The bank holiday on Monday, May 4, could spark chaos on roads and other travel routes across the UK as families dash off to their chosen holiday destinations. The RAC is expecting a particularly hectic start to Saturday morning, but consumer expert Holly Hamilton shared some handy tips for keeping the journey enjoyable even when faced with seemingly endless queues.

Joining the Morning Live broadcast remotely on May 1, Holly recommended people begin with some mental preparation by accepting they cannot avoid the inevitable. She said: "The advice really is to be prepared. A little bit of forward planning goes a long way with these busy roads...If you are heading out in the car just kind of accept your fate a little bit, it's going to be busy."

With this outlook, travellers can better set the mood inside the car for the lengthy journey ahead. She added: "Pack plenty of snacks and a good playlist. That's absolutely key. Then you're happy enough."

On Holly's personal playlist is a surprising choice: "We're obsessed at the minute with Cars the movie in this house. It's the perfect song, the soundtrack for Cars."

She then challenged viewers: "And if you can do better than that, make me up a playlist and we'll all be happily sitting on the M5."

Before setting off, Holly urged drivers to double-check the "obvious" things regarding their vehicle to ensure it is physically road-ready. This includes inspecting your oil, coolant and the tread on your tyres. Certain checks, such as ensuring your tyres are properly inflated, can also improve your car's fuel efficiency, potentially saving you a few quid on your journey.

She continued: "The bottom line is, you do not want to be broken down on the side of the road whenever you're supposed to be somewhere a little bit more special than that."

For those not venturing anywhere particularly exciting this weekend, it's worth factoring in holiday traffic before heading out. Holly explained: "It's just worth bearing in mind that the roads will be that little bit busier. So, do leave yourself plenty of time."

Other modes of transport, such as trains, are also likely to be extremely busy as travellers seek to dodge road congestion. Network Rail has confirmed that the vast majority of Britain's rail network will be running as normal, however some engineering works have forced the closure of key stations, including Liverpool Lime Street, which will remain shut on Sunday until noon on Monday.

The RAC is forecasting the busiest early May bank holiday traffic in a decade, with an estimated 19 million leisure trips by car anticipated, despite the rise in fuel prices since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East.