Time to hit the road: Our guide to the perfect trip by car or campervan

With spring in the air, the Easter break about to commence, a glimmer of sun in the sky, what better time for a UK road trip? 

But where might you go? And which of the latest crop of new — or old — cars best fits the bill?

Pick of the bunch

I’ve done a lot of driving recently on a spate of car launches dotted around the UK. And whether passing through picture-perfect country villages set amidst rolling green landscapes, or the epic drama of the Scottish Highlands, it has reminded me just what a spectacular island we inhabit.

Moving forward: A Volkswagen ID Buzz electric camper van is perfect for an Easter road trip

The North Coast 500, described as ‘Scotland’s ultimate road trip’, comprises more than 500 miles of spectacular scenery including white sand beaches, ancient castles, historic landmarks, remote fishing villages and rugged mountains.

And I recently drove a good stretch of it in the new INEOS Grenadier 4X4. I’ve also spent some enjoyable hours, in a range of new cars including Citroen’s e-C4X electric crossover and Audi’s zero-emissions Q8 e-tron sportback, exploring the many delights of the Cotswolds.

So whether you are in a fully stocked campervan heading to East Anglia and the Norfolk Broads or a packed estate en route to the mountains and valleys of Wales, there’s nothing like an open road and full tank or a charged battery to stir the emotions.

Half the fun is not the final destination, but getting there.

So take time to pull off boring motorways and consider immersing yourself in some lesser travelled A and B roads.

Top tips

Do take a proper traditional printed map or road atlas.

Following the dashboard sat-nav to your destination is fine. But it’s no substitute for getting an overall view of where you’ve been and where you are going, including those hidden treasure routes off the beaten track. 

Or why not just ‘get lost’ and see where you end up. Road safety charity IAM Roadsmart says: ‘Who doesn’t love the idea of hopping into the car and taking to the open road to kick-off a holiday, or for a carefree, weekend trip away.’

Motorists should do all the usual car checks the day before a journey rather than leave things until the last minute.

Make sure all your lights and indicators are working, check tyre pressures and oil. And fill up with fuel and screen wash too. 

There’s nothing worse than setting out on a long journey only to have to queue for fuel, charge your car, or seeing a warning light before you’ve barely left home.

And don’t forget to check your spare tyre and if you have an emergency inflation kit, check that the canister is full.

Also stash some screen wipes — you only notice the glare once you’ve left the house.

Plan ahead

On the day of your trip, try to leave home early to miss the traffic and pack your car with everything you and your passengers, including pets, might need for a comfortable journey, such as plenty of water and snacks.

Richard Gladman, head of driving and riding standards at IAM Roadsmart, says: ‘Younger passengers are easily bored on a long journey, so think about games you might play to keep them occupied — car cricket and I-spy remain family favourites. 

And ask your passengers to keep an eye on travel updates for you — it’s better to divert onto slightly longer routes than be sat on a closed motorway.’

If you are on a long journey, try to take a break every couple of hours and preferably switch drivers. If you’re tired, stop for a nap.

Sadly, you also have to be on your guard against criminals. Thieves do operate at busy motorway service stations and beyond: ‘Keep valuables hidden if you must leave them in the car, and park where you can keep an eye on it.’ 

Consider a cold bag or ice-box with lunch for a picnic stop as a more pleasant and less expensive alternative to a service station. Wet wipes and a first-aid kit will often come in handy too for spillages and accidents.

‘Taking a small amount of time to plan your trip could be the difference between a weekend of relaxed, enjoyable driving and one full of hassle and stress,’ says Richard.

So get packing. And whatever your journey brings, may I wish you a heartfelt: ‘Bon voyage!’

Women vote Kia Niro their car of the year

What sort of car do women want? A Kia Niro it seems.

Available in three models — hybrid (from £28,295), plug-in hybrid PHEV (from £34.075), and all-electric EV (from £36,795) — the Korean crossover has been named Women’s World Car Of The Year by an international jury of 63 female motoring journalists from 43 countries including the UK, over five continents.

Judges praised ‘a practical little city car that gives you everything you need in an affordable package’ adding: ‘The Kia Niro delivers a complete package. 

Urban choice: The Kia Niro has been named Women’s World Car Of The Year by an international jury of 63 female motoring journalists from 43 countries

Its numerous powertrain options, stylish design, easy-to-use technology, comfortable seating and budget-friendly packaging make it stand out among a field of fierce competition.’

The Niro also took the honours as best urban car. Other category winners are: the Jeep Avenger (best Family SUV), Citroën C5 X (large car), Nissan X-Trail (large SUV), Audi RS 3 (performance car) and Ford Ranger (4×4). 

Safety is the single most important feature desired by women in a car, according to a separate survey and report for Women’s World Car Of The Year.

Other important factors include reliability, functionality, performance, and the environment, as well as seating position (‘the higher, the better’), a back-up camera, blind spot monitoring, and anti-lock ABS brakes.

Convenience features such as storage pockets, cup-holders, and air-conditioning, also rate highly, as do, fuel economy, appearance and interior spec, handling, and environmental impact.

For more information, visit: womensworldcoty.com

This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk