One in six people have bickered with their partner about who will be the designated driver over the festive period, according to a new survey.
A poll of 2,000 drivers has found that other Christmas gripes include backseat drivers, leaving for events on time, and frustration at attempting to successfully follow directions.
Trying to concentrate when driving in poor weather and who gets lumbered with filling up the vehicle with fuel or charging can also prove divisive.
In response, heycar, which commissioned the study, has launched the ‘Pre-Sup’ – a downloadable agreement committing couples to do their fair share of driving during the holidays.
Visiting loved ones emerged as the top reason to hop in the car this Yuletide, followed by Christmas shopping, and festive activities such as ice skating.
Motorists’ strong desire to reunite with loved ones will see them drive an average of 92 miles over the holidays.
A total of 44 miles will be covered just to find that perfect gift, and 33 miles will be totted up gathering provisions for Christmas dinner.
But 75 per cent believe their car is essential in ensuring their Christmas plans go ahead smoothly.
And with planned rail strikes in December, festive motorists seem unfazed despite the potential for increased traffic, as 68 per cent expect to drive as much as they do every Christmas.
Motorists’ strong desire to reunite with loved ones will see them drive an average of 92 miles over the holidays.
A total of 44 miles will be covered just to find that perfect gift, and 33 miles will be totted up gathering provisions for Christmas dinner.
But 75 per cent believe their car is essential in ensuring their Christmas plans go ahead smoothly.
And with planned rail strikes in December, festive motorists seem unfazed despite the potential for increased traffic, as 68 per cent expect to drive as much as they do every Christmas.
August was a record-breaking month for Eurotunnel Le Shuttle with the largest number of pet crossings to date – a total of 54,501.
Summer 2022 also set a record for pet travel on the service as a whole, with some 98,000 journeys across the summer holidays in July and August.
This takes the total volume of pets carried on Le Shuttle to more than 3.7 million since 2000.
A survey of existing Eurotunnel customers who have travelled with a pet in the last three years found that 61.5% regularly take their dog on holiday with them.
Many customers said that they choose Eurotunnel over ferry travel for the ability to stay with their pet throughout the journey, making it less stressful. Another key reason is that the journey is by far the quickest method to get to mainland Europe.
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle’s top tips for travelling with your pet
Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date before you book your holiday – don’t leave it until the last minute.
The EU Pet Passport, issued in Great Britain, this will no longer be valid for travel to the EU and you will be required to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
If you have a long journey ahead of you, give your pet a light meal before you go and remember to pack small snacks for them (and the family).
Plan to make plenty of stops along the way.
Pack additional items like spare collars, leads, beds, as well as toilet bags and of course plenty of water. It’s thirsty work going on holiday.
Be aware there are more biting insects abroad than we have in the UK. Ask your vet how you can take preventative steps for your pet.
Print out instructions for the vet in the language of the country you are returning from.
Gareth is a versatile journalist, copywriter and digital editor who’s worked across the media in newspapers, magazines, TV, teletext, radio and online. After long stints at the BBC, GMTV and ITV, he now specialises in motoring.
Toyota has just launched the bZ4X – it’s first battery electric vehicle – and to celebrate it’s compiled a list of attractions that provide EV car chargers on-site, or nearby.
The Toyota bZ4X SUV is a fab option for a zero-emission journey, offering a driving range of up to 317 miles with the front-wheel drive option, and up to 286 miles with all-wheel drive.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, or a school holiday road trip, many of the following theme parks, museums, beaches, and nature reserves offer EV charging for free, included in the car parking price, so you can enjoy a zero-emission journey to your chosen venue, then plug in and enjoy your day.
England
Diggerland, Langley Park,Durham
You might say you’re visiting Diggerland to treat the kids, but it’s hard to resist getting behind the wheel of a full-size construction digger, tractor or dumper, or taking a whirl on the huge digger bucket of the ‘Spindizzy’ ride. The EV charging station is free for visitors with BEV or plug in hybrid cars. There are also Diggerlands in Kent, Devon and West Yorkshire, which all offer EV charging too.
