The Perfect Route Planning with Zipcar
No matter your destination, thoughtful route planning is key to a seamless journey. Whether you're embarking on a road trip, commuting daily, or exploring your local area, following these key factors you can optimize your route and minimize the stress.
1. Starting point and research on destination
The first step in planning your route is to pinpoint your starting location. Once you've determined it, it's time to do some research into your destination. Gather information about the location, including its distance, parking area, and any specific attractions, food places or points of interest. This will help you decide the duration of your trip and plan accordingly!
2. Distance, Travel Time and Road conditions
Estimating distance and travel time is a crucial step in planning a stressless journey. By utilizing mapping apps or online tools, you can gain valuable insights into the distance between your starting point and destination. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions regarding which type of Zipcar to hire and plan accordingly.
At Zipcar, we offer two ways to get around: Roundtrip and Flex.
Flex - our one-way service. Just look for the blue pin in the app, reserve and drive then just drop in our Zipzone across London. Perfect for spontaneous one-way trips around the city, starting from 32p per minute.
Roundtrip - pick your car up from its dedicated bay – you’ll find them all over London. Use the app to find any green pin near you, book and drive by the hour or day - starting from £6 per hour or from £60 per day. Park in the same bay you picked your Zipcar up from.
Remember to estimate a more precise timing to include additional factors:
- Road Conditions: Consider the current state of the roads, including potential construction, detours, or traffic congestion.
- Traffic Patterns: Be mindful of peak traffic hours and plan your journey accordingly to avoid delays.
- Speed Limits: Always adhere to speed limits and general road rules to ensure a safe and efficient journey.
3. Exploring scenic routes and rest stops
Once you've planned your route and travel time, it's time to map out rest stops and points of interest along the way. Stopping regularly during your journey ensures a comfortable road trip. Choose rest stops with amenities that suit your needs, restrooms, dining options, and charging stations for electric vehicles. All our electric cars are pre-charged but if you need to charge it we recommend using Zapmap to help plan an electric vehicle (EV) journey.
To make this as easy as possible, we have a charging incentive programme whereby you receive back the cost of the charge plus £20 off that journey if your trip is over 6 hours too. Check out more here.
Explore scenic routes and uncover hidden gems for unique experiences. Consult local guides, travel blogs, or online forums for recommendations. Visit points of interest near your route, such as historical sites, natural wonders, or cultural attractions. Check for any festivals, fairs, or special events happening near your route and create lasting memories with Zipcar.
