Cost Cutting Brits hit the Road
Writes Dan Drage dan.drage@consumerchoices.co.uk
In a bid to avoid stress and extra costs, Brits are swapping overseas jaunts for a drive to the coast this summer.
According to research complied by AA loans (www.theaa.com), 46% of holidaymakers will dice with the British summertime weather and spend their vacation on UK shores this year. Three quarters of these sun-seekers will be travelling to their chosen destination by car.
Despite a general nationwide movement away from car use due to soaring crude oil and fuel costs, holidaymakers are taking to their cars in droves this summer. A fifth of those intending on taking a driving holiday cited exorbitant air fuel surcharges as the rationale behind their decision.
In the light of the credit crunch, ecological issues appear to be slipping from the minds of the British psyche as financial planning takes over. Last year, 17% of Brits organised their holiday in a way that would leave the smallest possible carbon footprint. This year, that figure is down to just 5%.
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"People are also thinking carefully about buying smaller cars to save money"
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Mark Huggins, Head of AA Personal Loans, had the following to say:
“Our survey shows people are being smart with their money when booking holidays this summer. People are also thinking carefully about buying smaller cars to save money but it is important to make sure the car you choose is suitable for going on long holiday journeys, with enough room for all your passengers and luggage”
He continues:
“A third of car buyers use a personal loan to buy their car, so make sure you get the best deal for your car finance too.”
Londoners, perhaps looking to escape the hectic city, are most likely to find driving holidays a less stressful way of travel. The welsh, on the other hand, are most likely to choose to go on driving holidays because they find it cheaper than going further afield.
Chris Eagle, Commercial Manager at Credit Choices, has a few tips to cut costs when you’re driving:
“Don’t overload your car, and lose any unnecessary weight. Make sure your tyres are pumped up to their optimum pressure also. Finally, drive steadily, it’s the best way to conserve fuel.”
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