Family Roadtrip
With the eagerly awaited holidays just around the corner, Hertz, the world’s leading general use car rental brand, has revealed a scientific formula for the perfect summer road trip.
Taking in factors including the number of passengers, destination, and a car’s level of comfort, Dr David Holmes, Leading UK Psychologist and author, has devised the equation to help travellers plan the most enjoyable drive.
The study, carried out by Hertz found that 42% of the UK population are more likely than ever to take a holiday by car this year compared to previous years. A further 46% would like to take to the road to explore new places in the UK.
Many of us take a trip as we like the freedom and adventure that comes along during a road trip, 63% revealed. Travellers prefer other forms of transport with 46% admitting that it is cheaper. 34% of road trip lovers enjoy being able to pack whatever is desired. A further 28% enjoy the ability to be spontaneous while on the route. Comfort came at the top, almost 80% ranked it as the most vital car-related element of their trip.
Dr Holmes has used findings from the Hertz survey and his professional opinion to devise the model formula to enhance the fun and adventure that a road trip brings. The formula consists of a new experience or destination, involves between two and four passengers of an equal gender mix, a comfortable car, lasts four to six hours, and takes in three or four stops along the way.
According to Dr Holmes, drivers should ensure they have a mix of companions who can take turns behind the wheel so that the whole group can embark on a fun adventure full of discovery, contemplation, and comfort. He adds that unsurprisingly, bright, cheerful weather conditions will also help lend to a positive atmosphere within the car.
The average UK resident is likely to travel 323 miles from home, on a journey lasting 5.9 hours and including 2.3 stops along the way. While UK drivers still enjoy the ‘tried and tested’ holiday destinations the seaside with 52% saying this is their favourite. The countryside (38%) and theme parks (28%), visits to well-known cities (25%) and places off the beaten path (22%) also proved of interest.
The survey also highlighted that the items more likely to be taken on a road trip are snacks (69%), music (61%), sun cream (31%) and a picnic (31%). Respondents admitted that the least likely items to pack include a travel pillow (14%) and audio books (8%).
Dr Holmes said: “While this formula may not account for every eventuality, it should provide the basic guidelines to send you on the road to the perfect sunset. All work and no play will make us all dull boys and girls at any age. Road trips can provide an adult version of the psychological boost that a child gets by simply going out to play, and you may come back with new skills and enduring memories that a package holiday could never provide. Being active and making your own way will give you a psychological boost and you will be happier during and after the holiday.”
Michel Taride, Group President, Hertz International, said: “With the joy of driving back in vogue our Fun Collection of characterful cars is the perfect option for all adventurous types who seek great looks and comfort for their set of wheels. People are choosing to spend more time in the car as part of their holiday and we want to make that aspect even more fun. To provide a holiday hire car that is a little sportier, quirkier, and out of the ordinary, the Hertz Fun Collection includes a range of enjoyable, sparkly soft tops such as the Fiat 500 Cabrio or Citroen DS3 Cabrio; zippy, eye-catching models such as the Smart for Two Cab and VW Beetle; or for longer distances, the super stylish, but no less playful, Audi Q3 and Nissan Juke.”
Hertz’s scientific formula for the perfect road trip holiday:
Perfect Road Trip Holiday = (A+TD+C) x (F+P) - (G+N+W)
H
(A)= Outgoing personality
(TD) = Proportion of trusted drivers
(C) = Car-comfort factor
(F) = Freedom factor
(P) = New places to visit
(G) = Gender mix
(N) = Number of travellers
(W) = Weather
(H) = Hours of travel
For further information on how the Hertz Fun Collection can put the fun back into holiday driving visit www.hertz.co.uk