Brits use summer road trips to settle life's biggest problems, research reveals
As millions of Brits take to the roads for the summer holidays, new research has found that for many drivers, it’s about the journey and not the destination.
Research conducted by Gulf, the leading fuel brand operated by Certas Energy found that financial decisions (33%), family disagreements (29%) and relationship issues (22%) are among some of the big topics covered - all before they've pulled in to the first services.
Surveying 1,000 UK adults planning to drive to a UK or overseas holiday destination this year, Gulf's research paints a picture of the family car as the ultimate ‘therapist's couch’.
Car confessions
When asked why conversations flow more easily in the car, the top reasons Brits gave included: no interruptions (48%), a lack of phones or devices (39%) and little or no eye contact (32%).
I-Spy, snacks, screens and squabbles
For parents, the age-old challenge of keeping children entertained in the back seat is alive and well. A fifth (20%) look to phones and tablets to buy some peace, but old-fashioned methods are holding their own: 18% rely on sweets and snacks, 17% turn to travel games and 15% swear by spotting games – long live "I Spy"!
Stop, shop and go
Service stations are a major feature of the long drive on holiday. It’s a chance to fuel-up, stretch legs, stock up on tasty snacks and buy last minute holiday essentials. When asked what matters most while stopping at the services, Brits on the roads reveal their main priorities.
Clean toilets were rated a top priority by almost two-thirds of drivers (63%), service stations that offer a good range of food and drink came in second with good parking options ranked third. A full range of fuels, customer service, family facilities and EV charging were among the other facilities drivers also appreciated most.
"It’s clear from the research that service stations are a big part of the summer holiday journey,” says Niall Taylor, Senior Marketing Manager, Certas Energy UK Limited. “That’s why at Gulf we ensure that we offer the very best service station experience and pride ourselves on great customer service."
The summer road trip, in numbers…
The average staycationer will travel 191 miles to reach their holiday destination – many will drive over 200 miles. They'll make 1-2 stops along the way, with 38% stopping exactly twice and 34% stopping once
Car confessions — what Brits sort out en route
46% have used a long journey to finalise holiday plans
33% have made financial decisions
29% have resolved a family disagreement
22% have made career decisions
22% have worked through relationship issues
11% have talked through a house move
5% have discussed university/career choices with their kids
Why the car works
48% say no interruptions is the key
46% say it's simply having everyone together in one space
39% say it's the lack of phones and devices
32% put it down to no eye contact making tough chats easier
At the services
63% rate clean toilets as their top priority
49% want a good range of food and drink
42% prioritise parking
27% want a full range of fuels and good availability
11% now prioritise EV charging