There are only four more sleeps until Santa comes. Under the threats of rail strikes set to disrupt travellers at the end of the week, plenty will be looking to the roads as an alternative way to reach family and enjoy the festivities.
If you too can’t wait for the annual holiday of sprouts, squabbling with siblings and tolerate Uncle Ted’s noxious flatulence, here’s some top tips to make your journey as smooth as possible.
1. Ask your boss to get into the holiday spirit early
For those unable to work remotely and split for the suburbs ahead of the crowds, plead with your manager to let you go as early as possible. The roads are likely to be HEAVING Thursday and Friday, as people try and avoid travel on Saturday.
2. Allow double the amount of time to travel
Needless to say, your journey is going to be slow. Even if the weather isn’t as cold as last week, the volume of traffic will inevitably lead to more accidents. Getting there late is better than never arriving at all. Take regular breaks, make regular calls and take it easy.
3. Get the tunes lined up
In anticipation of the excess calories you’ll consume over the holidays, get your car karaoke on. Singing burns plenty of calories, it makes you feel good and would Christmas be Christmas without a bit of Chris Rea’s ‘Driving Home For Christmas’, right?!
4. Don’t wear a coat or Cosplay costume in the car
In light of media reports, if your reindeer-antler deely boppers inhibit your ability to drive, you might face a £5,000 fine. Fear-mongering aside, we still recommend sticking a coat in the car (and maybe even your onesie) in case of a hold-up or a breakdown.
5. Start consuming your Christmas confectionery from the moment you set off
Not only will you need plenty of sugar to keep you energised, but ensuring there are snacks in the car covers you, in case of emergency.
6. Keep kids entertained with screens and car games
Christmas is stressful enough without engaging in fights with the kids about the imbalance of screen time. Pick your battles wisely and relax when it comes to kids’ entertainment.
7. If you’re going to carshare, communicate with loved ones
Liftshare and GoCarShare are the kinds of apps that might help you get across the country. Verified users offer to share space in their cars, to split fuel costs and make travel cheaper. Just make sure you share your driver’s details and your ETA with those at your destination.
8. Give everyone money this year
Yes, it’s not the done thing. BUT, if you’re only embarking on present-buying this week, we’re urging you to forgo the glittery wrapping and bows, for cold hard cash. Why? Royal Mail strikes have overwhelmed parcel staff so literally no one is getting anything and jamming maximum passengers in the car, plus presents? Unless you’re in a Skoda Superb Estate, we don’t think so.
9. If you’re not driving, feel very smug
For those left out of that family atmosphere the pressure of Christmas brings, feel smug about the
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