How To Plan The Best UK Road Trip
One of the brilliant things about living in the UK is that we can literally drive from one side of our lovely island to the other in about 16 hours (not accounting for stoppage!). There are so many benefits to this, but one of the best reasons to take to the roads is the sheer number of fantastic road trip routes that boast amazing sites, attractions, and culture.
Road tripping is a great way to get away for a long weekend or take a short holiday without the commitment and stress of having to adhere to a tight schedule. Having this opportunity to leisurely make your way along a road trip route at your own pace, taking in the sights and sounds in your own time, is one of the things that makes road trips such an ideal adventure for older adults.
Are you ready to start planning your next road trip adventure? Let’s go…!
Choose your road trip route.
The idea of choosing a road trip route may seem overwhelming, but thankfully Chums has put together the ultimate list of UK themed road trips for older adults. With 5 interactive maps that showcase the best routes based on different themes, the Route 66+ caters to older adults looking to explore the country and take in the wealth of cultural and historical attractions on offer.
From wildlife themes to relaxation and heritage, these road trip routes have been carefully mapped out based on the feedback of 1,000 UK citizens aged 45 and over. If you’re looking for your next road trip adventure or you’re looking for something fun to do when travelling with older adults, definitely take a look at the Route 66+ road trip maps.
Think about what you will need to pack.
When taking a road trip you have a limited space available for you to cram your belongings into, therefore you need to think carefully about what you need to take with you, and what you can stock up on when you’re on the road.
For most older adults who know that life is capable of throwing a spanner in the works at any given moment, many choose to err on the side of caution and pack items such as first aid kits and tool kits. As we age, it’s also vital that we take good care of our health and our skin, so don’t forget to stock up on painkillers and suncream. Road trips offer loads of photo opportunities, so don’t forget to pack any additional gadgets and gizmos you might need, such as power banks or alternative camera lenses.
Where are you going to stay?
Taking a road trip is all about the journey and not the destination, however, that doesn’t mean we don’t all deserve a bit of comfort in the evenings! There are a few accommodation options available for those who are eager to get on the road, so be sure to look into each option and decide what works best for you.
Camping
Pitching a tent in the evening and getting some rest at a campsite is likely to work out as the cheapest option, however, there are several drawbacks to camping that you should know about:
- Putting up a tent in the dark is difficult and stressful.
- If it rains, you’ll be packing up your tent whilst it’s wet. This can lead to mould growth and an overall unpleasant experience.
- Packing all of your camping gear takes up a considerable amount of space in your vehicle.
B&B/Hotel
A B&B or hotel is often the safest bet if you’re looking to still enjoy life’s simple joys – such as hot showers and fresh sheets – whilst exploring the UK. There are tons of hotels dotted around the country that coincide with some of the best attractions for road trippers, and there are also plenty of options for traditional B&Bs and Air BnB’s.
Campervan/Motorhome
Of course, if you’re lucky enough to own a campervan or a motorhome, you don’t need to worry about putting up a tent or packing everything needed to enjoy a good night’s sleep. Whilst in England and Wales, wild camping is illegal, there are plenty of campsites and caravan parks that enable you to find a good spot to park up for the evening and enjoy a good night’s sleep, as well as make the most of the facilities, such as the hot showers!
Final Thoughts
There are so many amazing road trip destinations within the UK, so it’s no wonder that road tripping is such a popular method of exploration that both younger and older adults enjoy. Have you ever been on a road trip across the UK? If so, I’d love to know where you went and what your favourite thing about it was – let me know in the comments!
*This is a collaborative post
