Roving road trippers take in the nation’s sights
The nation's bygone pastime of "going for a drive" is still alive and kicking despite the high cost of motoring, with over two-thirds of drivers (69 per cent) hitting the road for leisure, according to MoneySupermarket's Road Trip Research.
With another Bank Holiday on the horizon, 69 per cent of us who drive for leisure will be getting behind the wheel just to take in the scenery of some of the UK's most beautiful spots. Over half say they find driving enjoyable (58 per cent), with just under a third revealing it helps them to wind down (29 per cent). A quarter (24 per cent) drive for leisure because it's a cheap day out with the family.
With 36 per cent of motorists having already experienced the thrill of going out on the open road, the research also revealed the UK's top road trip destinations with The Lake District topping the list of ‘must-do' drives. The Yorkshire Moors followed behind with 18 per cent of road trippers claiming this was a favourite drive. Other beauty spots such as Snowdonia National Park in Wales, the Scottish Highlands and The Peak District make up the rest of the list.
The nation's top 5 UK drives:
1. The Lake District, North West - 26%
2. The Yorkshire Moors, North East - 18%
3. Snowdonia, Wales - 15%
4. Scottish Highlands; Inverness to Durness - 13%
5. The Peak District - 13%
The research also uncovered the top international spots where the more adventurous motorist would travel to with three US destinations making up the top five. Not surprisingly, Route 66 claimed the top spot with the Pacific Coast Highway in California and the stunning Florida Keys also appearing in the top five. The Amalfi Coast in Italy was the top European destination with those wanting to travel further afield choosing Australia's Great Ocean Road.
1. Route 66, Arizona to Chicago - 20%
2. Amalfi Coast, Italy - 13%
3. Pacific Coast Highway, California - 11%
4. Great Ocean Road, Australia - 11%
5. Florida Keys - 10%
The UK's worst roads
MoneySupermarket's Road Trip Research also uncovered the roads UK motorists consider to be the worst. Unsurprisingly it found motorists most loathed road to be the 117-mile M25 ‘London Orbital' with 39 per cent of the vote, while a quarter of motorists (24 per cent) named the busy M6 (along the Birmingham stretch) as the road that they would most like to avoid.
Peter Harrison, car insurance expert at MoneySupermarket said: "Road trips are a fantastic way to see different parts of the UK and further afield. Whether you like the chance to head off into the countryside or use it as an activity to do with the family, the Bank Holiday is a perfect time to hit the road and escape the usual daily commute. However, drivers must also remember to be fully prepared before hitting the road.
"Ensure you have breakdown cover in place; otherwise it could end up costing you a packet for a one-off recovery if you aren't covered. If you are looking to drive outside of the UK, many breakdown policies also give you the option to cover yourself whilst driving in the EU. You must also remember that there are certain items you must have stored in your boot for driving in the EU such as warning triangles so it's worth reading up on exactly what you need before setting off.
"Your insurer will also cover you for driving abroad however; the number of days you are allowed to be away can differ. Read through your policy wording before you travel as you may have to pay an extra premium if you are away longer than your standard cover permits.
If your policy is about to end, it is well worth shopping around for cover. Motorists can save on average £405 by shopping around for their insurance premiums through MoneySupermarket."
