A guide to using RAC road maps

You should never set out on a long journey before planning a route. There are a number of ways to plan your routes. So, be safe and on time by sticking to more than just the sign posts. This article acts as a guide to using RAC road maps.

Road maps

Obviously, the oldest and traditional way of trip planning is to use a map. RAC motoring Europe are a trusted motoring insurance company and produce an excellent range of RAC maps. These maps make it easier to drive in the UK, and you don't have to be an expert map planner. Planning with route maps can be a little difficult to make quick driving directions. Getting directions Directions and routes from maps require you to plot a map and note which roads and junctions you'll need. You can find a full range of maps on the RAC travel website, you don't need to be a member of the RAC club to buy one. Advice Remember that the maps from the RAC won't include traffic information. If there is traffic on the M25, you won't know until you're in it.They are purely intended as routes planners and as a guide to keep for travel, if you find yourself lost.

Satellite navigation

The easiest way to create directions by car travel is with a GPS satellite navigation system. There are a number of popular systems available, one of the most popular is the Tom Tom device. These systems are fantastic as they create an auto route from wherever you are.
Features The route also makes you aware of road services stations, and with the more advanced systems, traffic announcements, road watch, route finders and speed limits. However, you must remember to keep the system updated by connecting to the Internet when you are not using it, this will keep the routes as accurate as possible.

Online print-outs

The following sites are a really handy resources. Rac.co.uk (route planner) RAC autoroutes that you can print out for use on short or long journeys. Theaa.com (route planner index jsp) Rival company AA gives their own routes for UK travel. They find your route using master online planner tools. You simply type in your starting address and where you would like to get to. The only problem with these planners is that they offer no help if you get lost. If you have a GPS device or a map, you have the opportunity to correct any mistakes that you may have made, which are unfortunately easily done on long trips.