FollowTake a Driving Holiday in the UK and Save Money
I’d like to cruise the English Countryside in this baby!
As a huge fan of Jane Austen, it has always been a dream of mine to venture out into the English Countryside and tour it a bit. I can imagine myself looking over a cliff somewhere or touring an old estate and hoping Mr. Darcy will come and find me there. Maybe you have a similar dream or perhaps you’d fancy a few days in Bath, a week in the Lakes or even a complete round-trip of the UK – whatever location sounds the most alluring – all you have to do is jump in your car and drive!
Along with this sense of spontaneity, a driving vacation in the UK means you’ll be able to dramatically reduce the amount you’d otherwise spend on a trip elsewhere. By taking away some of the flight costs and expensive accommodation, you’ll be able to completely design a voyage based around your budget.
Here are my tips for keeping a road trip as low-cost as possible…
But if you cannot find Mr. Darcy try these tips!
Look for cheap car rental
There are lots of reasonably priced car hire firms around meaning you can always get your hands on a rented vehicle for a short while. More often than not there’ll be some sort of money-saving deal available; with a company like Hertz you can even get good deals on insurance too – their ‘supercover’ plan means you’ll get great protection but pay no excess. It’s always worth looking for extra perks like this; you might be the best driver in the whole world, but that doesn’t mean that accidents won’t happen to you.
Split the cost
If you’re concerned about the rising cost of fuel – and let’s face it, this is undoubtedly going to be one of the most expensive parts of your trip – then consider asking more people to come along for the ride. If there’s a big group of you you’ll be able to share the expense (and the driving responsibility), and ultimately take some of the hassle out of those pricey petrol garage pit stops. Not only will the additional numbers be able to help out with fuel, but food and general day-to-day expenses too – just remember, the more people: the less you pay!
This is probably a better size vehicle for the narrow English roads!
Consider alternative accommodation
Although you won’t have to shell out on hotels abroad, staying in the UK doesn’t automatically mean all types of accommodation will be cheaper. Quite the opposite in fact! So make sure you figure out the economy alternatives; search out B&B’s and guesthouses as opposed to bigger hotels, you’re likely to come across much lower rates than in larger chains. But for an even further reduction in price, go camping! If you’re looking to save money then you won’t get anything cheaper than sleeping under the stars…
Map out your journey
Despite a road trip offering up a certain amount of freedom, it’s still worthwhile mapping out a loose journey plan. From finding out the shortest route to the most cheap and cheerful roadside restaurants, having a plan will help you avoid unnecessary expenses. Similarly, it’s highly advisable to invest in a decent navigational device. Unless your map reading skills are absolutely stellar, there’s a good chance you’ll get lost without one, which will consequently result in further fuel costs, time wasted and arguments started! You don’t have to spend a lot; shop around for low price sat navs in places like Halfords, Auto Trader and B&Q; it’ll certainly save you a whole lot of hassle!
Why not consider a trip in the UK this summer? With some of the most beautiful countryside and the most historical cities in the world, there’s no reason to book a holiday elsewhere. Hop in your car and head off!
I love the English countryside. My first international trip came in 1998 to meet my then-girlfriend’s (now wife of nearly 14 years) family who lives in Norwich, a two-hour drive from London. We stayed there three weeks and explored the countryside. Last year I drove from Scotland down to Norwich via York. Yes, I was annoyed at times at the tiny roads that are not nearly as efficient as the highways in the U.S., but the beauty was unmatched. I agree on mapping out a plan. If on any kind of schedule the British backroads aren’t good places to get lost. And English B&Bs MUST be experienced.
Lance recently posted…Finding Fantastic Travel in the ‘Little Destinations’
i just found out that i’ll be going on a little tour of England in July. dream come true! cannot wait to see the beauty you describe Lance.
England has always been my favorite place in the world and yes, I love all things Jane Austen – so much so that I really want to participate of the Jane Austen Festival in Bath and dress just like she did 🙂
I have a dream road trip starting in Brighton up to Edinburgh, but wanted to do it exclusively on back roads… it would be beautiful but it would take a lot of time to do it, but hopefuly I will convince my husband.
One thing I haven’t tried is a guest house/B&B experience. I think it is very English and I for sure need to add it to my list.
Monique recently posted…Booking a visit to CERN
some day i’ll get to all the things you’ve described including the B&B experience. i agree – very English indeed.
My wife and I absolutely love driving around the English countryside when we visit. Great blog!
i can’t wait to discover it Jim. i’m really a rookie when it comes to England.
I am so taking you on a mini UK roadtrip!
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted…An exciting June coming up.. Mrs. O style
i love you for organizing one Mrs. O. cannot wait!!
I love the English countryside too, and there’s nothing on earth like driving on a beautiful summers day through the heart of Shropshire, that’s one of may favorites, and of course as I live in Newport South Wales then I would highly recommend Wales too because there is some awesome countryside especially in Pembrokeshire and Camarthenshire, and of course the Gower Coast makes me smile just thinking of it!
Russell Simmons recently posted…Driving Lessons Newport With Pass R Uss Driving School
sounds so lovely Russell. thanks for sharing.
Sounds like a fun trip! I’d love to see the English countryside, but driving on the left sure would take some getting used to…
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted…Photo of the Week: Montrose Beach in Chicago
I can’t wait to do this! It’s just under a week until we’re driving on the wrong side of the road.
Leah Travels recently posted…Two Things to Love about Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Sounds like a blast…love doing the roadtrip while on the road! ha! Did one in NZ and it was brilliant. Just remember, when you are driving that pink cadillac, keep it on the other side of the road!!! I am sure Mrs O will keep you sorted! Have fun!
Anita Mac recently posted…Urban Art: The Graffiti SubCulture in Toronto
That would be cool to tool around the English countryside wearing a wool sweater, with a cool hat, and a bulldog.
Traveling Ted recently posted…Canoeing Badfish Creek with the Mad Traveler
Great tips! I love a good road trip, no matter where in the world it is!
Erin – The World Wanderer recently posted…The Rain Room Exhibit at the MoMA.
I’ve always wanted to rent a tiny little car and drive around the countryside of England and Scotland. Of course, I’d have to at least have enough room for my golf clubs…
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted…Specialty Restaurants Aboard Oasis of the Seas – Bon Apetite
Driving around the country lanes is, for me, undoubtedly the best way to see England – always another picturesque village with an inviting country pub just around the corner! If you stay away from the tourist hot-spots, the narrow roads of the Cotswolds and surrounding counties are idyllic, but you have to head up north for the most open and dramatic driving; to Cumbria, North Yorkshire or Northumberland.