how you’re going to pack so that there’s minimal wasted space, and that you can access everything easily. This might mean devising a system of small containers. But what really matters is that you don’t take anything that doesn’t truly add value to your trip.

Essentials might include your cookery gear, safety equipment, entertainment for the kids, toiletries, and clothing. Additional items like solar-powered chargers are also nice to have!

Budget stay options and staycations on wheels

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many UK travellers fell in love with the idea of the staycation. And that affinity hasn’t gone anywhere. A break in the UK does away with the stress and hassle of crossing borders and dealing with airports. It might also be more affordable and flexible, depending on where you’re staying.