There is nothing that beats exploring the UK on a detour. It is the best way to get the original taste of British life as you can see so much more than you would with other methods. Taking a flight, coach, or train will take you to predetermined destinations where everyone else is there. You get much more control on a detour, giving you the best possible experience in the UK.
It is worth noting that planning a road trip and executing one that is perfect takes effort and commitment. Of course, the more you know about taking detours, the less effort you will make. So, to assist you in planning your next trip, this article highlights tips and tricks to go on a fantastic UK detour.
Decide the Vehicle You Will Travel in
You will have to decide the type of car you will use for the detour. Many options exist, so you don’t have to fret. It is best to ask yourself questions such as the number of people traveling so that you settle on the best vehicle.
If you are just a couple or have 1-2 children, you can stick with the smaller vans, campers, or vans attached to the back of the vehicle where two to four people can sleep. You can find a suitable caravan on caravan finder UK, so that should be a non-issue.
A larger group will need bigger accommodations like an RV or a motorhome. A road trip in a van is not very different from driving a normal-sized vehicle. However, a tow-along caravan or a full-sized RV will necessitate you to be comfortable driving something much more significant.
Select Your Destination
You will also have to decide where you want to go. The UK is very diverse, with many regions to select from. Different regions have unique histories, cultures, and sceneries. From the rugged coastlines of Scotland to the rolling hills of the Lake District to medieval castles in Wales, you cannot run out of options for places to visit. Think about what interests you and the kind of experience you want, whether it is a cultural immersion, a scenic drive, or a combination of both.
While planning your trip, you can start with a general destination. The next step will be focusing and trying to come up with a plan. Conduct your research and develop a rough route that will get you there. Consider aspects such as driving time, stopovers, and mileage. Remember, this is a detour, and you won’t be taking the highway or the direct route. Always opt for scenic routes if you want to take in the sights.
Another way to ensure you enjoy your trip is to be flexible with your route. Having a plan is excellent, but so is tweaking it as you go. When you are flexible, unexpected adventures pop up at any moment. So, don’t worry about following a timeline or sticking to a schedule.
Budgeting and Meals
One of the top bonuses of having a kitchen attached to your transportation is that you can stick to your budget. Ensure you consider the number of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners that will make up your detour. Also, estimate how many of those meals will be cooked in the caravan and how many will be eaten out.
Ensure you also consider popular restaurants, exceptional delicacies, or local food only in certain areas. Being aware of this information will assist you in creating and sticking to a budget. An onsite kitchen is also a convenient and easy way to get food, especially in an area without many restaurants.
Have Podcasts and Playlists
You can never have a great detour without a killer playlist. Hours on the road can easily result in boredom if you do not plan well. Set yourself with several playlists to choose from, and download them ahead of time. Also, scout for podcasts if they entertain you more. Both approaches will ensure the journey is more fun and interesting. You can sing along to the songs and even give comments on the podcasts you will listen to.
Ensure you build the playlist around the audience in the car. Select songs that you not only love but ones that you think your friends and family will love too. Consider what you know about the musical tastes of the passengers and work around that. Remember, compromise is critical here. If a friend does not like country music that happens to be your favorite genre, play a few country songs and spread them out throughout the journey.
Packing
One of the best pieces of advice when going out on a road trip is never to overpack. It is easy to be tempted to overpack when going on a detour since you have a whole van to yourselves and don’t have to worry about fitting your bag into the overhead compartment of an airplane. Try as much as possible to stick to your particular journey’s fundamentals.
Besides clothes, medication, and electronics, there is not much you need to have with you. The UK offers many options for stuff you can get on the road. Pack as little as you can and get the non-essential items on the road as you go. Even drinks and foods are available in most destinations, so you can skip packing too many of them.
Try Adventurous Activities
The UK has a lot to offer in terms of adventure. You can go kayaking, hiking, or fishing outdoors. If you are an adrenaline junkie, you can try rock climbing, zip-lining, and bungee jumping. There are also sports activities such as windsurfing and kitesurfing. You can ride on a hot air balloon or explore scenic views on a bike for everyday adventures. You will find an adventure activity that will knock you off your feet no matter your interests.
Conclusion
Taking a detour can be a great way of getting away from city pressures and experiencing hidden gems in the UK. The country has a rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful scenery, so there are many opportunities for unforgettable adventures. Plan your detour, pack your bags, and set out for an unforgettable journey of discovery in the UK.
