Ready to Plan Out a Road Trip in the UK? Try These 12 Steps
- 1. Define Your Road Trip Goals
- 2. Choose Your Route and Destinations
- 3. Set a Realistic Budget for Your Trip
- 4. Book Your Accommodations in Advance
- 5. Get Your Vehicle Road Trip Ready
- 6. Pack Smart and Travel Light
- 7. Plan Your Food and Snacks
- 8. Don’t Forget Portable Power Solutions
- 9. Use Tech to Stay on Track
- 10. Stay Flexible with Your Itinerary
- 11. Capture the Memories Along the Way
- 12. Stay Safe on the Road
- Conclusion
- FAQs
There’s nothing quite like the freedom of hitting the open road—windows down, your favorite playlist on, and breathtaking views around every corner. But if you want your ride to be unforgettable for all the right reasons, it pays to plan out a road trip properly.
After all, no one wants to be stuck in the middle of Snowdonia hunting for a petrol station, or scrambling to book an overpriced hotel on a bank holiday weekend.
In next few minutes, we’ll walk you through how to plan a road trip in 12 essentials steps. Whether you’re heading off for a long weekend or plotting a cross-country escape, let’s get your adventure off to the right start.
1. Define Your Road Trip Goals
Knowing why you’re travelling shapes every other decision. Start by pinning down the experience you want: is this a coast-hugging photography quest, a history-soaked castle crawl, or simply a long weekend of pub lunches?
England alone offers everything from the Atlantic Highway’s clifftop views to the Northumberland Coastal Route’s castles and quiet beaches.
Next, match ambitions to reality:
Timeframe: A single week limits you to one region, while a fortnight lets you link several scenic drives such as Hadrian’s Wall and the Lake District Loop.
Pace: Decide if you’re happy with long stints behind the wheel or prefer short hops with plenty of stops.
Season: Peak bank-holiday weekends can see more than 20 million leisure journeys a day, so scheduling mid-week or shoulder-season dates instantly lowers traffic and prices.
2. Choose Your Route and Destinations
With goals in place, open a reliable planner. You can start with Google My Maps, which lets you create custom maps, mark must-see stops, and draw driving legs between them. The free RAC Route Planner layers live traffic, weather and even cheap-fuel data onto turn-by-turn directions—handy insurance against delays and detours. Cross-check against the AA’s congestion forecasts and traffic-hotspot lists before you lock anything in.
Route-building tips:
Build in breaks: Aim for at least 15 minutes off the road every two hours to stay alert and enjoy unplanned finds.
Balance driving days: If one stretch is a 250-mile haul, follow it with a day of short local loops or walking.
Have a Plan B: Download offline maps or keep an atlas handy in case signal drops.
Popular UK Road Trip Routes to Bookmark
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some of the most iconic UK road trip routes worth considering:
North Coast 500, Scotland: A 516-mile loop starting and ending in Inverness. It takes you through the Scottish Highlands, past rugged coastlines, castles, lochs, and remote villages. Popular stops include Applecross, Durness, and John o’ Groats.
The Atlantic Highway (A39), Cornwall and Devon: Stretching from Barnstaple in North Devon to Newquay in Cornwall, this coastal route offers views of cliffs, beaches, and surfing towns. You’ll pass through Bude, Tintagel, and Padstow.
Snowdonia and the North Wales Coast: Combine mountain landscapes with coastal roads by driving from Betws-y-Coed through Snowdonia National Park, then along the coast toward Conwy, Llandudno, and Anglesey.
3. Set a Realistic Budget for Your Trip
Fuel is usually the biggest variable, so it makes sense to start there. You can use online fuel cost calculators, like the one offered by RAC, to estimate how much you’ll spend on petrol or diesel based on your route and your car’s fuel efficiency. That gives you a solid base to build from.
Next, think about:
Accommodation: Hotel prices in the UK averaged around £150 a night this spring, but you can spend far less with B&Bs, hostels or campsites.
Food and drink: Stock up at supermarkets and plan a few car-picnics to avoid the steep prices at service stations.
Attractions and parking: If you’re visiting multiple National Trust or English Heritage sites, a pass might save you money. Some attractions charge for parking even in rural areas, so factor that in.
Contingency fund: Add around 10% extra to cover toll roads, unexpected repairs or that quirky pub you didn’t know you needed to stop at.
