Christmas Getaway

Around four million people from the UK are set to head abroad for a Christmas break this year, according to new figures.

The peak days when the most people will fly are this Friday, Saturday and Sunday (20-22 December), with the most popular sunny destinations being the Canary Islands, Tunisia, Morocco and the Cape Verde islands off western Africa.  For those of us who are left behind, experts warned of congestion on the roads, reduced rail services and windy, rainy conditions.  Yuck!

The RAC estimated that around 13 million people would be driving to visit friends and family from 24-26 December.  Traffic information company Inrix said the busiest time on the roads was likely to be from noon to 5pm this Friday, with the M25 the single most congested spot.

Car company Kia predicted that the average family car will be driven 413 miles over Christmas, with a survey of 2,000 motorists showing that 10 per cent make more than 11 trips to stock up on festive food.

In all, Ryanair said it would be carrying a record three million passengers from 20 December to 6 January, while Gatwick Airport will handle an estimated two million travellers between 13 December and 5 January.  British Airways said just under two million people will fly with them between 16 December and 5 January, with this Friday the busiest day as more than 115,000 travellers make their escape.

Happy Christmas Getaway everyone!

Source: The Independent

Jam, Joy and Traffic

Traffic jams come in all shapes sizes and are one of the most frustrating parts of life on earth. The average Brit spends an astonishing 8 months in traffic. There's only so much 'I spy with my little eye' one can play to quell this irritation. But alas, the OISE Oxford office have some great ideas to help ease the pain. Please note that these activities are strictly for non-drivers.

While away the time with a book - the Harry Potter series should keep you going for a while. Other top sellers at the moment include 'Bring up the Bodies' by Hilary Mantel, 'Sweet Tooth' by Ian McEwan, and Yann Martel's 'Life of Pi'!

Download Whatsapp and spend the spare minutes/hours being in touch with friends and family around the world at zero cost. Whatsapp also offers the opportunity to send photographs - you can keep your friends entertained with various traffic images!

Finally, log on to Itunes and get some decent music on your smart phone. There's all sorts you can listen to. Click here to read up on some of the up and coming Oxford acts!