How do UK parents spend their car journeys during Christmas with their children?

Survey reveals how UK parents spend their car journeys during Christmas with their children

We all have our unique ways we entertain ourselves during long car rides, especially with children in the back of the car.

The international mobility provider, SIXT, therefore decided to explore how the UK’s parents spend their car journeys during Christmas with their children. SIXT looked into how they entertain their children while travelling, how far they would tend to drive and the top Christmas songs they listen to on the road.

The research revealed that many parents rely on technology to entertain their kids, with 46% allowing their children to use a mobile phone and 43% giving them a tablet or iPad. 

However, parents also keep their children occupied in a more traditional way by playing car games such as ‘I spy’ at 46%, singing at 35% and colouring books at 28%. 

Almost a third (32%) of parents are looking for a much needed break during car journeys and answered that they encourage their children to sleep.

The poll also revealed that people drive on average 76.4 miles in the UK to visit family in the days leading up to Christmas Day. Most (19%) are however driving around 21-50 miles. 

SIXT explored the UK’s favourite Christmas songs to play in the car. The top 5 were ‘Fairytale of New York‘ by The Pogues at 16%, ‘Last Christmas’ by Wham at 14%, ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’ by Wizzard at 13%, ‘Driving Home For Christmas’ by Chris Rea also at 13% and finally ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ by Mariah Carey at 12%.

SIXT wishes everyone a smooth ride home and a lovely Christmas.