Our top tips to avoid delays on the annual Christmas drive

The festive season is one of the busiest times on UK roads. Whether you’re heading to see family, embarking on a long-awaited getaway, or simply tackling the usual Christmas shopping, the roads can quickly become congested with fellow travellers. Happily, with a little forward planning, you can help minimise your time spent stuck in traffic and ensure that your Christmas journey goes as smoothly as possible. So, whether you’re planning to hire a car this Christmas or drive your own, here are some practical tips to help you avoid delays and make the most of your Christmas drive.

Plan your route carefully

One of the best ways to ensure a smooth journey is to plan ahead. Use mapping apps and GPS to check the routes before you set off. Look for potential traffic hotspots, roadworks, or accidents that might cause delays. Many apps, such as Google Maps or Waze, offer real-time updates, helping you to make adjustments on the fly if necessary. Consider alternative routes or less-travelled back roads if the main roads are congested. Another tip is to check weather conditions, especially if you’re travelling through areas that are prone to snow or fog during the winter months. Taking the time to proactively find out about any potential hazards in advance can go a long way to helping you prepare accordingly.

Pack your car with care

As you probably know already, a well-packed car is crucial for a stress-free journey. If you're travelling with family, ensure everyone has enough space, and don’t overload the car with unnecessary items. Overloading the car can affect its performance and fuel efficiency, and it may even be illegal in certain circumstances. Be sure to pack gifts and luggage securely to avoid items shifting during the journey, which could cause distractions. Also, make sure all emergency items – such as a first-aid kit, blankets, water, and snacks – are easily accessible. These can be incredibly useful if you end up facing any delays or unexpected issues during your trip.

Don’t forget to consider alternative travel times

Timing your trip can make a huge difference in how long your journey will take. Many people set off at the same time, particularly on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, which can result in massive traffic jams on major routes. If possible, you might want to consider travelling during less busy times. Early morning or late evening drives can help you avoid peak traffic hours. Many people hit the road in the afternoon, so a well-timed early start could save you hours of frustration. And of course, if your destination is a popular holiday hotspot, try to travel on quieter days, such as mid-week, to avoid the weekend rush.

Prepare for unexpected situations

Even the best-laid plans can be disrupted by unexpected delays, so it’s important to be prepared. Check the weather forecast before leaving to see if there are any adverse conditions that could affect your journey, such as snow or heavy rain. As we’ve touched on above, make sure you have emergency supplies in the car, including blankets, a torch, and non-perishable food and water. If you’re travelling a long distance, ensure your phone is fully charged, and consider carrying a power bank just in case. These sorts of essentials can really help to give you peace of mind and ensure you’re ready for any unforeseen circumstances that could cause a delay.

And of course, if you’re looking at van, car hire or minibus hire for your festive journeys, you’re in exactly the right place. Our extensive fleet comprises of more than 450 vehicles, including cars, vans, and minibuses. We offer both Flexi hire and daily hire options, so you can rent the vehicle for as long or as little as you need! Feel free to contact us at 01254 57811, and we would be more than happy to help you in any way we can!