You can’t beat hitting the open road with friends and family, and there really is no place like the UK for a road trip. With planning and preparation, you can really open your eyes to some of the wonders that this little island has to offer. From the rocky mountains and deep valleys of Wales to the vastness of the Scottish highlands and the lush green countryside of England, there just isn’t anywhere else on the planet quite like it.

Most of us choose the summer months to make trips like this, but let’s face it - in the UK we are never guaranteed good weather, whatever the season, so why limit yourself to doing it in just a few months of the year? Whenever you decide to do it, it is essential that not only do you take all of your personal stuff but that your car is carrying the gear you need to deal with every eventuality. Here, we look at some of the necessary equipment you should be taking on a road trip in the UK.

Dash Cam

Let’s start with the bad: there has been a massive upsurge in the number of 'crash for cash' collisions in the UK in recent years. Having a dash cam gives you a whole new level of protection against them, as the actions of other drivers are recorded, which can be essential evidence when it comes to insurance claims and/or police reports. On a more positive thought, it can also record your journeys in a way you can't when you’re driving, which can be fascinating to look back on. Before you purchase one, make sure you do your research on the best dashcam. Oh, and don't forget the memory card!

Jump Leads

Do not forget your jump leads! It is so, so easy to leave a light on, or radio on, or something else on overnight, and when you are on a road trip, and potentially out in the middle of nowhere, there is nothing worse than turning your ignition on and...nothing. Ok, so you will need another car or appropriate power source to jump it from, but you couldn’t even do that without a set of jump leads in the boot. It can be the difference between spending hours waiting for the RAC to come out and restart you and being on your way.

An in-car charger

Ok, so it has happened. You break down. Unlikely in a Land Rover Defender, but not impossible. Or maybe, you have forgotten your jump leads and need a restart. You are miles away from any house or phone box. What can you use to phone your breakdown provider - ah yes, your mobile phone? That handy bit of kit you pay top dollar for every month isn’t much use if it’s entirely out of juice though, is it? Keep a mobile phone charger in your glove box, and when your phone needs a bit more life, stick it on charge. You might not be able to do it if you can’t get your ignition on, but if it is always fully charged, you’ll be alright!