TOP TIPS TO PREPARE FOR LONG JOURNEYS

Plan your route

Preparation is key when it comes to travelling during busy periods such as bank holidays to make sure you avoid heavy traffic and long wait times. Plan your desired route and travel time beforehand, to avoid travelling in peak times to keep your chances of hitting heavy traffic to a minimum. Where possible, you should also try to avoid the busiest roads as these will be used the most this weekend and are likely to be the most traffic-heavy.

Keep refreshed

When travelling for long periods remember to have regular breaks. The Highway Code recommends that you take a 15-minute break every two hours. Take use of the motorway service stations you pass along your route to ensure you don't get fatigued!

Pack the essentials

Ensure your car is packed with the essentials well before you set off on your travels to make sure you don't forget anything. Some of the key essentials to pack are:

* Important documents: Remember your driving licence, car insurance details and have the number for breakdown services to hand

* Loose change: Keeping some coins in your car will ensure that you're prepared in case you ru...