I have found that car travel in the last couple of months to be extremely stressful. So much so that I've had to make so many changes to the way that I prepare for a long journey (anything approaching an hour in length). Here's some examples:
- I now always check my proposed route a half-hour before I start out, using Google Maps. So many times I have set out, only to find a key road has been closed due to unexpected road works.
- I then take the next half an hour to ensure I have everything I need for the day, and leaving time to allow for weather conditions. Some days I even pack food and drink just in case I am stuck in traffic.
- Before I get in the car I programme my proposed route into my Sat Nav, even though I know the way well. This week a major road was unexpectedly closed right in front of me due to a sudden burst water main, leading to an hour and a half diversion. I wasn't best pleased.
- Useful tip 1: if you are going to a town that you haven't been to before, always double-check your destination point. Even the best Sat Navs are only as good as the data you feed into it. Even I have been sent to the wrong place on a couple of occasions (who knew there were two Tesco's in the same town?)...
- I also travel with the radio on, so I can get constant travel updates as I go. Belt and brace. The number of times my journey has been disrupted due to bad traffic, accidents, and even from the actions of a couple of protesters dangling from a bridge ...
- Keep your eyes open as you travel. In these days you can't even guarantee the road surface, and a sudden pot hole from an unmaintained road can quickly ruin your day.
- Useful tip 2 - keep a close eye on the speed limit: this is the maximum you can drive; remember it's a limit not not a target. Of course, going too slow can be dangerous too...
- Don't forget to allow time for unexpected delays. It's better to be half an hour early than to be half an hour late.
- Oh, and don't forget that you have to repeat all of the above checks once again on your journey home.
Who said getting there is half the fun? Not so in 2023... no wonder there are so many that now prefer to work from home!
(I googled it - “Getting There was Half the Fun” was an advertising slogan used by Cunard in the 1950s as they were building up interest in their transatlantic ships)
