As Brits embark on the Great British Getaway 

• 1hr 16minutes into the staycation journey is revealed as the most stressful moment for families
• The majority (60%) of UK holiday car journeys take 3 or more hours  
• Almost half (46%) of parents admit to resorting to technology to keep the family entertained BUT traditional games aren’t dead, with 42% saying ‘I Spy’ is still a family favourite for keeping kids entertained
• Over 1 in 10 (16%) admitting to ‘keeping their children up late’ in the hope that they’ll sleep in the car. A small 5% even confess to turning to medication such as Calpol to help induce sleep and reduce travel stresses
• Despite parents’ best efforts, topping the list for breaking the peace is boredom (35%), followed closely by sibling arguments and needing to stop for loo breaks (28% and 25% respectively)

Wednesday 20 July 2016: As Brits prepare to embark on the Great British Getaway, new research by comparethemarket.com has revealed that 1hr 16minutes into the ‘staycation’ journey is the moment we all wished ‘we were there’ as car journey stress levels peak.

The report, out today as schools across the UK close for the summer holiday, sees more than half of families clock up over 3 hours on their journey to hot spot favourites such as Cornwall, London and the Lake District.

The car journey is far from the beginning of a relaxing break, with 35% of parents battling backseat ‘boredom’, 28% juggling sibling arguments and 25% needing to stop for toilet breaks en route to their destination. 

For some parents, when it comes to keeping the peace, the planning starts the night before, with over 1 in 10 (16%) admitting to ‘keeping their children up late’ in the hope that they’ll sleep in the car. A small 5% even confess to turning to medication such as Calpol to help induce sleep and reduce travel stresses.

Technology tops the list as the go-to in-car entertainment for families, with 46% of children playing games on smartphones and tables to pass the time. Traditional car games are not dead though, with 42% still playing ‘I Spy’ to keep the children occupied and a further 19% keeping the ‘number plate game’ alive.

To help families plan a stress-free staycation, comparethemarket.com has launched the Great British Getaway Hub with top tips on ensuring cars, and families are road ready.

Simon McCulloch, Director of Insurance at comparethemarket.com, commented: “Staycations are a very attractive option for families this year, particularly with EU and US exchange rates not in our favour.Today’s research, however, shows that the car journey is not always plain sailing, with stress levels typically peaking half way through a 3 hour journey, at 1hr 16minutes. Parents have clearly got a few tricks up their sleeves though, with some even keeping the children up late the night before in the hope of some peace during the journey. We’ve today launched a Great British Getaway hub to offer up some really practical advice and help for Mums and Dads to ensure they are as best prepared as they can be before embarking on their staycation journey.” 

View the Great British Getaway online hub HERE

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METHODOLOGY: Research carried out by YouGov 13-15 July 2016, questioning 1,059 adults with children