From Bournemouth to Scotland, half term can mean travelling long distances on roads filled with other holiday makers. Our on-road module can help you manage distractions, both inside and out of your vehicle.
Staycations are expected to continue in popularity throughout 2022; they’re more eco-friendly than holidays abroad, don’t require any sort of passport (covid or normal) and allow Brits to discover amazing locations within the Home Nations.
Some of the most popular staycation spots are scattered across the UK, from Cornwall, to the Peak District and Snowdonia, right up to the Isle of Skye, which means many trips require long drives to reach your destination if you haven’t chosen to take public transport. And if you’re travelling with children or pets (or both!), this can open you up to a variety of distractions just within the car!
Top tips for fewer distractions when driving with children and pets:
Have a break every two hours for a rest. Whether this is to let the dog or children burn off some steam. Look for somewhere with some open green space, or some motorway service stations even have children’s play areas - the list can be found here. It’s also a chance to have a toilet break and grab some food, so you’re not distracted by ‘I need a wee’ every 2 minutes throughout your journey.
Screens are often best to limited to certain periods of time, and a long drive might be one of these times. Keeping children and teenagers entertained means you can concentrate on the road ahead, and you can try to encourage healthy habits on the screens such as educational games or videos. Alternatively, books, colouring or other games might do the trick.
Not only because it’s legal (did you know you can get fined up to £5,000 if your dog isn’t secured properly in the car – read the most recent changes in the highway code). But it’s also going to be less of a distraction for your journey than if they’re trying to clamber over the back seat to get close to you.
Whether it’s healthy snacks, drinks, or blankets, make everything accessible for children to access themselves without needing to distract you if they’re cold or hungry. Keeping a cool bag in the back seat that’s packed with healthy nibbles and maybe a few treats can be a great distraction for children and stop them distracting you.