Choose park
Check in
Check out
Guests
Check in/out
Guests
Search
The ultimate checklist for staycations and UK road trips
Are you planning a road trip within the UK? Whether you’re packing for family breaks, going away with a group of friends, or getting out of town or the city for a week, staying in the UK has many advantages. But hitting the road and travelling by car comes with its own stresses at times. To ease the packing stress and make your car journey run smoothly, the team at Away Resorts has created an ultimate road trip checklist…
02 April 2025
1. Travel documents and journey essentials
-
Driver’s licence and necessary insurance documents: ensure your licence and insurance is up to date and relevant to all who will drive the car. Be sure to not invalidate this insurance with driving offences like overpacking and obstructing the view or using a phone in your hand for maps and navigation.
-
Sat-nav, or phone holder for mobile map apps: most of us rely on phones for navigation these days; if you do, make sure you have a charger, and the postcode written down for other passengers, if you are relying on the one device for the duration of the trip.
-
Car parking passes: if you’ve booked parking for specific destinations (like beaches, parks, or accommodation), keep the confirmation emails or passes handy for when you arrive.
2. Preparing for the car journey
-
Car check-up: check basics like tyre pressure, windscreen wash, oil levels, and that your car is ready for the journey.
-
Fuel: fill up the tank before you leave to avoid unnecessary stops, as motorway services can be more costly and low fuel levels can add stress.
-
Chargers and power bank: it might seem obvious, but keep your phone and other devices fully charged for maps and entertainment during the trip. Children watching movies or playing games on long journeys can quickly drain device batteries, so chargers that match your car’s ports are essential.
-
In-car entertainment: for longer journeys, prepare for car games, music playlists, or audio books that the whole family or group can enjoy. It saves trying to focus on this whilst driving.
-
Snacks and drinks: this also applies to snacks; long journeys always seem to make passengers peckish!
-
Comfort items: pillows, blankets, favourite toys, or books can make the ride more comfortable, for all ages!
-
Tissues, sanitiser, and a bag for rubbish: often forgotten, but extremely handy for clean-ups, especially for those travelling with young children, or those who might stop for drive-thrus.
-
Plan your route and comfort breaks: plan your route, allowing time for impromptu stops at shops, scenic viewpoints, or toilet breaks. Check out the travelling time on apps like Google Maps at a similar time you intend to travel for a more accurate indication of your journey time, as this can vary depending what time of day you leave. It’s a good idea to check out good services en-route too so you have an idea of toilet breaks, and grass spaces if you are travelling with dogs.
3. Packing essentials
-
Weather appropriate clothing: check the forecast a day in advance, but remember that in the UK this is very changeable! Pack for all eventualities that the time of year might bring, such as sunglasses and hats, but also wellies and umbrellas!
-
Digital and electronics: phones, laptops, speakers, watches, gaming devices, cameras… the list is endless, but whatever electronics you are bringing, make sure you have their charger!
-
Footwear: whether you’re hiking in the countryside, or strolling through seaside towns or the beach, comfortable shoes for your planned activities are a must. Drivers should consider extra footwear that is ideal for behind the wheel on longer journeys.
-
Clothes: this goes without saying, but socks or underwear can often be forgotten with clothes and incur extra costs on the trip! Plan to pack enough for the days you are away with a spare, but consider bringing less if your accommodation offers a laundry service or has a washing machine.
-
Toiletries: this list will depend on the individual and group, but a shared toiletries list can avoid duplications of the same item; does a group of six adults need more than two toothpastes for a week away?!
-
Medications: finding a GP or chemist when you are in an unfamiliar area can be stressful. Encouraging all passengers to have their necessary medication for the duration of the trip reduces the chance of going off-route to find essential tablets.
4. Where you’re staying
-
Activities and entertainment: board games can be as great for families as they are for adult groups or couple getaways. Bring your favourites with you for a comforting home-from-home experience.
-
Shower and hygiene: items like towels, hand soap, or shower gel can take up space and can sometimes be provided depending where you are staying; check in advance.
-
Cleaning essentials: these can be a forgotten expense for staycation-ers on leaving day - always check if your accommodation provides bin bags or cleaning items so you can bring these from home if not.
-
Day trips and attractions: research the area around where you are going in advance so you have a vague idea of what’s in store and any specifics to bring such as swimwear or hiking gear. Consider stopping at local food markets, historic landmarks, famous family-friendly attractions near your holiday park or home.
-
Food and meal planning: refillable water bottles can be great for road trips, as all services and stop points give you a refilling point, and saves buying or travelling with litres at a time. No matter where you’re headed, you’ll likely arrive at breakfast, lunch or dinner time. Having a plan for the first meal on arrival - whether that is researching local restaurants or takeaways in advance or bringing your first meal - will keep all car passengers happy, not hangry!
Planning a UK holiday with us soon? We hope this checklist helps you prepare for packing and the journey to our resort. If you have any specific questions about what amenities or items come provided in your accommodation, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help with your packing queries.