In the UK travel restrictions are looking likely still to be in place this summer with hotels and holiday rentals mostly booked up in most places. There might be a way still to go out and enjoy a wonderful British summer holiday and there is so much that the UK has to offer and a summer road trip could be what you’re looking for! The great advantage of travelling in a vehicle is that you will be self-contained and able to go at your own pace and stop whenever and wherever you want to.
We love travelling by car, van or motorhome as it gives you so much freedom and also forces you to slow down and stumble across new hidden gems. This list has been written for those who plan to stay in their car or van overnight.
If planning a road trip this summer is on your list, it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming to decide what to pack and take with you. The temptation is to empty your drawers and just cram it in, plus extra just in case! One tip from our experience is that less is more and that space in your car or van might be limited so you will might need to be minimal in what you really need and think about where you are visiting and what you plan to do. Consider what activities you might do, will you go hiking, swimming, cycling? Also consider what time of year as for the summer you might not need to be bring so many different thick jumpers just in case it gets cold, maybe bring just one or two as that should be plenty!
Leave no trace
Please be responsible for the places you visit and leave them better than you found them. There have been many reports of locations being overwhelmed and have been left in a terrible state leaving a bad reputation with the locals for others who want to enjoy this way of travelling. Please be respectful to the places you visit by leaving no trace that you were there and by doing this it will hopefully preserve this privilege. Always take rubbish with you and recycle where you can. If you are have your own toilet then make sure your grey waste and toilet waste is also disposed of properly at a chemical disposal point. You can find these at most campsites and there are also other places that have specific areas for you to dispose of your waste. If you arrive at a place and you find rubbish then please pick it up and put in a bin, it will make a difference.
We have put together a packing list below with links to some of the items we use and hope it will help you when packing for your road trip this summer and if you think there are any we have missed or have any favourites that you can’t live without then please let us know in the comments! We have not been sponsored or endorsed by any of the products listed below.
Packing list
TOP TIP : One of our tips for packing especially when organising clothes is using packing cubes, it allows you to put together all your tops in one bag, jumpers in another and finding clothes that little bit easier! You can buy similar ones to us here.
Bathroom/Toiletries
Towels (lightweight if possible) microfibre - these are fantastic as they don’t take up much room and dry quickly compared to normal towels
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Shower toiletries - shampoo & conditioner, shower gel. We use ‘Faith in Nature’ which is a brand that use 99% natural derived ingredients, made in the UK, packaging is recycled and smell and work really well. You can purchase them from Boots, Holland and Barratt and other local shops.
Sun cream & after sun
Toilet Paper
Small mirror
Flip flops - these are a must at a campsite when having a shower!
Cooking supplies
Eco friendly washing up & sponge - we use ‘Ecover’ which you can find at most supermarkets
Kitchen utensils (wooden spoon, spatular, knives, grater, peeler, scissors etc)
Saucepan/frying pan set - it’s ideal to have set that can be compact
Tea towels
Bin bags
Kettle - is the kettle we use, it’s great to use a quick boiling kettle so that you can boil water for hot drinks using less gas (coffee, tea, hot choc). If you don’t have a cooker then we’d recommend a jet boil which we also love using outdoors.
Foldable washing bowl is great if you don’t have a sink
Bowl, plates, cups, forks, knives and spoons
Chopping board
Fire extinguisher
Spices
Cooking spray/olive oil
Clothes
Footwear - trainers, hiking boots, sandals
Jackets - waterproof
Jumpers
Trousers/shorts/skirts/dresses
Tops/t-shirts
PJs
Socks and underwear
Swimwear
Wetsuit
Workout/hiking gear
Hat
Bedding
Duvet, pillows and bedsheet
Blankets - wool blanket will keep you warm in the night and can use outside link here
Outdoor/other
Day bag - if you head for the beach or go on a hike, it’s great to have a bag to put your water and snacks in with your towels or spare socks
Camping chairs - to sit outside when the weather is nice and enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner with a view!
Camping table to put all your delicious food on
Outdoor shower - we leave this on the roof if the sun is out to let it heat up and use it after being at the beach all day covered in sand and salt and is the perfect way to rinse off
Wet suit magnetic holder - this is a great way to dry your wetsuit on your van
Thetford Porta poti 365 - yes we have a potty and our rule is only number ones but is great if there are no loos nearby and you’ve got to go in the middle of the night. It’s relatively small and easy to use, it also comes in different sizes.
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) - We love our Bluefin SUP’s, they are great for exploring!
Thermal blackout blinds - this allows to keep your vehicle cool and give you some privacy
First aid kit
Camera - to capture the memories!
Games - cards, frisbee etc
Vehicle checks
Before you head out on a long journey you should always check your vehicle is roadworthy and do the following checks,
Lights do all your indicator lights, break lights and full beams work?
Tyres ensure the pressure if unsure you can check on Kwik-fit website by entering your vehicle registration here
Check tyres don’t have any bulges, cuts or nails
Engine oil - is there enough and is it above the line?
Screen wash - make sure it is topped up
Check you can see your mirrors easily if you have adjusted your chair - this is important if you are using a hired vehicle or sharing driving with someone else
Details of insurance/breakdown cover
Take a break!
Also don’t forget to take regular breaks from driving, it is recommended to take a break every 2 hours of driving. Tiredness can increase the likelihood of having an accident so plan a stop along the way if the drive is going to be a long one!
Need some inspiration on where to go?
If you want to read about some of our trips we have done in camper vans or motorhomes then click on the following blogs listed below.
Please let us know in the comments what your favourite road trip essentials are. Go out and enjoy the open road :)
