Although travelling by air or by rail has become more accessible throughout the years, there’s still nothing like going on a road trip by yourself or with family and friends. Whether you drive a luxurious Mercedes Benz S-Class or a more outdoor-oriented Land Rover Discovery, travelling by car treats you to a journey as epic and worthwhile as your destination. After all, the UK has plenty of incredible sceneries for you to take in, from the gorgeous countryside to magical highlands and coastlines.
As you pack for your next road trip, one thing you can’t overlook is your car’s glove compartment. More than just a storage space for random bits and bobs, it’s where you can keep the following essentials to ensure a smooth and stress-free driving journey.
Personal documents
Important documentation should be with you at all times, so make sure they’re stored safely in the glove compartment. In the UK, some of the most pertinent documentation includes your Certificate of Motor Insurance, full driving license, and vehicle registration documents. It’s also a good idea to keep your car insurance and travel insurance details with you, as well as contact numbers for emergency roadside assistance and breakdown services within your destination. Keep all of these documents in one folder for organisation and easy reference.
Snacks
Whether traversing the scenic North Coast 500 or driving around Cornwall’s rugged landscapes, stash some snacks to keep you energised for the trip. A survey by the vehicle dealership Macklin Motors reveals that the most popular road trip snacks among Brits include the mess-free, affordable Wine Gums and Werther’s Originals, followed by British staples like sandwiches and fruit. Of course, it’s up to you and your companions what you’d like to munch on! Just remember to also fill your insulated flasks with water, tea, or juice for hydration.
Sunglasses
Another item to add for comfort and convenience is a pair of sunglasses. But instead of going for a regular pair, consider getting polarised sunglasses designed to eliminate glare while enhancing colour sharpness and depth of vision. These are especially helpful when driving along coastal areas such as Devon and bodies of water such as Loch Ness on a sunny day, as you can see the roads with greater contrast and clarity. Eyewear brand Ray-Ban has polarised options for classic styles like Wayfarer and Aviator, allowing you to stay safe and stylish behind the wheel.
First-aid kit
A well-stocked first-aid kit keeps you prepared for any emergency or accident while on the road. The National Health Services notes that a basic first-aid kit may contain plasters of different sizes, sterile gauze dressings, bandages, and safety pins to attend to cuts, wounds, burns, and other minor injuries. Meanwhile, medicine and treatments include skin rash cream, bug spray, antiseptic cream, painkillers, and antihistamine creams or tablets. Ensure there’s also a manual or instruction booklet for basic first-aid and that all the medical supplies are within their use-by dates.
Loose change
While many toll roads and parking metres now accept card and contactless payment, cash is king, especially since there’s still a risk of payment error or system issues. In fact, the British Parking Association reports that 75% of parking payments are made using coins. Aside from personal preference, using coins also keeps you safe from fraudsters and thieves hanging around public payment machines to steal bank cards.
Overall, you’ll thank yourself for maximising your glove compartment with items that provide comfort and security throughout long drives and quick pit stops. There are tons of unwanted situations where you might not have access to your trunk (such as getting rear-ended), so keeping these essentials inside your car can go a long way. You can check out the rest of the blog for more posts on lifestyle and travel.
