Are We There Yet?

Europcar commissioned research reveals that more than a third of kids think they will be squashed in the family car for the holiday trip this summer

New figures from research commissioned by Europcar, the leader in car hire services in Europe, reveals that the family car may not be up to the job for the summer holiday journey.  Nearly 1 in 5 (19%) of kids aged 6-13 said they will definitely be squashed in the family car if all the family went away together, with a further 23% saying they will be possibly squashed together in the back.  The car hire provider is suggesting that hiring a larger car for the big trip away could be the answer – not just to ensure that everyone is seated comfortably, but to have all the benefits of a new car, with full roadside assistance.

And with the big summer getaway just a few days away, Europcar has released a video which provides an insight to how kids really feel about summer car journeys.  https://www.europcar.co.uk/deals/ask-the-experts

“The family car probably does the perfect job most of the year, for getting the kids to school and to and from their various activities, as well as all the other family outings,” explained Gary Smith, Managing Director, Europcar UK Group.  “But when it comes to putting in the miles for the summer break, fitting in all the kids, plus everyone’s luggage and maybe the grandparents too, it can become a tight squeeze.  However, we have a wide range of larger cars ideal for the Summer break including estates and MPVs and with over 200 locations around the UK we are on the doorstep for most families.”

The Europcar research also reveals that kids think the ideal journey time for a UK summer holiday should take no longer than two hours.  Children aged 11 years old prefer a holiday car journey, in the UK, to last 2 hours and 16 minutes. Unsurprisingly, younger children want shorter journeys, with 6 year-olds preferring trips of just 1 hour and 44 minutes.

When it comes to travel buddies, over a third (36%) of children would most like to sit next to their mum during a car journey, whilst 13% of 6 to 12 year-olds would least like to sit next to their dad. Watch the Europcar video to find out some of the reasons why – https://www.europcar.co.uk/deals/ask-the-experts

Only 10% wouldn’t want to sit next to their grandparents, but 14% of 10 year-olds would most like to sit next to the dog. And siblings get along better than we think, with 16% of 6 to 12 year-old girls saying they’d like to sit next to their younger brother. One in five of 7 year-olds would prefer to sit beside their younger brother, after their mum.

Trips to the seaside come top of the holiday charts for 6 to 12 year-olds, with 62% saying beach holidays are the best. Just under half (49%) of kids between 6 to 12 say theme park holidays are their favourite, with 10 year-olds (57%) most likely to prefer rollercoasters and theme parks. For older kids, adventure getaways are popular, with 33% of 11 year-olds preferring a bit of action on holiday.

“Our research shows that kids prefer a shorter car journey, and also don’t enjoy being cramped between luggage and siblings,” added Gary Smith.  “And, with 60% of kids saying they prefer having a tablet with them for the trip, it’s clear that they’re happy to keep themselves occupied.

TOP FIVE KIDS‘ MUST HAVE HOLIDAY ITEMS

1. Tablet (60%)
2. Cuddly Toy (39%)
3. Smartphone (29%)
4. Favourite Book (28%)
5. Bike or Scooter (24%)

“Car rental with Europcar could help parents planning the big Summer getaway with the kids. With a varied fleet of vehicles, families can upgrade to a bigger car, ensuring everyone travels in comfort, no matter what kind of holiday they’re going on.”

Europcar has over 200 locations across the UK and the widest choice of vehicles. Customers can also benefit from Europcar’s delivery and collection service, making it the ideal choice for busy families at any time of year. Plus, Europcar vehicles are fully covered by 24 hour Roadside Assistance at no extra cost, as well as a Damage Liability and Theft Waiver, for added peace of mind on long journeys.

* Sample 504 children aged 6-12 years old