With summer well on its way, it’s definitely time to start thinking about how you’ll spend the warm days ahead.

Whether you’re planning a UK holiday, getting ready for a weekend getaway or simply indulging on a one day trip, there’s nothing better than getting in your car feeling excited about the road trip you’re about to take.

Making sure that your well-deserved summer trip doesn’t go from relaxing to stressful requires a bit of planning and that’s where Creditplus can help. Here are a few tips that can turn you into an expert road trip planner.

Check Your Car

The best way to avoid nasty surprises and unwanted interruptions during your trip is checking your car for any maintenance issues prior to departure. Popping by your trusted garage to have your tyres, breaks, lights, cooling systems and engine checked can save you a lot of time, money and hassle.

Play It Safe

Safety is always key in any trip, but even more so with the increasing number of vehicles you’re bound to find on the road during the summer.

Always remember to travel at a safe speed, never drink alcohol before driving and make sure that you and everybody travelling with you wear seat belts at all times.

If you’re travelling with your children, an appropriate car seat is also a must-have. Also, keep an eye out for country road traffic, which often includes cyclists, pedestrians and animals.

Plan Ahead

We all know how unpredictable the UK weather can be, so remember to check the weather forecast before leaving, so you’re prepared to drive in less than ideal conditions.

It's also important to get to know your route, especially if you’re travelling to some place you’ve never been before. Using a driving route planner can be very useful at this point and will certainly save you a lot of time and hassle.

Beat Traffic

There’s nothing worse than being stuck in traffic for hours when you could be sightseeing or having a drink by the sea instead.

To make sure that doesn’t happen, avoid travelling during peak traffic periods, such as rush hour or Sunday evenings. This may mean getting up at an ungodly hour to start your trip, but the time and stress it can save you will certainly be worth the sacrifice.

Stay Fresh

Driving for long periods of time can be exhausting and driver fatigue is extremely dangerous, so make sure you stop to rest as many times as you need.

Other ways to make sure you're in good shape to drive include switching drivers during long trips, wearing sun glasses to avoid discomfort glare - especially on sunny days - and staying hydrated at all times.

So, there you have it. It’s time to dust off the old road map, follow these five tips from Creditplus and turn your summer road trips into long lasting memories.

Not quite ready to drive off yet?

Worry not, Creditplus is here to help.

Check our extensive car search to find the perfect vehicle for your road trips and apply online in just a couple of minutes to get the best car finance to match your new set of wheels.

Alternatively, you can call our friendly team of Customer Advisors on 0800 1777 290. We will be happy to assist you, every step of the way!