Travel News: Brits Admit to Arguing when Travelling with Family

by Shabana Adam | 16 December 2012

Brits Admit to Arguing when Travelling with Family

Forget peace and goodwill to all men this Christmas; new research has found that two in five Brits admit to arguing when travelling with family, with over a quarter of family journeys breaking into argument within the first hour.

The results come after more recent findings from Hertz found that that the average Brit will spend 7.5 hours travelling to meet Christmas commitments this year, meaning that family travel is firmly on the festive agenda.

Uncovering a nation of backseat drivers, the study finds that one in five cited disagreements over driving styles as their biggest annoyance, while children arguing came in a close second. Other triggers to set tempers fraying included disagreements over what to listen to, criticism of the driver’s route, and the phrase that will resonate with every parent: ‘are we nearly there yet?’

Respondents from the West Midlands and Northern Ireland are most likely to quarrel, with the results showing that almost half (47 per cent) argue during family travel with one in ten descending into argument within just 15 minutes. Those from Scotland and South West England proved to be the most placid of travellers meanwhile, with just a third reporting arguments on family journeys.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Londoners are most likely to disagree over route choices with one in ten noting this as their biggest gripe.

Speaking of the findings Neil Cunningham, General Manager at Hertz UK, said “As a parent myself it’s easy to relate to these findings; but the key to a peaceful journey lies in the preparation.

“By taking a few minutes to discuss your route ahead of travelling means that not only will you minimise arguments but also you’ll make sure you’re taking the best route. Also take a moment to consider the in-car entertainment; which will help keep the little ones happy too.”

Some solace can be taken however, as findings show family travellers get mellower with age, as 61 per cent of respondents aged 18-24 argued during family travel, while just 22 per cent of those over 55 reported friction.

The study also uncovered growing frustrations towards new technology, with double the amount of respondents citing noisy new technology (such as mobile apps and handheld consoles) as an annoyance, compared to those citing traditional car games such as 20 Questions and I Spy.

Speaking of the findings Neil Cunningham, General Manager at Hertz UK, said “As a parent myself it’s easy to relate to these findings; but the key to a peaceful journey lies in the preparation.

Top reasons for annoyances when travelling:

1. Drivers driving style

2. Children arguing

3. Disagreements over what to listen to

4. Choice of route

5. Children asking ‘are we there yet?’

Region: Likelihood of arguing whilst travelling with family:

1. West Midlands

2. Northern Ireland

3. London

4. East Midlands

5. North West