Road trip

How to fit a bike rack to your vehicle

Yellow-ish green 4x4 with roof rack and bike rack attached. Luggage container and red box on roof rack and three bikes on bike rack. Greenery and mountains in the background.

Bikes can be a great way to explore while you’re camping, on a road trip, or visiting a specific trail. But if you’re taking your own bike(s), fitting a bike rack can be a bit of a hassle.

So, to help cut down that hassle for you, here’s our handy guide on how to fit a bike rack to your vehicle.

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Neat road trips in Northern Ireland

aerial shot of Dunluce Castle, listed first in the list of places to visit on the road trip in Northern Ireland. With the deep blue sea in the bottom left of the frame, the castle in the middle, and green land filling the rest of the shot.

If you’re thinking about your next long weekend, a road trip in Northern Ireland could be right up your street. Castles, nature, and culture, it’s full of places and experiences to explore, all at your own pace.

Here are some recommendations for anyone heading on a road trip to Northern Ireland.

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Driving in Italy: road trip rules

picturesque image of a canal in Venice with small boats, and buildings either side of the canal

Italy is known for its stunning vistas and incredible food, and it’s a great road trip destination. Travelling by car is the perfect way to explore and enjoy one of Europe’s most exciting destinations.

Whether it’s for a short trip or longer holiday, driving in Italy isn’t anything to get stressed about. But it’s good to be on top of all the important Italian driving rules and regulations.

So, we’ve put together some tips.

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Get road trip ready: nine things to do before you hit the road this summer

Ready for some summer fun? Well, you’re not alone. With restrictions being eased completely and the weather heating up, 52% of us are planning to hit the road for a summer road trip.*

Whether you’re heading on a blissful beach escape or an idyllic cabin adventure, here are nine things you should do before you set off.

1. Wake up those tired tyres.

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Are we there yet? Handy ways to keep kids happy on a long car journey

Are we there yet Helpful ways to keep kids entertained on a long car journey 2

With the summer holidays just around the corner, millions of parents will be planning holidays, activities and day breaks for all the family to enjoy. More often than not, such trips involve a long drive in the car. And as every parent knows, cars and kids can be a tiring combination for all.

This year, more of us are expected to enjoy a staycation – a holiday in Britain, rather than abroad. In the travel industry, searches and bookings for UK destinations have increased by nearly 25 per cent, following Brexit.

And ironically, more visitors from France, Germany, Holland and the US are reported to be booking breaks in the UK, as they take advantage of a fall in the value of the pound.

All of which means the roads could get congested this summer holiday season, giving families all the justification they need to invest in onboard entertainment for the children. Here are some helpful hints – from a father of three – to ensure a smooth journey.

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Driving abroad: all you need to know plus cover for insurance, breakdown

Driving abroad arranging insurance and breakdown cover checking local laws and loading the car safe

When it comes to setting off for a holiday on the continent, drivers and families have a packing list as long as beach towel. But it’s easy to forget one or more vital elements. European insurance, breakdown cover, extra kit to comply with foreign laws and your driving licence are all indispensable. And unlike a missing tube of sun cream, these aren’t easy to organise abroad and missing them can take the joy out of a much-needed break.

That’s why it’s important that drivers write out a list of everything they and their car need for the trip. That way, there should be no danger of conking out on the hard shoulder only to find that your car insurance doesn’t include breakdown cover abroad. Or that the tool to release wheel nuts is at home in the garage.

Millions of Brits prefer to drive rather than fly, given the affordability, practicality and flexibility it gives them. Here are the things you’ll need for a road trip abroad.

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