Summer holidays promise relaxation, yet preparations often spark significant stress for four in ten holidaymakers. Common pain points include overpacking, forgotten items, and roadside squabbles with children. In fact, 25% have even fantasized about vacationing with someone else next time. These findings come from a comprehensive ANWB survey of 1,200 Dutch respondents, a trusted authority in travel with decades of expertise supporting millions of journeys.
Packing proves particularly challenging: 70% of travelers pack too much, with men (73%) slightly outpacing women (68%). Notably, most men traveling with partners blame their significant other for excess baggage. Nearly half also admit to always forgetting essentials.
For 90% of travelers, the holiday truly begins en route. Yet, almost half report children arguing during the trip. Traditional games like Hangman or cards (23%) remain favorites for keeping peace, though screens dominate—smartphones and tablets handed out more by dads (52%) than moms (44%).
Top five ways to keep kids content on the road:
1. Food and drinks
2. Smartphone or tablet
3. Gaming console
4. Sing-alongs
5. DVD player
The car remains the top choice for holidays, with 3.7 million Dutch opting for road trips abroad. A quarter even call driving 'the best way to travel,' highlighting its enduring appeal backed by ANWB's real-world travel data.
