Brits offload seasonal stress on Christmas commuters

If you’re seeking a little festive cheer, steer clear of trains, planes and automobiles, reveals new research from TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel community. Over a third (38%) of Brits consider the run up to Christmas to be the most stressful time of year to travel – whilst a further 33% believe travellers are at their rudest at this time of year.

Service delays and overcrowding turn transport systems in to battlegrounds, reveals the survey – with 40% of travellers confessing to being less willing to surrender their seat than usual and 22% swearing more than usual on their journeys.

Meanwhile, festive stresses lead a further 18% of travellers to jump queues, 11% to argue with fellow passengers and 23% to drink more alcohol than usual.

“It seems that manners are officially last season, with seasonal stresses leading many travellers to adopt a ‘survival of the fittest’ approach at this time of year,” said TripAdvisor spokesman, Luke Fredberg.

Despite the stresses involved, 40% of Brits intend to travel over the Christmas period – with 22% planning a getaway with their partner, 5% going on holiday with friends and a further 20% planning to visit family at home.

Staying with relatives merely adds to the festive burden, however – an overwhelming 73% of travellers admit they would rather stay in a hotel than with family this Christmas.