Brits ditch the Riviera for the Rhine

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 today 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 new found love of driving abroad, three quarters (72%) of Brits still rate themselves in pole position as the best drivers on the continent.

The report also revealed top truths about driving the right way:

British drivers are hot off the starting blocks with 75% feeling at ease driving on the right in less than 24 hours

Over a third of Brits (35%) admit to getting hot and bothered when driving overseas

More than one in 10 motorists (12%) say they’ll never get the hang of driving on the right

Over a quarter of Brits (27%) get confused by kilometres

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’:

Three key driving tips to start you off on the RIGHT foot

1) MIRROR – Keep checking your mirrors and remember cars will be overtaking on the ‘wrong’ side of the road so watch out for your blind spot! If you have a big family and lots of luggage choose a larger car like a Vauxhall Zafira to ensure your luggage isn’t piled high, blocking your view of the road and other cars around you!

2) SIGNAL – When signalling to pull out, remember to look left, right, left (not the other way round). If you are heading off for a romantic break with your partner, take a smaller convertible car such as the Vauxhall Tigra to take in the scenery and help you see what other vehicles on the road are doing!

3) MANOEUVRE – 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. Make sure you pick a car you feel comfortable in, small is best - like the Vauxhall Corsa, when it comes to manoeuvring yourself on foreign soil.

The five Cs to keeping 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

Clare Smales, travel writer who helped compile the guide comments, “driving abroad can be daunting at first, but it takes a surprisingly short time to get used to and is worth the effort. Having the freedom to stray from the beaten track by car is the best way to really discover an area and get into holiday mode.”

Simon Ewart from Vauxhall Motors comments, “These results reveal just how much Brits enjoy driving abroad, with 69% claiming that driving abroad is part of the holiday experience. It is great to get away and have your own freedom to come and go as you please.”