[AlvinLuo]

These ten tips will make your road trip more of a breeze than a whirlwind. From car care to what to pack, we've thought of everything, so you don't have to.

1. Have car in good repair. While you can make the most of a car breaking down, and still enjoy yourself, a great road trip is easier to have without being stranded, towed, or spending money on costly repairs.

2. Know the route. There is something to be said about hopping in the car and just driving in whatever direction sounds fun, but for a great road trip, planning helps immensely. That way you get gas when you need to, have places to stop for food, rest, and fuel. Being lost when you are trying to get somewhere is never fun, so plan some activities, and print out directions for how you are going to get from Point A to Point B.

3. Seating arrangements. How you sit in the car is going to make a difference in how enjoyable the road trip is. No one has fun if someone in the car is puking. The car smells, it is gross, and it stalls the trip. So, putting people who are prone to car sickness near a window, putting kids that need help near someone that can help, and separating those that tend to argue or fight can make a trip so much more fun!

4. Movies. Pack a movie player and movies for all ages. Just do not forget to pack some headphones so that those unable to watch the movie do not have to hear it. Having a DVD player in the car can make a world of difference in how well kids handle road trips.

5. Music. Put together a fun playlist or mixed CD for the road. Having a continuous set of tunes that are fun, upbeat, and will make the trip go by faster is a great idea. It always pays off to have some music ready for the road.

6. Audio Books. Nothing makes a drive go by faster than being immersed in a good book. Of course because it is hard to read and drive at the same time, not to mention it can make you sick, or be difficult without daylight, an audio book you can load on your iPod, or put in your car CD player is a great idea. Find an audio book that is the approximate length of time as your trip, that way as you end your book, you also end your destination.

7. Snacks. It is not a road trip without some delicious snacks and treats. While you will likely still stop for food, having pretzels, wheat thins, licorice, beef jerky, apple slices, cheese, yogurts, chips, candy, etc. in the car to snack on when the urge hits, can make it a much more comfortable and satisfying ride.

8. Stops. If you are on a road trip with kids, it is important to give them a break from the car. So, stop every three or four hours for about thirty minutes. It will make the trip far more enjoyable, and ironically, make it go faster. Stop at a McDonald's and let them eat and play in the indoor play area for a while. Stop at a rest stop and let them run around for a few minutes, or take them shopping. A little break from the car can make it much more pleasant to be in it.

9. Temperature control. Keeping the car comfortable will make the ride better. So, make sure your AC works, and make sure that those who do not like it cool bring along a light jacket.

10. Sight seeing. Make the journey part of the fun. Stop along the way at various monuments, tourist spots, beaches, or whatever else you find. Taking time to stop and see the sights on the way to the site, can be really rewarding and fun!

[pwkhang]

I think road trip is a very good idea, especially in UK where there are so many nature conservation areas you can visit.
I have been to Lake District and Peak District. It was quite a good experience, hiking and sight-watching. I know some Malaysians do enjoy hiking nowadays and seems like it is the trend now. Hope you guys would enjoy hiking in UK too.

For Malaysians who want to drive here, make sure you check the policy before you rent a car. Normally, you will have to have an international driving license ( you can convert it in Malaysia easily) and your passport.

[z3mms]

I've also came back from a road trip to Scotland, stopping by Lake District on the way up (very beautiful, by the way) and also Peak District on the way back (loves Bakewell pudding).. I would also recommend doing road trips if anyone planning to visit Europe rather than taking Eurostar. There's a lot more to see and places to go when ur driving. My advice when going road trips is - make sure u got a GPS set with you!

[AlvinLuo]

Been to lake district too.. very relaxing place which I can get a house there.. haha..

Yea I must agree with z3mms GPS is indeed very important but sometimes it really confusing when changing a quick direction from one to the other

[meqckty11]

Be sure to budget enough money for gas, food, and lodging along the way. If possible, your road trip planning should include booking hotels or motels, or any other accommodations such as campsites. Have back-up plans in case reservations fall through or camping areas are booked. Consider gas prices, and try to calculate how much the trip will cost in gas in your road trip planning phase. Food, too, can cost a fair amount of money on a road trip, so create a daily budget and be sure to add a little extra cash for contingencies and unforeseen circumstances. It helps to budget for play money and other expenses such as admission to certain attractions and so on.