4. Book Your Accommodations in Advance
Where you sleep shapes your trip just as much as the roads you take. While spontaneous stays have their charm, most UK destinations—especially during peak season—fill up fast.
Here’s what to consider:
Lock in key locations early. If there’s a remote inn or sought-after B&B you’ve got your heart set on, book it well ahead.
Stay flexible elsewhere. Use trusted platforms to compare hotels, B&Bs, hostels, and campsites, and filter your options by distance from your route, parking access, amenities, and check-in times. Booking accommodation just 2–3 weeks ahead can cut room prices by up to 60%.
Watch for local events. Even small towns see prices spike during nearby festivals or sports matches, so check calendars in advance.
5. Get Your Vehicle Road Trip Ready
Before starting your trip, check that your vehicle is in good condition. Inspect tyre pressure and tread, test the brakes, and top up fluids, including oil, coolant, and washer fluid. Make sure your lights, indicators, and wipers are working properly.
If the service date is close, get a full check-up before leaving. Carry a spare tyre, jack, jumper cables, and a basic toolkit.
6. Pack Smart and Travel Light
Packing well can make the difference between a smooth trip and a frustrating one. Every extra item takes up space and adds weight, which can increase fuel costs and make your car harder to keep organised. A smart packing strategy keeps your essentials accessible and your boot clutter-free.
Start by packing for comfort, safety and practicality:
Clothing: Choose layers suited to the UK’s unpredictable weather. Waterproofs, warm jumpers and breathable fabrics cover most situations. Aim for versatile outfits rather than one for every occasion.
Footwear: One pair for driving, one for walking, and one backup is usually enough.
Essentials: Bring a first-aid kit, torch, phone charger, power bank, reusable water bottles, and small rubbish bags.
Important documents: Include your driving licence, insurance details, breakdown policy, and booking confirmations (printed or downloaded).
Use packing cubes or soft bags instead of rigid suitcases to make better use of boot space. Keep a “quick-access” bag within reach for snacks, sunglasses, maps, wipes, tissues and any personal items you need regularly on the road.
Leave room for things you’ll pick up on the way—souvenirs, local food, or extra layers. Overpacking at the start only creates hassle later.
7. Plan Your Food and Snacks
A little planning around food can help you stay energized and avoid unnecessary expenses. Relying on service stations for every meal quickly adds up in cost and limits your choices.
Start by packing a basic kit for the car:
Non-perishables like granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, crackers, and oatcakes are ideal for long stretches between stops.
Cooler-friendly items such as sandwiches, hard cheese, boiled eggs or cut-up veg work well on the first day or with a small cooler.
Reusable containers and cutlery make it easier to prepare quick meals at picnic stops or hotel rooms.
Map out a few supermarkets or local shops along your route to restock, especially if you’re travelling for several days. It’s a chance to try regional foods while keeping things budget-friendly.
Where possible, plan one or two sit-down meals each day—whether it’s a pub lunch in a village or a pre-booked dinner spot. It gives structure to the day and lets you try local flavours without relying on last-minute choices.
Staying hydrated is just as important. Keep a couple of refillable bottles in the car and top them up whenever you stop. Dehydration leads to fatigue, which can affect concentration on longer drives.
8. Don’t Forget Portable Power Solutions
Even the most carefully planned adventure can hit a snag when your phone or camera runs out of juice. A high-capacity portable power station doesn’t just keep your devices charged—it lets you power a mini fridge without draining your starter battery or brew a cuppa while camping off grid.
For multi-day drives or wild campsites, a unit such as the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station pairs a 4 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery with a 4,000W AC output (surge 8,000W)—enough to let you charge phones and laptops, run mini fridges, power camp lights, and cook on electric grills. Its battery chemistry delivers thousands of cycles, so you’re not buying a throw-away gadget.
Even better, pair it with EcoFlow’s portable solar panels to stay powered sustainably. You can soak up clean energy while parked at a lay-by or campsite, then simply fold the panels away when it’s time to set off again. The station accepts up to 2.6 kW of solar input, recharging while you enjoy a walk or lunch stop. Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth let you check remaining power from the front seat, preventing unpleasant surprises.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station
9. Use Tech to Stay on Track
Download each day’s territory in Google Maps before you set off; offline areas still give full voice navigation when the signal dies. On go-day, glance at National Highways’ live alerts for incidents or overnight closures, then let your nav reroute if jams appear.
