As the bank holiday weekend and half term holiday approaches, many people are choosing to holiday in the UK this year so the IAM’s tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger, are well worth reading here.

Holidays can be very stressful because we want them to be perfect. But travelling with children and often at peak motorway times can throw us a curved ball so it helps to be well prepared, come what may, resolutely chilled and with a ready smile to hand ;).

But we’re all human and in this household that’s rarely the case…

STAYCATIONING MOTORING TIPS

1/ Best to share the driving if possible. It makes more sense to spread the load of the different aspects of a journey. If there are two adults, it’s the passenger’s job to look after the kids, not the driver’s. That way both the kids and the driving get proper attention.

2/ Include regular rest stops, preferably at least once every two hours. Make sure you eat sensibly, and drink enough fluid, especially if the summer turns out warm – dehydration destroys concentration quickly. And get out of the car and walk around when you make the stop – it makes a real difference.

3/ Plan your fuel stops in advance, especially if traffic is likely to be heavy. There’s nothing worse than sitting in a traffic queue with the fuel warning light glowing. If budget is an issue try and plan to buy away from the motorway – service area prices tend to be higher, but running out on the motorway is both dangerous and can be very expensive.

4/ Make sure you get enough sleep the night before a long journey. If you feel tired, stop somewhere safe – this does not include the hard shoulder of the motorway. If you feel really tired, have a coffee and a 20 minute nap to give the caffeine time to take effect. If there’s a long way to go, stop for a proper sleep.

5/ Be sure to take something for the kids to eat, drink, look at and do. When the inevitable request for one or more of these occurs, you’ll immediately have something to hand to prevent a distraction occurring. Pack the car so that the kids can see of out the windows, and so that the passengers feel they can move their limbs – it helps keep the mood cheerful.

Peter reminds us that: “Getting away on holiday is great fun, but it can also be hugely stressful, especially if you have the whole family with you. Make sure you prepare yourself, your car and your route beforehand, for a trip that’ll have everyone smiling from start to finish. Enjoy your holiday.”

Good idea if Dad sorts out the car because Mum surely will have done most other things.

And finally here are some novel car journey games to play…

FOXY