Some of the best holiday breaks happen in the form of a road trip. Not only can we share some guidelines with you, more importantly it is good for the soul!

One has the “therapeutic opportunity” to treat it as follows: It is an adventure; a break from the digital world; creating memorable moments with your fellow road tripping companions; forgetting about work; the opportunity to explore at your leisure, and with that being said, the Midlands is one of those destinations that offers all of this!

So, whether you hitting the road for an hour or so to get to Granny Mouse Country House & Spa in the Midlands or across our various Provinces, the “Mouse House” team have a good couple of tips that will help stave off boredom, reduce arguments and keep you safe as well as sane.

First up, remember to do a checklist and make sure your car is roadworthy and that you have checked your spare tyre, had the vehicle serviced, and that you have an emergency kit in the boot which includes the safety triangle, mini fire extinguisher etc. It’s also a good idea if one of the occupants in the car knows how to change a tyre and remember safety first, be sure if you need to change a tyre do it in a safe place and not on some blind corner.

Some other worthy tips for the beginner roadie adventurer include packing insect repellent, packing some entertainment such as board games, cards, books to keep your passengers busy as well as double adaptor plugs, a power bank to keep your electronics charged (purely for directional purposes, as one needs a break from being bombarded by social media stories)

When travelling with other passengers agree upfront whether you going to be destination driven or want to take the road less travelled and enjoy the journey. Is everyone prepared to explore, and that is the best option, so you can experience new places and meet new interesting people.

Deciding on sightseeing spots along the way, some of us like to pre plan the stop-offs, while others, like to be spontaneous and stop off when something interesting places appear ahead. Getting out the car and stopping off on route will provide the driver and passengers a chance to stretch their legs and explore possible local roadside attractions. Also after the possible first stop, chat to the locals and ask about any local attractions, as they are the best source of information as they probably know the area way better than you do and can recommend some hidden destination treasures.

Also, while on the road, who is in charge of “padkos” and will you be stopping off to buy cappuccinos and snacks along the way. Also important is the road trip playlist. The perfect soundtrack is a must and one that creates the spirit of a road trip. If you have more than two passengers the front passenger should be in charge of the music, while anyone in the back seat is the snack provider if that is the option of food you are going.

Another good tip is to get on the road early so you can take a leisurely drive without stressing about being on the road with those heading to work.

Always carry some cash just in case some outlet doesn’t have a card machine or they are offline, it happens more frequently than not. Another important tip, is don’t let the car be empty i.e. - no fuel. There could be an accident ahead that has blocked the road and nothing worse than running out of petrol on your holiday drive. A big no no. 

Lastly be civil on the road, be polite to other drivers, don’t take unnecessary risks and never litter. A little respect goes a long way on a road trip. You want to enjoy it and allow for those around you to enjoy too. 

Have an awesome time, revitalize your spirit (as opposed to drinking them) and just “arrive alive”!