5 top tips for planning long-distance journeys

We’ve all done long-distance journeys before – and it’s likely that some of yours have gone smoother than others. To maximise your chances of a pleasant journey, you’ll need to plan how you’re going to travel, think about what you’ll need along the way, and make sure you’re fully prepared for the hours you’ll spend on the road. Here at Intack Self Drive, we now have more than 50 years of success to our name in providing car hire, van hire and minibus hire services to private customers and commercial customers alike – so you can count on us to know what goes into the best preparation for a successful trip. Here’s what we’d suggest!

Plan your route in advance

If you’re able to, it’s a good idea to sit down with a sat nav or an online map and go through your route before the day of the trip.

Now, in case you’re wondering, we don’t supply satellite navigation systems at additional costs here at Intack Self Drive, as they’re typically integrated into the vehicles themselves using systems like Apple Car Play or Android Auto - so another option is ensure you’ve got a bit of time before your journey, so you can simply do this shortly after you sit in the driver’s seat.

Whatever way you end up doing it, it’s best to start by looking at the main roads you’ll be using, and check for alternative routes in case you need them. As you’re doing so, you’ll want to make a note of towns, service stations, and landmarks along the way so you’ve got clear points to aim for. If you’re travelling somewhere unfamiliar, don’t forget to take a little extra time to study the layout so you’re not relying on last-minute directions.

Check for planned roadworks or events that might cause delays, and think about what time of day you’ll be on certain stretches of the road. If you know certain areas are often busy, plan your timing to avoid them or work out a way around. It can help to keep a written copy of key directions or save them on your phone as a backup in case your sat nav stops working.

Get familiar with the car or van before you start driving

When you collect your hire vehicle, it’s a good idea to take a few minutes to sit in the driver’s seat and get used to how everything feels. Adjust the mirrors and seat until you’re comfortable and have a clear view in all directions. Find the controls for lights, wipers, indicators, and heating, and try them out so you know how they work before you need them on the road.

Check the fuel level and make sure you know which fuel the car or van takes so there’s no confusion later. If you’re driving a van, work out how to secure your load properly so it stays in place during the journey. And of course, the advantage of trying all this out early is that if you’ve got any questions, our team will be here to answer them immediately.

Pack everything you’ll need for the journey

Think about what you’ll need to hand while you’re driving and pack it so you can reach it easily. Keep any travel documents somewhere accessible so you’re not rummaging through bags during a stop. If you’re travelling with children, pack entertainment or comfort items where you can grab them quickly when needed. For longer trips, take chargers for your phone or sat nav so you can keep them powered up.

If you’re carrying luggage or equipment, load it securely so it doesn’t shift while you’re driving. Ideally you’ll want to spread the weight evenly to keep things balanced, and if you’re using a van, use straps or tie-downs to keep everything in place. Crucially, make sure nothing blocks your view out of the windows or mirrors.

Plan when and where you will take regular rest stops

Driving for long stretches without a break makes you tired and affects how well you concentrate, so plan regular stops into your journey. Look at your route and pick out places where you can stop for food, drinks, and toilet breaks. Mark these on your map or save them in your sat nav so you know exactly where to pull in when you need a rest. It’s best to use service stations or safe, well-lit areas where you can take a proper break. If you’re travelling with others, one good thing to do is to agree in advance how often you’ll stop and how long you’ll take at each break. Even short rests can make a big difference to how alert you feel when you get back behind the wheel.

Stay alert and be ready to adjust to changing conditions

One of the main reasons why long drives can be so risky is that they’re monotonous – they don’t require enough attention to necessarily keep you entertained, but just enough that you can’t afford to let your focus drift too far to something else. So, you’ll need to take extra care to keep your focus on the road and stay aware of what’s happening around you. Watch for changes in traffic, weather, and road surfaces, and be ready to adjust how you’re driving when things change. If the weather turns bad, slow down and give yourself more room between you and other drivers. In heavy traffic, keep calm and leave plenty of space in case others make sudden moves.

Listen to traffic updates on the radio or use apps to get live information if you can do so safely. If conditions get difficult, don’t power through – pull over somewhere safe and take a break until it’s better to continue. You can help to keep yourself safe by lining up light entertainment to stop you from drifting off – like podcasts, playlists, or passengers.

And of course, if you need more ideas, why not check out our post on how to make the most of long car journeys? Or, if you’re ready to get your transport organised, we’ve got a fantastic range of vehicles to help you make the trip, too. You can take a look at our flexi car hire options here, or browse our daily and weekly hire options. If you’ve got any questions or need anything clarified, our friendly team is only a phone call away – feel free to give us a ring on 01254 57811!