Summary
There is genuinely no superior method to explore the UK than embarking on a road trip across the nation.
A road trip provides a far more authentic experience of British lifestyle as it allows you to witness and engage in far more than traditional travel methods. Using trains, flights, or buses typically leads to predetermined tourist sites frequented by everyone. However, with a road trip, you maintain significantly more control, leading to an enriched experience throughout the UK.
That being said, preparing for a road trip requires somewhat more effort than simply taking a train. Such efforts become manageable through adequate preparation, which is why we have compiled a comprehensive guide that will assist you in exploring our home country. Additionally, we will share insights into how we accomplished this exact journey! (More details on that later!)
Let’s get started, shall we?
How To Get Around?
As the name suggests, a road trip entails traveling primarily by car. The UK boasts one of the world’s most advantageous transport systems, making it justifiable to consider a hybrid approach to your travel plans.
Certain journeys might be faster or more convenient when combining automobile travel with train, bus, or flight alternatives. For instance, navigating within London is often inefficient by car; instead, it is advisable to park your vehicle and utilize the underground transport system.
This approach can also be applicable to various other travel scenarios, warranting consideration of alternative transport methods particularly if a specific car trip appears overly burdensome.
Where To Stay?
Accommodation represents a major component of your road trip budget. We consistently seek ways to minimize expenses, and one effective strategy we recently discovered involved directly booking with renowned hotels such as IHG (which encompasses brands like the Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza).
It wasn’t until we were introduced to the IHG #WhyOverpay campaign that we realized that reserving hotels through the IHG Rewards Club was often the most cost-effective option compared to price comparison websites (with the exception of Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts). Previously, I presumed these sites offered similar, if not lower, rates for IHG hotels, which turned out not to be the case.
By booking directly, savings of up to 10% can be realized, which, depending on your overall travel plans, can accumulate into hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds – funds that can certainly be allocated towards additional road trip experiences (such as indulging in fish and chips!).
When To Arrange Accommodation?
Before commencing your journey, it is beneficial to secure accommodation for both the start and concluding points of your road trip, as well as any midway locations. This foresight ensures these critical stops are organized in advance, aiding in maintaining your travel schedule.
For the remainder of your accommodations, reservations can generally be made 24 to 48 hours prior to arrival, granting you the flexibility to modify your travel itinerary as necessary, depending on your preferences at certain destinations.
Where To Start And End?
Commencing and concluding your trip at the same location can yield significant cost savings. Such an approach reduces expenses related to round-trip tickets (as these are typically lower when purchased for the same destination) as well as avoiding additional charges associated with differing car pick-up and drop-off points, which can escalate costs significantly.
For illustrative purposes, we began and concluded our trip in London. However, selecting a different pick-up and drop-off destination, such as moving personal items from university in Cambridge to our residence in Wales, resulted in additional costs of approximately £300 simply due to differing locations. The same principle holds true in the United States; picking up a vehicle in Florida and returning it in California could add considerable expense to rental charges.
As a general principle, the more distant your drop-off point, the greater the expense incurred.
What Stops Should I Consider?
This aspect of your journey is more complex and driven by personal interests. There are truly no definitive right or wrong answers.
Our own road trip revolved around visiting historical sites across the UK; therefore, our focus was to maximize the number of cities, towns, and villages with notable historical significance within a four-day timeframe. Given the multitude of potential stops available during our route (it is impossible to see them all), I recommend not attempting to do everything – this only leads to frustration.
Rather than trying to encompass every possible destination, I chose to concentrate on specific areas of interest (we include several suggestions in this resource for potential stops throughout the UK). The locations we miss simply create more opportunities for future explorations.
The most effective strategy involves two layers of planning:
1.) The first layer entails outlining a general route with primary stops established before your road trip begins. Having predetermined targets provides structure for each day of travel. Our route included London, Bath, Oxford, and Cambridge over our four days.
2.) The second layer involves determining additional stops that pique your interest based on your established route one or two days prior to arrival. Maintaining this flexibility is crucial; you do not want to confine yourself with an intractable itinerary. Remember, the plan serves your travel experience rather than dictating it.
What To Take With You?
Ultimately, aside from your clothing, necessary medications, and electronic devices, there is not much that is strictly required for the journey. Other belongings often fall under wants, rather than needs. The UK boasts an abundance of purchasing options for everyday items, so my best advice is to travel light and procure non-essential items as needed during your trip (for example, toiletries). Food and beverages are also readily available throughout the country, eliminating excess worry regarding these essential travel items.
What Other Costs Should You Anticipate?
1.) Additional car rental costs – GPS, comprehensive insurance, roadside assistance, etc.
2.) Toll road fees. While fewer exist in the UK, it’s prudent to stay alert to any applicable charges.
3.) Local SIM cards (unless you’re a UK resident) can cost as little as £5; acquiring one can be beneficial for staying connected while traveling.
4.) Admission fees to local attractions. Many UK landmarks are free to enter; however, some may charge, necessitating prior research to avoid surprises (discounts may also be available).
What did we do during our road trip?
This section will require further details in the following weeks. However, with only four days to spare, our travels focused solely on Southern England. This was particularly meaningful, as there were numerous sites in Southern England I had desired to visit for an extended period. The opportunity presented itself with the IHG Rewards Club, allowing us to test their assurance that direct bookings offer better rates than third-party price comparison sites (#WhyOverpay). Thus, the timing became ideal for embarking on the much-anticipated road trip.
Venturing abroad often cultivates a deeper appreciation for the treasures within one’s own country, making this endeavor particularly special for me! Here’s a concise overview of how our trip unfolded:
London
We commenced our journey in London amidst pouring rain. However, living in the UK, I was accustomed to unpredictable weather forecasts for the upcoming days. Fortunately, by the time we departed for Bath, sunshine prevailed, accompanying us throughout our entire trip!
Next Stops
EnglandEuropeUnited Kingdom
