With the rise of flexible working hours, more opportunities to work from home and greater connection via social media, it’s never been easier to catch up with our friends, right?
Actually, the answer appears to be quite the opposite.
People in the UK are increasingly feeling left out, with 5% of adults reportedly feeling lonely “often” or “always”. While it’s not always easy to get your tribe together regularly, one solution may be to co-ordinate diaries and book in some time away together. Road trips are the perfect option for weather-proof, budget-friendly time with friends to put a smile on your face in no time.
Follow these tips for smooth planning so that you can get on with the important stuff; having fun!
The road ahead
The first step is agreeing on your destination. The UK has plenty of amazing places to visit at any time of year; sparkling seas in Cornwall, windswept Yorkshire moors, rolling mountains in Wales, and iconic cities like Edinburgh or London.
If you’re willing to use ferries or the Eurotunnel, Ireland and Europe are also possibilities. Start a WhatsApp group for consensus, find a destination that suits everyone’s timeframe, interests, and budget, and then look up the route. You may even be able to take in certain landmarks along the way (eg. Stonehenge or Windsor castle) for added Insta-appeal.
Nail the basics
Once you know where you’re going, you need to ensure you can do it safely. A recent poll of 2,000 people found that almost 75% of millennials don’t know how to change a tyre or carry out basic car maintenance. If that’s you, it’s worth learning the basics before you get on the road, and packing a small car repair kit for emergencies.
You will also need to ensure that you’ve got the right car insurance in place. It’s important to use a reputable company so that you know you are protected if your trip hits a dip in the road; most will also let you add additional named drivers to your policy, so you can share the driving between you.
For peace of mind, it may be best to take out a fully comprehensive cover and share the cost between you all. This level of cover will include injury or damage to other people and their property, as well as covering your own vehicle and contents.
Some companies also offer roadside breakdown assistance, which is reassuring if you’re not quite confident in your newly learned skills. And finally, be aware that drivers in Europe are also required to carry additional items such as high visibility vests.
Finishing touches
As the much-anticipated trip draws near, it’s time for the finishing touches to make your time together stress free and fun. Ask everyone to contribute a few songs for a road trip playlist that’s bound to bring back memories for years to come. Plan the all-important food stops; service stations or picnic spots will be marked on online route planning tools, so you can know in advance roughly when you’ll be eating. Add to that some sweets for the journey and classic games like I-Spy, and you’re all set for a trip to remember.
With everyone busier than ever these days, it can feel difficult to take time to really connect with our friends. However, by planning a small road trip, you will have the pleasure of looking forward to the time together as well as the actual trip itself. Take care of the basics in advance so that when the day arrives, all you have to think about is enjoying the open road in the company of those you love.
