Plan comfortable driving distances, allow time for breaks and check the car before leaving. Keep optional stops flexible.
Leave room in the day
A map can estimate a journey, but it cannot tell you how long you will want to stay at a viewpoint. Choose one main destination and a few optional stops. Keep the final part of the day simple so you are not racing a list of bookings.
Set up the car before leaving
Set up your seat, mirrors, route and audio before you leave. If you are using a rental or a newly purchased car, take time to find the lights, demister and other controls while parked. Downloading an offline map can also make an unfamiliar area feel less complicated.
Pack for the stops
Keep the things you will want during a break easy to reach when parked: a jacket, water and any booking details. Put loose luggage away securely rather than treating the passenger seats as shelves. Leave enough time for a proper break whenever you need one.
Check before you set off
The car needs to be roadworthy throughout the journey. Follow the vehicle handbook for checks and ask a qualified professional about any fault you do not understand. GOV.UK provides a useful starting point for the checks a driver is responsible for.