Return of the Self Drive Holiday

Keeping children entertained in the car

Driving holidays are becoming increasingly popular, with over 63% of the population considering or planning a driving holiday this year*. According to research by Insurance4carhire, it appears that over a third of Brits are attracted to the idea of driving while on holiday as it gives us freedom to get around and discover the hidden gems. With this in mind and the half term fast approaching, Insurance4carhire lists some top tips on how to keep children entertained in the car:

Encourage them to navigate and explore
The best thing about driving holidays is uncovering hidden gems off the beaten track. Give children maps of the journey and get them to follow the route, looking out for landmarks along the way.  

Write a journal
Another attraction of a driving holiday is the opportunity to take the trip at your own pace making regular stops when something catches your eye. Ask the children to write a diary of their journey, documenting things they see along the way. They can even collect souvenirs and items from local landmarks to create a scrapbook.

Photography

Inspire their creativity (whilst keeping them distracted) by giving them disposable cameras and asking them to take photographs of things that they pass.

Language Class

Research easy words and phrases in the native language of the country you are visiting. Repeat and memorise them as you pass along your journey. No need to worry about learning the entire language however, in the event of an accident Insurance4carhire’s Call Assist service will provide you all the support and help you need.  By simply texting the word HELP and the country you are in a multilingual assistant will call back and speak the language for you, anytime of the day or the year.

Family sing-along
Encourage the children to have a sing along to their favourite nursery rhymes and pop songs.

I Spy

Play games such as ‘I spy’ or ‘spot the...’ encouraging the children to take note of their surroundings and journey.

If you too are planning a driving holiday or have one in mind for 2012 don’t forget car hire excess. Insurance4carhire has found that 77% of Brits have never taken out car hire excess insurance; with just under half (47%) aware of what car hire excess protection is. This revelation means that many Brits are leaving themselves exposed to potentially high excess charges in the event of an accident.

Don’t leave yourself exposed to high excess charges, visit http://www.insurance4carhire.com/ or phone 0844 892 1770 for more information on Insurance4carhire policies.

For inspiration for child friendly driving holidays Insurance4carhire asked mother and Fifth Gear presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson to list her top 10 driving holiday routes in the UK and abroad - visit her list here.

* Research conducted amongst 1,009 adults by 4Media on behalf of Insurance4CarHire

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