Our top tips for planning a long distance journey

While electric vans are the top choice for last-mile deliveries, many of our customers here at The Van Discount Company tend to search our cheap van deals for vehicles that can really go the distance – quite literally. So if you’ve got a long journey to make for work in your own van, it’s worth remembering that the way you prepare and organise everything can make all the difference to how smoothly it goes. A long trip can be tiring, so the more you’ve planned in advance, the more you can focus on driving comfortably and arriving ready for whatever’s ahead. And if you’re looking for a couple of tips in that regard, our team has you covered!

Get your van ready before the journey

Before you start a long journey, it’s a good idea to double check that your van is in the right condition to handle the distance. Check the essentials like oil, coolant, brake fluid, windscreen washer levels, and tyre pressure. If you’ve had your van for a while but it hasn’t been serviced recently, it’s worth booking it in for a check-up to catch any issues before they become problems. Giving the lights, brakes, and wipers a proper look over is always sensible, as these matter most when conditions change suddenly.

And of course, the inside of the van could always do with a look, too. Secure equipment or goods so they don’t shift about while you’re on the move – loose items can be distracting and may cause damage if they roll around. Plus, an organised cab makes it easier to grab what you need during stops and helps you stay comfortable during long stretches behind the wheel.

Plan your route and timing

You can keep the journey simple by mapping out your route in advance, especially since it can help you avoid last-minute stress. Use a satnav or map app to guide you, but it never hurts to check a couple of backup options in case you hit delays or diversions. If think it’s a trip you’re likely to do again in future, you might want to make a note of key turn-offs and service stations so you’re not left scrambling if you need to stop unexpectedly.

If you’ve got the flexibility, it’s always a good plan to consider the timing of your trip as well. Setting off outside rush hour can save hours of wasted time in traffic. For overnight journeys, it’s wise to build in extra breaks, since tiredness can creep up more quickly in the dark. Ideally, you’ll want to plan your arrival time so it works with your commitments at the other end, rather than leaving yourself rushed or overtired. The more you think about these factors before setting off, the smoother and more predictable the journey your journey will probably end up being.

Stay safe and alert on the road

Safety has to come first on a long journey. We won’t go into all that detail about speed limits and the like – you know all that. However, one thing to keep an eye on is tiredness. As we’ve touched on in the previous section, driving a van for hours at a stretch can be tiring, so check your mirrors are positioned correctly and stay aware of blind spots. Adjust your speed and style if the weather turns, as rain or fog can quickly change conditions. Giving yourself extra stopping distance and anticipating what’s ahead helps prevent close calls.

It’s just as important to look after yourself. Bring water and snacks to keep your energy steady rather than relying entirely on service station food. Try and avoid heavy meals that can make you sluggish, and schedule breaks every couple of hours so you can stretch your legs and clear your head. Remember, while the vast majority of drivers wouldn’t dream of drinking and driving, a fair proportion are happy to try and battle through feeling a little drowsy – despite the fact that research says that both states are equally dangerous. If you feel concentration slipping, take it seriously and stop for a rest or a quick nap – and make sure your team does the same!

Manage rest stops and overnight breaks

Long journeys often mean planning where you’ll stop for proper rest. Service stations, motorway rest areas, and designated van parks are all useful options, but it can often be helpful to check what’s available before you set off. Some stops offer secure parking and better facilities, which can be worth building into your route. Knowing these points in advance means you won’t be stuck searching for somewhere suitable when you’re already tired.

When you do stop, make the time count. Refuel, eat a decent meal, and give yourself chance to properly recharge. Cutting breaks short might seem like it saves time, but it usually slows you down later if you end up exhausted. If you’re planning to sleep in your van, prepare a comfortable space with basics like blankets, a pillow, and window covers so you get proper rest. If you start again feeling relatively fresh, that can make the next stage of the journey far easier.

Keep costs under control

Let’s face it, long trips often tend to be a little more expensive – but you can keep them manageable with a bit of forward planning. Fuel will take up most of the budget, so check prices along the route and top up at cheaper points rather than waiting until you have no choice. (Motorway service stations can be notoriously expensive.) Driving smoothly, avoiding harsh acceleration, and keeping your tyres properly inflated can all help maximise your fuel economy, which saves money over long distances.

There are lots of other costs worth considering too. For example, it can be a good idea to look at tolls in advance so they don’t catch you off guard, and factor them into your route decisions. Parking can quickly add up too, so make sure to identify safe, affordable locations before you travel instead of paying inflated prices at the last minute. Bringing some food and drink with you is another easy way to cut spending, while also saving time on the road.

Of course, your comfort and happiness on the trip is probably going to be in large part dictated by the efficiency and comfort of your van – so if you’re looking at regular long-distance trips, you might potentially want to look at an upgrade. If so, that’s exactly where we can help here at The Van Discount Company. With over 20 years of experience in the best van deals, we’ll make sure you find the perfect van that fits your needs, including models from leading manufacturers like Renault, Ford, and Vauxhall (just to name a few!).

We’ve even been able to save our customers up to 30% off the regular price on selected models. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call today at 01282 872 530, and we’ll be happy to help in any way we can!