Thorpe Park, Chertsey, Surrey
Home to the world’s first ten-loop rollercoaster and the new Stealth rollercoaster, which is the UK’s fastest ride, reaching 0–80mph in under two seconds, Thorpe Park is a must for adrenaline thrills. Access to four EV chargers is included in the car park price.
Sundown Adventureland, Rampton, Nottinghamshire
A theme park designed especially for under-10s, Sundown Adventureland has over 20 rides and attractions, including a sing-along show, candy castle and lots of play areas. To make a weekend of it, book a glamping cabin at the new Wild Acre Village. There are six EV chargers in the car park, which can be accessed via the CityEV Opencard app.
RHS Garden Bridgewater, Worsley, Manchester
Set on the former site of historic Worsley New Hall, which was visited by Queen Victoria and King Edward VII, the 154-acre RHS Bridgewater is one of Europe’s most ambitious garden restoration projects. It is divided into multiple zones, such as the tranquil Chinese Garden, wild Ellesmere Lake, and the colourful Paradise Garden. There are three EV charging stations, with space for six cars, provided by EV Charge Online.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Lancashire
From its white-knuckle rollercoasters and spooky ‘Pasaje del Terror’ interactive horror show, to the seaside slot machines, crazy golf and Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Blackpool Pleasure Beach has attractions to amuse all the family. There are also live entertainment nights too. There are two 7kW charging bays in the Balmoral Road car park, provided by pod POINT.
Brockhole, Lake Windermere, Lake District
Overlooking Lake Windermere, Brockhole outdoor activity centre offers an adventure playground, go-carts, archery and mini-golf. You can hire kayaks, paddleboards or a motorboat to explore the water, or can follow the whimsical Faerie Trail through the forest. Profits from the EV car chargers are used to conserve the Lake District National Park.
RSPB Minsmere, Saxmundham, Suffolk
On a peaceful stretch of the Suffolk coastline, RSPB Minsmere is a haven for migrating birds, and has seven ‘hides’ from which to see them. It’s ideal for a soul-soothing day out in nature, spotting birds such as marsh harriers, nightingales, avocets and nightingales. The reserve’s EV charger can be pre-booked by phone.
The Wave, Easter Compton, Bristol
The Wave has to be seen to be believed: it’s a huge 180-metre inland pool, that generates perfect surf waves, with crystal-clear water and plenty of space for everyone. Up to 1,000 waves can be generated per hour, ranging from 50cm in height for beginners, to two metres for experts. Tuition is available for all ages and abilities, with wetsuits and board hire included in the entry price. The two 7kW EV charging points in the car park are available for free, on a first come, first served basis.
Scotland
V&A Dundee
The V&A Dundee is Scotland’s design museum and explores the country’s design heritage. It’s curved concrete walls create the impression of a Scottish cliff face and are a striking addition to Dundee’s waterfront., having been designed by celebrated Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma. Inside, the Scottish Galleries are filled with home-grown fashion, furniture, and jewellery, and there’s also an impressive schedule of exhibitions. The museum shop sells a selection of creative gifts, books, prints, stationery and jewellery, with proceeds helping to support the museum. There is an Urban Electric charging station at Earl Grey Place West, just a two-minute walk from the museum.
Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition, Drumnadrochit
Catch a glimpse of Scotland’s most mysterious monster at the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition, which features photographs of Nessie ‘sightings’, underwater footage, and insights into the area’s remarkable geology. You can also take a loch cruise on a monster-spotting boat. There are rapid EV chargers in the Drumnadrochit tourist information car park, which is part of the ChargePlace Scotland EV charging network.
Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan
From Australian eucalyptus and New Zealand ferns, to Chilean palm trees and South African lilies, Logan Botanic Garden is filled with plants from all over the world, which thrive thanks to the warm microclimate of south-western Scotland. There is a walled garden, woodlands and a huge Victorian-style conservatory to explore. The car park offers four free EV chargers.
