As more and more holidaymakers are choosing to remain in the UK for their holidays, the use of cars for long-distance journeys is consistently on the rise. You may have packed your suitcase and bought a new bucket and spade to play with but what about preparing for the journey itself? Long journeys can be frustrating and uncomfortable. Avoid any additional stress by using the Walsall Wood Tyre & Service guide to long journeys!

1. Personal Comfort
   After a few hours trapped in a small space, it’s only natural to want to stretch your legs. While you may be able to avoid this discomfort with regular driving breaks, it is quite often an impractical and optimistic plan to have. Remain comfortable for longer by packing these essentials for you and your passengers.
   ⦁ Travel Pillows
   ⦁ Suntan lotion
   ⦁ Food & Drinks
   ⦁ Tissues
   ⦁ Window Shades
   ⦁ Sunglasses
   ⦁ Toiletries
   ⦁ Spare Shoes/Boots

2. Mobile Phone Apps
   Major advancements in the development of mobile phone applications over the past decade have helped to provide drivers with more support than ever before. Many will be familiar with using Google Maps and other highly promoted apps but it is worth noting that there is a large number of apps that can help improve car journeys.
   ⦁ Google Maps
   ⦁ Spotify
   ⦁ Traffic Warning Apps
   ⦁ Just Eat
   ⦁ Trip Advisor

3. Emergency Items
   While we hope every journey you embark upon is a safe and enjoyable one, this is not always the case. It is essential as the designated driver to prepare for possible emergency scenarios. The following items should already be in your car or on your person, use the list below to check you’re prepared for any situation.
   ⦁ First Aid Kit
   ⦁ Paracetamol/Pain Killers/Antihistamines
   ⦁ Prescribed Medication
   ⦁ Torch
   ⦁ Blanket
   ⦁ Swiss Army Knife
   ⦁ Emergency Contact Numbers
   ⦁ Hand Sanitiser
   ⦁ Mobile Phone

4. Technology
   It doesn’t matter if you have the latest radio or a WI-FI hotspot built into your car, you may still be able to take advantage of other useful technology whilst on your journey. Do not use these items while driving unless they are correctly fixed in a legal hands-free manner.
   ⦁ Mobile Phone
   ⦁ Tablet
   ⦁ Portable Games-Consoles
   ⦁ Laptop
   ⦁ In-car Charger
   ⦁ USB/Charging cables
   ⦁ Hands-free phone/tablet mount
   ⦁ Portable Power Bank

5. Car Care and Maintenance
   Obviously, it makes sense to prepare both yourself and your vehicle for any eventuality. It is the Walsall Wood Tyre & Service team’s honest opinion that you should always store some form of emergency car maintenance kit, within your vehicle at all times. Understandably, many drivers are unable to perform basic repairs and maintenance on their vehicles. Only perform repairs and maintenance if you are confident in your abilities and the outcome, if not be sure to ring a breakdown service for assistance.
   ⦁ Road Side Emergency Kit
   ⦁ Ice Scraper
   ⦁ Spare Tyre
   ⦁ Driver’s Manual
   ⦁ Car Documentation
   ⦁ License
   ⦁ De-Icer

6. Other Items
   Many holidaymakers will have their own list of essentials needed for long car journeys, a majority of which will differ from the guide we have provided. The following miscellaneous items are those which the Walsall Wood Tyre & Service team would take with them on their own lengthy car journeys.
   ⦁ Books
   ⦁ Travel Mug
   ⦁ Dog Waste Bags
   ⦁ Bug Spray
   ⦁ Portable Cooker
   ⦁ Drinks Cooler
   ⦁ Lighter
   ⦁ Hats

If you can think of any additional items to add to the list, let us know in the comments and we will regularly update the article with any fresh suggestions!