Planning your journey

Satellite Navigation is possibly one of the simplest ways to find your way around. It incorporates some of the very latest technology to help you plan your route and avoid hold ups along the way due to things like road works or tunnel closures. You can programme it to avoid motorways if you prefer to take a more scenic route. And, depending on the system you use, you can identify rest stops or places of interest to entertain the kids en route.

If you’re the only driver - or just hopeless at navigating! - voice instructions remove the stress of map reading and keep the driver’s eyes firmly on the road. But the spoken instructions can also be turned off if they’re starting to wear a bit thin on a long journey and you can follow the on-screen map.

Prices for Satellite Navigation systems range from approximately £100 to £400 depending on make and features. Not all systems automatically feature maps for countries outside the UK so be sure to check before you buy. The devices are simple to fit and should be removed when you leave the car - so they’re a hugely portable solution to your navigation problems.

If you prefer to navigate yourself - be sure your atlas is up to date. Plan your route carefully and estimate travel times so you can work out where you might stop for rest breaks or meal stops. If you’re not familiar with driving abroad you might want to avoid major cities - especially at rush hour.

It’s also possible to make use of online maps or route planning systems before you go. But we recommend you always carry an up-to date atlas in the car in case you need to change your plans to avoid road works or other hold ups en route.