Over 34% of Brits cite bad weather as the most stressful part of driving to UK holiday destinations, research suggests. And as you know the touring community put a lot of miles in to get to those caravan hot spots.
The finding was revealed in a survey conducted by boot liner manufacturer The Hatchbag Company, which asked the UK public: “What is the most stressful thing about driving around the UK on holiday?”
Another issue raised was space management, something every caravan or motorhome owner is all too aware of. One in five admitted that they find packing and unpacking the car frustrating. This was particularly true among 25 to 44-year-olds – the demographic most likely to be holidaying with children.
Cramped conditions and the mess created by mud and sand brought into a vehicle were cited by 17.9% of respondents as a point of stress.
Claudia Finamore, commercial manager at The Hatchbag Company, said: “Unfortunately the car journeys to and from British holiday destinations can be stressful, particularly for young families who are likely to fill every bit of space in the car with holiday necessities.
“One way to help make car journeys more pleasant-particularly in wet conditions- is to fit a wipe-clean, protective boot liner into the car. Aside from reducing the amount of mess that is brought into the car, they also help to simplify packing and unpacking luggage and equipment.”
One in 20 survey participants admitted the car journey would put them off holidaying in the UK entirely, but a bit of planning can vastly help to reduce stress when travelling.
Tips to help make road trips in the UK less stressful, including carrying paper maps as a precaution in case GPS signal is lost and what to pack in case of an emergency, are featured in a useful road trip checklist released by The Hatchbag Company.
Further advice includes:
- Researching guest houses and hostels along the route in case plans have to change
- Investing in in-car entertainment if travelling with children
- Hiring a car if you are at all unsure about the condition, size or fuel consumption of your vehicle
- Packing to maximise comfort, including blankets and snacks, especially when travelling in poor weather conditions
Claudia concludes: “Road trips are as much about enjoying how you get there as the destination itself, so in-car comfort is paramount. A little bit of pre-planning will ensure that all members of the party are comfortable and happy, enabling the holiday to start the second the key turns in the ignition.”
