CHARGE ALL PHONES AND iPADS BEFORE SETTING OFF, PACK PLENTY OF SNACKS, DON’T FORGET WET WIPES AND PILLOWS – AND CREATE A CAR JOURNEY PLAYLIST WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE – MODERN PARENTS SHARE THEIR TOP HACKS FOR ENDURING LONG FAMILY CAR JOURNEYS

Many British families are set to pack up and set off on a Christmas road trip to spend the festive season with loved ones.

And new research has revealed the top 20 things to remember when planning a journey with kids or teens – with everyone going to the loo before setting off (44 percent) and remembering to bring wet wipes (40 percent) emerging as crucial.

You’re asking for trouble unless you charge all phones and iPads to 100 percent BEFORE setting off – or if you forget to download films for when the inevitable screams of “I’m bored” are heard from the back, according to the survey.

Initiating games such as car CLASSIC “I Spy” (24 percent) or the “yellow car game” (16 percent) can while away the time, while a penny-saving 37 percent, like to pack sandwiches to avoid having to shell out on expensive and unhealthy service station options.

Collating a car journey playlist is also a good bet, according to almost a quarter (24 percent) of the modern parents polled.

Overall, 85 percent agree there are DEFINITE dos and don’ts when it comes to a successful family car journey, with having bottles of water ready to go (54 percent), healthy snacks (28 percent) – but also a few sweets and treats up your sleeve (39 percent)

While technology plays a key role in keeping everyone entertained, it seems that nothing can beat traditional car games with ‘I Spy’ (24 percent), the ‘yellow car’ game (16 percent) and the ‘number plate’ game (13 percent) all helping to while away the time.

Parents can expect to hear at least nine ‘are we nearly there yet?’, and pleading requests of ‘how much longer?’, with seven whines of ‘I’m bored’ per long journey.

According to the research, which was commissioned by Churchill, British families, more than four in ten (45 percent) don’t mind a long car journey, as long as they are well prepared.

Nicholas Mantel, Head of Motor at Churchill Insurance said: “Road trips are a cherished part of the British summer, offering families the chance to spend quality time together while exploring the beautiful landscapes our country has to offer.

Our research shows that with a little preparation, from packing essentials like water bottles and wet wipes to planning regular stops, families can make their journeys smoother and more enjoyable.

It’s great to see that for many, the car journey is a much-loved part of the holiday experience. We hope by highlighting key family road trips rules before setting off will help ensure that every mile of people’s journeys are safe, stress-free, and full of fun.

As many as 87 percent said many of their childhood memories involve jumping in the car as a family and hitting the road.

Nine in ten (96 percent) say that the best thing about a family road trip is spending time together.

20 HACKS FOR ENDURING LONG FAMILY CAR JOURNEYs, ACCORDING TO PARENTS

Pack bottles of water – 54%
Everyone to go to the loo before the journey – 44%
Don’t forget wet wipes – 40%
Pack plenty of sweets and treats – 39%
Charge ALL phones and iPads before setting off – 38%
Pack sandwiches to keep costs down – 37%
Pack healthy snacks – 28%
Leave 30 minutes earlier than you’d originally planned – 27%
Pack pillows and blankets – 26%
Initiate games of ‘I Spy’ – 24%
Collate a car journey playlist with something for everyone – 23%
Don’t be a backseat driver (if in the passenger seat) 20%
Download movies for when the kids get bored – 20%
No smelly car snacks – 18%
The passenger should oversee navigation – 16%
Don’t allow sticky hands on the upholstery – 16%
Play the ‘yellow car’ game – 16%
Never allow ice cream into the car on a hot day – 15%
Play the ‘number plate’ game – 13%
The driver has the right to choose the music – 13%

A Peaceful Getaway in Sussex at Ashdown Park Country House Hotel