Share the drive!
Our first tip, is simple. Is there somebody else on the road trip that can drive? If so, would they be willing to take turns to drive during the journey?
It's especially important for really long journeys, as using such concentration for longer periods of time means you could become easily tired, and therefore, the likelihood of an accident becomes higher.
By doing this, it also means you don't have to take any unnessary breaks, other than to quickly switch drivers!
However... If you can't share the drive with anybody else, please ensure you take a 15 minute break every 2-3 hours, as advised by the governements road safety campaign.
Pack the essentials!
Important documents: Your driving license, car insurance details(although email proof will suffice!) and your breakdown cover documents!
Sat-nav: This little machine is important, for not only telling you the directions, but also reminding you of the speed limit, and sometimes even upcoming speed cameras!
Loose change: You never know when you'll need to pay for parking, or even move onto a toll road to avoid motorway traffic jams - so it's important to keep change at hand!
First aid kit: Ensure to keep plasters, bandages and maybe some form of antiseptic cream in you boots, as you never know when you may have a little accident(of the human variety!)
Think about comfort!
Sunglasses: It's annoying when it's too bright, and you are struggling to see the road right? Or when the sun beams into your eyes, causing headaches! Sunglasses are the solution!
Toiletries: This can include wet wipes, hand gel and even tissues. Sun cream is also a MUST if you're planning any stops during a heatwave!
Warm clothes: Sometimes people prefer to avoid the traffic so they can either travel VERY early of a morning, or VERY late at night... but with this, can come cold weather conditions.. so layer up!
Snacks and drinks: Pack your favourite snacks, crisps, biscuits, fruits, gum, ANYTHING! Or even take sandwiches if you know you'll be in the car for a particularly long period of time.
Music and games: You could potentially create a playlist before your journey, or even pick out some CD's to play! Classic games are also fun, such as eye spy or 21 questions!
Plan your route!
Road works: These can add so much time to your route, if you don't check any possible disturbances that they could cause!
Plan stops: As advised by the government road safety campaign you should stop for 15 minutes every 2-3 hours, so why not google the services that you may come across when you're going along the motorway!
Weather check: We all know how temperamental the UK weather is, so ensure to check so you have an idea on what visability will be like for you on your journey!