Preparing for a Road Trip with Your Family
A family road trip can be a source of fond memories for many years after your holiday. Your journey will be much smoother and more enjoyable if you take care of details such as auto safety, car insurance and trip organisation before you leave. Take time to prepare for any contingency that might occur, so that your trip won't be spoiled by unpleasant surprises.
Organising Your Holiday
One of the great advantages of a road trip is the flexibility you enjoy when you're travelling by car. Keep your reservations open and give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination, so that you can have time to take breaks, admire scenery or have a bite to eat along the way. Practical considerations such as locating a WC or carrying snacks and beverages take on greater importance when you have little ones or elderly relatives in the car.
Pack an emergency kit to take with you to provide for minor mechanical problems or medical needs. Your kit should include automotive tools such as a flashlight, road flares and jumper cables, as well as basic first aid supplies. Have your oil changed and your auto emergency lights and enginer inspected before you leave to check for any problems that might lead to mechanical failure whilst you're on the road.
Before you leave, make arrangements with a friend, relative or neighbour to pop in to your house whilst you're away to pick up mail and care for plants or pets you're leaving behind. Give your neighbour a phone number where you may be reached during your road trip. Leave a light on in your home or invest in an inexpensive timer that will switch on a lamp after dark, so that your home will appear occupied.
Car Insurance on the Road
A comfortable family road trip requires a vehicle that's spacious enough for your entire family. On a long journey, close quarters can become aggravating very quickly. If your regular family car is a small sports hatch, you may need a larger sedan or SUV for your journey. Consider renting a larger car or borrowing a vehicle from a friend or family member so that you'll have plenty of personal space inside the automobile.
If you borrow a friend's vehicle, or if you intend to share a car with a family member whilst you're driving, make sure that every driver is properly insured to drive the automobile. The regular driver may add other motorists to his or her policy as named drivers. Alternatively, if you are borrowing a car from a friend who won't be joining you on the trip, you can purchase temporary car insurance to cover you during your holiday. Driving uninsured, even for several days, can result in severe fines and penalty points on your licence.
Your regular car insurance should give you a minimum of third party protection if you are driving in EU countries. If your regular coverage is fully comprehensive, bear in mind that comprehensive cover may not apply outside of the UK. If you are driving outside of the UK, verify your car insurance status with your insurer. Some insurance providers will extend your cover to include the EU for a number of days each year.
Few incidents can spoil a road trip more quickly than a breakdown. A punctured tyre or mechanical failure can delay your plans, frustrate your children and leave everyone in a bad mood. If you don't have optional breakdown insurance, consider adding this feature to your policy when you're preparing for a family road trip to cover towing, spare tyre or roadside repair needs.