For decades driving holidays have been a popular way for individuals, couples and families to explore new environments and enjoy the great outdoors. Because driving offers holiday-makers greater control over their itinerary and can be more cost effective than flying or going by train (especially for large families), it is no surprise that taking your car on holiday with you remains a popular option. Caravan and camping holidays have also continued to be a good alternative to the ‘flight and hotel’ type of holiday, particularly for those on a budget. Unfortunately these sorts of vacations can be quickly ruined by a problem or fault with the car, and this is why it is absolutely vital that you plan ahead - just in case!
The easiest way to prevent a car breakdown from ruining your much anticipated holiday is to ensure you are adequately covered by your breakdown cover. All memberships made with British companies within the UK will be valid for any location inside the British Isles, with the possible exception of Northern Ireland. You should be able to travel anywhere within the UK without having to worry about being out of reach of the roadside assist services. The RAC also offers Europe-wide cover for it’s members, and may be a viable option for holiday-makers intending to drive in European territories. If you are planning an extended holiday or are travelling with children, having this cover may provide the peace of mind you need to undergo your holiday with confidence.
Another easy way to plan ahead and make sure you are adequately prepared for the common problems that can lead to a breakdown is to ensure that your car is properly equipped with supplies. This might mean having your spare tyre checked and approved for travel; making sure your car has a car-jack and the other tools required for changing a tyre on the road; making sure you have an extra supply of oil and coolant for the engine (and that the engine levels are properly topped up); ensuring that you have rags for cleaning the windscreen and for protecting your hands if you are inspecting the engine whilst hot; and making sure you have a hazard triangle stored in the boot in case of a night-time breakdown. Some car breakdown cover companies offer kits to members that contain a number of these products and which can easily be stored in the boot of the car in case of emergency. You can also purchase such kits from large department stores or car specialists like Halfords.
Another vital part of the planning of a driving holiday is to have plenty of up-to-date maps at hand. Companies such as the RAC and the AA publish such maps on an annual basis, usually with helpful information added (such as rest areas, road-side services, and so forth). Having a map to refer to can make a big difference if you are lost or need to get to ‘civilization’ quickly.
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