Episode 155 -15 Essential UK Road Trip Tips [+ Mistakes to Avoid]

In episode 155 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy is joined by Doug to share 15 essential UK road trip tips to help you avoid the most common mistakes travellers make.

From unexpected delays and quirky road rules to rental car advice, parking pitfalls, weather warnings, and the golden rule (don’t drive in London), this episode is packed with practical guidance and real-world insights.

Whether you’re planning your route or already on the road, tune in for tips to make your UK road trip smoother, safer and far less stressful.

Click the blue button below to listen:

What you’ll learn in this episode

• 🚗 The 15 most common mistakes travellers make when driving in the UK—and how to avoid them for a smooth, stress-free journey
• 🛣️ Why UK driving times are easy to underestimate (spoiler: it’s not just about distance – think weather, traffic, country lanes, and the odd flock of chickens blocking your route!)
• 🇬🇧 The unique quirks of UK driving -even if you’re used to driving on the left elsewhere, surprises await! Learn why local road rules and roundabouts can trip up even experienced drivers
• 🚙 Insider tips on booking the right hire car (including why you NEED to book an automatic in advance if you can’t drive manual)
• 🏙️ Why it’s a major mistake to drive in London—get the lowdown on congestion charges, parking nightmares, and when to actually pick up your rental car
• 💷 What to know about toll roads, low emission zones, and how to avoid unexpected fines (especially in hire cars!)
• 🅿️ The vital step travellers forget – checking if your accommodation does have parking, and what to expect in cities like York, Bath, and Edinburgh
• 📲 How to tackle UK parking: apps, pay-and-display, coins, cameras—and how park & ride schemes can save your sanity
• 🌦️ How to plan for ever-changing UK weather and seasonal challenges—why summer means busy roads and winter brings shorter, sometimes treacherous, daylight hours
• 📶 The importance of navigation prep: don’t rely solely on your mobile—what to download and when to choose a car with sat nav
• ⛽ Petrol know-how: UK fuel types, costs, and what happens if you fill up with the wrong one (hint: it’s not fun!)
• 📑 Rental small print everyone overlooks: what to check if you’re driving outside Britain, crossing to Ireland, or taking a ferry to the Scottish islands
• 🛑 Getting to grips with UK driving lingo and road signs—from “lay-bys” to “B-roads” and slip roads – so you’re never caught off guard
• 🛻 Motorway survival tips: lane basics, lorries galore, planning stops, and how not to oversize (or undersize) your hire car
• 🛡️ Car insurance essentials: why zero excess might be worth the peace of mind, and what to do if you break down or damage your tires
• 👀 The crucial rule – never leave valuables visible in your car. Learn real-life cautionary tales and practical advice for car safety on the road and at your accommodation
• 🌟 Final golden tip: Prepare with the Tripiamo self-drive UK course (for both drivers and navigators)- it’s affordable, practical, and gets rave reviews from listeners just like you!