Hints and tips for a successful road trip

No matter who you travel with on your road trip, or if you're going it alone, making some plans beforehand will help you to have a safer an more enjoyable holiday. The more people who join you, the more planning that generally needs to be done - especially when there are kids on board!

The car's the star - It's obviously really important that the car or vehicle that you choose to travel in is completely roadworthy - otherwise, you got nothin'! Even if your dodgy motor is repairable, the costs of repair could well scupper the whole trip for everyone. Your own vehicle might be a little questionable, or just not comfortable or roomy enough. In this case, you could rent something more suitable, or a friend may be willing to lend you theirs in return for a free holiday! Remember to check that your car insurance is up to date, and you might also want to consider basic travel insurance for the trip too. It helps to know a little about how cars work so that you can change a tyre or fix an overheated radiator - or take along a friend who knows about cars.

Bring suitable clothes - Bring clothes on your trip that are going to be comfortable for travel, and that you don't mind getting some dirt on if you have to fix the car. Look at what the weather's likely to be like on your trip and pack accordingly, remembering that several thin layers is a better insulator, and takes up less room in the car, than one big bulky item. And remember to pack shoes that you are comfortable driving in.

Remember the camera - If you want to capture your trip on film or on digital, then don't forget the camera. While a lot of people just opt for their mobile phone camera these days, these will often struggle to capture some of the beautiful scenery you're bound to come across, so taking a proper camera might be better.

Take plenty of spending money - A debit card or credit card can fill a large part of this role, but some spending money is essential. If you're keeping money in the car it's best to keep it well hidden, and keep your bank's telephone number handy in case your card is lost or stolen and you need to cancel it. If you don't have a credit or debit card, you could also consider travellers cheques if you're going to be taking a large sum on the road.

Take some maps or a journey plan - Even if you're using sat nav, or are visiting a place you're familiar with, it's still advisable to take a map with you. Sat nav systems can break down or get things wrong, and road works can block routes that you are familiar with, forcing you to take unknown roads. You can use a map to plan your route more effectively too.

Pack up some food and cookware - Always take some food and water with you just in case the money runs out or your car breaks down miles from the nearest town. A disposable barbeque is a good idea, offering you something different to eat on your trip, and if you're travelling on a budget, then a road trip is a good way to use up all of those tins that have been sitting in your cupboard for months!

Things you may not have thought of - If you're sitting in the car for long periods of time, or are planning to sleep in your vehicle, then you'll want to make it as comfy as possible. Pack a pillow or sleeping bag. Some books and magazines will help you pass the time, as well as travel games and some fun sports equipment like a football or Frisbee.