Motoring pro reveals four secrets to a stress-free festive road trip
Last year, the RAC estimated that 29.3m Christmas journeys were made by motorists, with many of these being families packing up the car to visit loved ones in the run-up to the 25th.
But the journey can often be more stressful than celebratory, as traffic jams, unpredictable winter weather, and the familiar chorus of ‘are we there yet?’ put a strain on festive cheer.
This comes as new analysis has revealed that searches for ‘family days out at Christmas’ have surged by 238% in the past three months, showing a clear demand from parents looking to pack up the car and enjoy the festive season.
From Silverstone to the school run, Tom Chilton, British race-car driver for Team VERTU, and family man knows how to keep your motor running and your family road trip stress free.
"I've learned that the journey itself sets the tone for the entire holiday,” he said. “You can either spend ten minutes preparing your car and your route, or you can spend hours dealing with the stress of a preventable problem on the roadside with the whole family in tow.”
So, to help drivers and their families stay safe and stress-free, the experts at Vertu have shared the four secrets to a stress-free family road trip.
1. Perform a pre-trip vehicle health check
A roadside breakdown is one of the most stressful and disruptive things that can happen on a family journey. Many common causes, like a flat tyre or low fluids, are entirely preventable.
So, before you leave, perform the 'FORCES' check:
Fuel: Ensure you have a full tank before beginning your journey.
Oil: With the engine cool, remove the dipstick, wipe it, re-insert it fully, then remove it again to check the level is between the upper and lower marks.
Rubber: Check pressures are at the recommended level for your vehicle. For tread depth, place a 20p coin in the main groove; if the outer band of the coin is visible, the tyre requires professional inspection.
Coolant: Check the fluid level in the coolant reservoir is between the 'min' and 'max' guide marks.
Electrics: Walk around the car to ensure all lights (headlights, indicators, and brake lights) are working correctly.
Screen wash: Top up the screen wash reservoir using a solution suitable for winter conditions.
2. Plan for breaks at least every two hours
Long periods in the car without a break can lead to driver fatigue and restless, unhappy children. Plan your journey to include a 15-minute break for every two hours of driving. Use these stops for everyone to stretch their legs, have a drink, and get some fresh air.
Before you set off, use a route planner to identify interesting places to stop. Look for parks, farm shops, or small towns just off your main route, which are often more relaxing than busy motorway services.
Involving older children in choosing a fun place to stop can also help them feel like part of the adventure. Factoring these stops into your estimated arrival time will ensure you don’t feel rushed.
3. Pack a dedicated 'cabin bag' for the journey
Rummaging in the boot at a service station for snacks, wipes, or a charging cable is a common and frustrating part of many family trips.
Pack a single bag that stays in the cabin with you, containing all journey essentials. Include non-messy snacks, drinks, a portable power bank, wet wipes, and any medication. This keeps everything you need within easy reach.
4. Introduce 'surprise' entertainment for children
The novelty of a car journey can wear off quickly for children, leading to boredom and arguments that distract the driver. Relying solely on screens isn't always the answer.
So, before the trip, prepare a small bag of inexpensive, new items like a colouring book, a small toy, or a puzzle. Introducing something novel when you sense restlessness is a powerful way to reset the mood and keep children happily occupied.