Motoring Holidays
Germany is the number one destination when it comes to driving holidays according to a new survey. The study of 1,100 drivers by Vauxhall reveals that Brits are ditching the French Riviera and the sultry Spanish sun to have fun on the Autobahn.
The research published places the home of Michael Ballack and the Bavarian Alps in first place, followed by France, Norway and then Spain as our top continental destinations for driving discovery.
As we gear up for summer holidays, we are as likely to be dreaming of taking road trips as soaking up the sun - over two-thirds of Brits (69%) say their holiday wouldn’t be the same without a stint behind the wheel.
Forget driving overseas to stock up at the hypermarkets, 2008 has seen Brits become real culture vultures – 64% enjoy driving abroad as a means to finding out more about the locals and getting to know different customs and styles. Despite this newfound love of driving abroad, three quarters (72%) of Brits still rate themselves in pole position as the best drivers on the continent.
To help motorists make the most of their summer driving holidays, Vauxhall has launched its: ‘Tips to get to grips with the right style of driving this summer’:
Keep checking your mirrors and remember cars will be overtaking on the ‘wrong’ side of the road so watch out for your blind spot! When signalling to pull out, remember to look left, right, left and not the other way round.
Roundabouts in particular can be confusing so try putting a sticker on your steering wheel to remind you to go right when approaching a roundabout.
Do not forget the 5 C’s to keep on the right side of the locals,
1) Be Cautious – Remember to carry a warning triangle in your car at all times
2) Take Cover - Take out European roadside assistance cover – essential.
3) Communicate - Find out what the word for diesel, petrol or unleaded is in the language of the country you are visiting
4) Take Change - Be prepared for tolls – always carry change in the relevant foreign currency
5) Be Careful - Keep an eye on the speed limits, they can be very different from the UK
Maybe I will let the train take the strain
Jackie Violet – Female First