More than three quarters of Brits will be relying on their car over the festive period, according to new research from Honda UK.
The survey of 2,000 people also revealed that the most common number of trips we’re planning on making is between four and six (35%), covering a distance of less than 50 miles (29%).
People in Northern Ireland will be most reliant on a car over the Christmas and New Year (94%), followed by folk in the East Midlands, the South West, and Yorkshire and the Humber (each 85%). Those in London are set to be the least reliant on a car, with just 28% hitting the road over the festive period.
The research suggests that people prefer to travel with company as more than two thirds (70%) are joined in the car by a partner, friend and or child/children, while just 11% of those surveyed will be travelling alone over the festive period.
Christmas and the New Year are a time for families to come together and celebrate, with presents, food and beverages. But first, you have to get it all in the car. The below table reveals the most popular things to travel with.
Travelling With: | Percentage Of Surveyed Brits |
Presents | 64% |
Food | 47% |
Shopping | 47% |
Alcohol | 37% |
Pets | 24% |
In keeping with the festive season, more than a quarter of people will be listening to a Christmas playlist (26%) while on the road. Gen Z is most likely to enjoy a festive soundtrack for their car journeys, with more than half of 18-24s (52%) listening to a Christmas playlist.
A surprising number of survey respondents (14%) admitted to arguing with family whilst travelling at Christmas time.
The top five passenger activities are as follows:
Passenger Activities | Percentage Of Surveyed Brits |
Listening to the radio | 60% |
Listening to a Christmas playlist | 26% |
Listening to a streaming service | 24% |
Arguing with the family | 14% |
Playing car games | 9% |