The Met Office travel hub flags heavy rain or high-wind warnings that can add hours to a journey or close exposed routes altogether. Adjust your day’s route or departure time accordingly to save stress and fuel.
10. Stay Flexible with Your Itinerary
Plan your route in advance, but leave room for flexibility. Weather, traffic, or unexpected events can shift your schedule, so avoid planning every hour of the day. Focus on broader goals—like reaching a certain town by evening or covering a set distance—rather than sticking to a rigid itinerary.
Giving yourself buffer time makes it easier to explore detours, enjoy spontaneous stops, or adjust for delays with meals, fuel, or check-ins.
11. Capture the Memories Along the Way
Take photos and short videos at each stop to capture the moments that make your road trip unique. Use your phone or a compact camera, and back up your files daily to cloud storage to avoid losing them if your device is lost or damaged.
Keep a digital journal with dates, locations, and quick notes about what you experienced. You can also use apps like Google Maps to save starred places you want to revisit or share later.
Don’t just focus on landmarks. Photograph roadside views, local meals, quirky signs, and everyday moments. These personal details often become the most meaningful memories of your trip.
12. Stay Safe on the Road
Safety should always be part of your road trip planning. Before setting off each day, do a quick check of your vehicle—lights, tyres, mirrors and fluid levels. If you’re rotating drivers, agree on a plan for breaks and make sure everyone is alert and well-rested before taking the wheel.
Stick to the speed limits, especially on rural roads where limits can vary sharply. Watch for animals, cyclists, or unexpected bends, and use dipped headlights in poor weather or low visibility.
Plan fuel stops in advance, especially in remote areas, and never push too far between refills. Keep an emergency kit in the car, including a torch, phone charger, first aid supplies, and blankets if you’re travelling in colder months.
Finally, don’t drive if you’re tired. Fatigue is a major factor in road accidents—stop, rest, and swap drivers if possible.
Conclusion
To plan out a road trip doesn’t mean stripping away the adventure—it’s what gives you the freedom to enjoy the ride without stress. With your route mapped, car ready, portable power sorted out, and snacks packed, you’re set to hit the road with confidence.
Remember: not everything will go exactly to plan, and that’s okay. The best road trips leave room for detours, surprises, and a bit of getting lost. So go on, plan it out, then let the road take it from there.
FAQs
What is the best way to plan a road trip?
The best way to plan a road trip is to start with your timeframe and interests. Decide how many days you have and sketch out regions or must-see sites—this helps you set achievable daily driving distances and sightseeing schedules.
Use a flexible trip planner (printed or digital) to map your route, allocate time for detours, stretches, and meals, and note accommodation. Estimate fuel costs, prepare your vehicle, and pack essentials. Reassess and fine‑tune as you go—especially with UK weather and traffic in mind! Keeping it flexible ensures you can enjoy surprises rather than stick rigidly to a timetable.
Does Google Maps have a route planner?
Yes, Google Maps includes a route planner that lets you map multi‑stop journeys on desktop and mobile for free. You can add up to nine stops, drag to reorder, avoid tolls or motorways, and check travel times based on real‑time traffic.
It also offers busyness info, petrol stations, attractions along your path, and even integrates GPT‑powered itinerary ideas on the latest version. It’s user‑friendly, always updated, and packed with features—Great for UK and worldwide trip planning.
Is there an app that helps you plan a road trip?
Yes! To plan a car trip for free, there are several great apps beyond Google Maps that can help. For example, ViaMichelin offers route planning with fuel cost estimates, cheapest petrol stops, and printable routes. RouteXL is a free web tool (up to 20 addresses) that optimises the fastest route among multiple stops.
And RAC Route Planner calculates mileage, fuel costs, and highlights attractions along your route. Campervan travellers can also use Park4Night or Campercontact to find rest areas, service points, and campsites. Combine them with itinerary tools like Wanderlog for packing lists and expense tracking—great support for smoother adventures.
What is the best road route planner in the UK?
For UK-specific planning, many travellers find ViaMichelin a top choice. It’s free, lets you create routes on desktop or mobile, and calculates fuel costs based on your car’s model and fuel type—helping you budget accurately. It also locates the cheapest petrol stations along your journey.
If you’re planning multiple stops regularly, combining ViaMichelin with RouteXL adds route optimization. Plus, traditional AA or RAC route planners come with breakdown coverage, so if you already have membership, they’re reliable backup options.