Over one in two (57%) of British holiday makers plan to road trip this summer with 55% looking forward to the views when driving
Holiday makers are choosing views over queues – with queuing at airport security or baggage (18%) or Airport delays (22%) are the biggest turnoffs for flying
France is the #1 destination choice (30%) for going on a road trip, followed closely by Ireland (29%)
Forget flying and expensive car hire, this summer over half (57%) of British holidaymakers plan to head on a road trip, with being able to cramboot their car full of all their belongings named as the top reason (53%) to head on the road.
New research from Irish Ferries, Ireland’s award-winning ferry operator, has revealed road trips are back on the map (or satnav), with over half (58%) of respondents enjoying the driving itself the most when considering a road trip holiday, three quarters (75%) commonly known as ‘passenger princesses’ enjoying using the time in the car to switch off and listen to music, while over half (55%) simply enjoy looking at the scenic views from the window. And just being together hasn’t lost its charm either – 48% love to chat, while 20% enjoy playing games. Scenic car journeys playing ‘I Spy’ and ‘Twenty Questions’ are definitely on the agenda for those who want seasygoing travel this year.
Over half (52%) love the spontaneity a road trip offers – with no pressure to stick to a prescribed route, roadtrippers are free to meander between towns as they wish and stumble upon the off-the-beaten-track experiences they are seeking. As over three quarters (77%) of survey respondents reveal they are keen to explore new towns and villages and over two thirds (67%) look to taste local cuisines, it’s these authentic experiences that get people most excited to hit the road.
France secured the top spot as the most popular destination for roadies with one in three (30%) stating this as their road trip destination of choice. With sailings from Dover to Calais taking just 90 minutes, Irish Ferries, encourages guests to begin their holiday the minute they step on board by taking in glorious sea views and natural breezes, or even grabbing a bargain in the duty-free shopping area onboard.
And coming in a close second is Ireland, with almost a third (29%) of roadtrippers naming the destination as the top place to visit.
Irish Ferries also provides an ultra-quick service from Holyhead to Dublin aboard its Dublin Swift service. Encouraging holidaymakers to experience a seasygoing way to travel, with their trip starting the minute they step onboard, Dublin Swift is the only fast ferry crossing on the Irish Sea with its journey taking just over two hours. What’s more, with holidaymakers naming airport delays (22%), cramped cabins (12%) and waiting for either security or for baggage (18%) as the most frustrating things about flying, beginning the journey with a swift ferry ride could make for a perfect start.
Those who aren’t looking to speed into their roadtripping adventure and would rather opt to enjoy a leisurely journey across the Irish Sea should consider cruising onboard either Ulysses or James Joyce instead, and enjoy some truly well-deserved downtime with free Wi-Fi or watching the latest films in the onboard cinema.
Plus, without the petty luggage restrictions of an airline (which 12% of respondents found seriously frustrating) travellers can ferry the load with all the essentials for the road ahead – a car full of snacks which four in five (81%) put at the top of their road trip packing list or walking shoes for an active trip (48%). For some, happiness is all about a good night’s sleep, with 36% packing their own pillow. One third (33%) like to pack everything for the beach (beach ball, bucket, spade, body board) while one fifth (21%) want to bring their pet along to enjoy the ride.
Marie McCarthy, Head of Holidays at Irish Ferries states “Road trips are emerging as the ultimate way to holiday this summer and for good reason – they add a whole new layer of freedom and simplicity. With many amazing road tripping destinations on our doorstep steeped in history, culture and natural beauty, hopping across the English Channel or the Irish Sea in your own car is simply the best way to travel without fuss.
“On board every Irish Ferries sailing, guests’ experience is improved with a true sense of Irish hospitality and a smiling welcome. From personal encounters with staff, discovering the best insider tips and tricks for the perfect trip, to the fun family-friendly offerings such as the restaurants and play areas – the holiday begins earlier when travelling by ferry.”
Inspired to head on a road trip? With Irish Ferries it’s never been easier. Ferryfares to Ireland start from just £144 each way for a car and driver, or to France from £78 each way for a car and up to nine passengers.
Plan your summer road trip now and Sea Travel Differently – book at www.irishferries.com or call 03717 300 400.
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Notes to editors
Research conducted by Mortar Research of 1,021 UK adults who have access to a vehicle in April 2024.
For further press information, please contact:
Charlotte Wright | Becky Claxton | Braden Cantalope
Rooster.
T: +44 (0)203 440 8930
E: [email protected]
About Irish Ferries
Irish Ferries is the market leading and award-winning ferry operator in Ireland, serving routes between Britain (Holyhead to Dublin, and Pembroke to Rosslare) and Ireland, and Britain and France (Dover to Calais), and is an operating division of publicly quoted Irish Continental Group (ICG).
On the Irish Sea routes, Irish Ferries operates up to 16 sailings a day, with a fleet of modern cruise and fast ferries, including the famous Ulysses , Dublin Swift fast craft and James Joyce on the Irish Sea. Irish Ferries operates the stylish W.B. Yeats, on the Dublin to Cherbourg, Normandy route throughout the year.
Irish Ferries launched its Dover to Calais service in June 2021 and operates a fleet of three ships including Isle of Inishmore, Isle of Innisfree and Isle of Inisheer, on up to 30 sailings per day.
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