1. Stress-free journey
Being prepared and having a backup journey plan can help reduce anxiety and stress if any changes to your journey do occur at the last minute.
On those rare occasions that you may be diverted on route, the weather changes or you find you are delayed and walking in the dark; knowing what alternative options of travel or routes may be available can help improve your journey. So spend a little time for yourself looking at alternative routes and being prepared for weather changing or delays.
Ensure you know what payment methods travel providers require and where possible pay in advance or pay using contactless payment methods, rather than cash.
2. Save costs
Being prepared and researching how best to travel could save you money. Not only are there many different discounts available to you when purchasing tickets for public transport but you can also save money if you are driving.
Planning to keep the car moving at a steady pace will make your journey more fuel-efficient. Such as avoiding traffic congestion and minimising the number of roads where you will need to accelerate and decelerate frequently (like a rural road).
3. Make extra time for you
Why not make some time for you whilst travelling, by planning rest stops and diversions you might like to take, or even squeeze in the time for any last-minute study, work or exercise.
When planning your journey consider the timing of how long the journey will take and if there are stops on the route that would allow you time for a rest, a stretch of your legs, a stop at a coffee shop or even a trip to a shop.
If using public transport you could research if they have Wi-Fi or charging points to catch up with any last-minute tweaks to a presentation that you need to complete or simply catch up with your friends on route.
Many people plan their journey so they can incorporate active travel within the travel time. For example, they may catch the train for most of the journey but instead of catching the bus for the last part of it, they walk or jog to the campus. This means your journey could allow the time to get fit and healthy within your daily life.
4. Be prepared for any last minute changes
Careful planning means you will be prepared for any interruptions and are more likely to make good time if you know what is ahead.
There is nothing worse than finding out that a road or path is closed when you get there when you could have taken a diversion earlier in the journey! You may feel frustrated with yourself when you suddenly realise that you have to make a change to your journey that you could have avoided if you had planned.
Therefore, you can help reduce the stress by planning your journey before leaving home.
5. Help the environment
Planning how you travel can also help you reduce your impact on Carbon Emission too!
When planning your journey many people do not realise that they could help reduce their Carbon Emissions. Sometimes the cost could be a few extra minutes of your time, but you can save money and know you are doing your bit for our planet too!
If using public transport check what vehicle they are using. For example are they electric, biodiesel and choose that service. Our Campus Shuttle use a EURO 6 Engine which is the best diesel they can use at this moment in time.
If you are driving a petrol or diesel car there are many tips that you can use to help too. Including, driving at a steady pace, lowering your speed, avoiding aggressive driving, decelerating gradually, turning down the air-conditioning, removing unnecessary weight or items that cause wind resistance and do not idle, instead turn off the engine.
6. Ensure safety for others around you
Don’t forget to think about travel safety, be kind to yourself and others when travelling.
Other elements of planning your journey are to ensure your bike or vehicle is roadworthy by regular servicing and maintenance. This will help avoid unnecessary breakdowns.
Being prepared for all types of weather and knowing what you can do to help you with your personal safety will allow yourself peace of mind.
Remember you are not alone, travelling can sometimes be stressful for others too, for example, they may be rushing to an emergency route and may need to make a sudden change in their plan.
7. Support each other during COVID
Remember to be kind and support each other – some people may not be confident in travelling or there are health reasons that mean they are not able to wear a face-covering, or their mobility may require them to use a particular route where entry to the public is not allowed.
Follow the Government and the travel providers rules during this time. Our travel during COVID-19 safety advice page provides some useful links to help with planning your journey during this time too.