Wales
The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), Machynlleth
With its thriving organic gardens, cutting-edge sustainable buildings and woodlands full of birdsong, CAT is a vision of an eco-friendly future. Join a hands-on workshop, learn how to grow your own veggies, or simply enjoy a walk in the beautiful grounds. There is a 32 amp Type 2 charging station in the car park, which is free for visitors.
Penbryn Beach, Cardigan Bay
One of the loveliest golden, sandy beaches on Wales’s west coast, Penbryn is ideal for sunny picnics, sandcastles and family-friendly paddling. It’s also a great location for stargazing at night. You reach the beach by meandering through woods, with amazing views of Cardigan Bay. It is run by the National Trust, and offers wheelchair access, a café, and a 7kW EV charger in the car park.
Elan Valley Visitor Centre, Rhayader, Mid Wales
With its wildlife-rich woodlands, surrounding Cambrian mountains, dams and reservoirs, the Elan Valley is a haven for walking, cycling and fishing. Bikes are available to hire from the visitor centre, where there are two ZeroNet EV chargers, with cost of charging included in the £3 parking fee.
MINI UK has discovered the Top 10 wildest beauty locations in the UK, helping Countryman owners beat the busiest spots for an off the beaten track adventure this summer.
From waterways to peaks and underground caves, more than 100 nature-based destinations were identified and judged against two sets of criteria – popularity and wildness. The average of these scores then determined the best, undiscovered and wild hidden gems of 2021.
Taking the number one spot is Uyea in Shetland, Scotland, an uninhabited island which lies off the Northmavine peninsula and is only accessible at low tide. There are several natural arches along its rocky coastline and challenging rock climbs, making it the perfect destination for the avid adventurer.
Top 10 ‘wild wonder’ destinations
Rank
Location
County
Country
1
Uyea
Shetland
Scotland
2
Llyn Dinas
Gwynedd
Wales
3
Binevenagh
County Londonderry
Northern Ireland
4
Gaping Gill
North Yorkshire
England
5
Whiteless Pike
Cumbria
England
6
Llyn Glaslyn
Gwynedd
Wales
7
Pedn Vounder Beach
Cornwall
England
8
Sgwd Yr Eira
Powys
Wales
9
The Roaches
Staffordshire
England
10
Fingal’s Cave
Inverness-shire
Scotland
MINI reckons the Countryman is the ideal companion for a wild, go-anywhere adventure, offering the perfect balance of space and versatility.
It has plenty of room on the inside to pack everything owners need to explore the great outdoors, plus the roof rack means bringing along bikes, surfboards or extra luggage is made easy.
To discover more than 100 hidden gem locations and find those closest to you, try MINI’s new interactive map.
The vast majority of British motorists are planning summer staycations, despite the easing of international travel restrictions, claims new research.
According to the study by Autoglass, the UK’s leading vehicle glass repair and replacement company, four in five (85%) drivers will be heading out to explore homegrown attractions.
This is a significant increase from 2017 when a third of British adults said they were planning to holiday in the UK.
More than half (57%) of road users will take trips to the countryside, while 56% are heading off to the seaside, with just 15% saying they are unlikely to visit any UK attractions by car this summer.
Nearly half (47%) of car owners surveyed said they expect to use their vehicles more frequently in the next three months, with only 7% of respondents saying they will drive less.
Those drivers that are likely to use their car more frequently say this is due to discomfort around taking public transport and increasing Covid-19 infection rates, while those saying they will use their car less frequently attribute this to still working from home, changing holiday plans, and the delay to loosening restrictions from 21 June.
Gareth is a versatile journalist, copywriter and digital editor who’s worked across the media in newspapers, magazines, TV, teletext, radio and online. After long stints at the BBC, GMTV and ITV, he now specialises in motoring.
