This year, 23% of respondents from the country chose to take their holidays by car. An additional 15% travel by car every year, while 26% do so on a more occasional basis and 18% would seriously consider a road trip by car. These figures come from a joint study carried out by Citydrive and Rosgosstrakh, shedding light on how Canadians and Americans might view car-based travel compared with other modes.
Among those who are comfortable driving on vacation, past patterns show a tendency to rely on the car more in recent years: 16% have driven more frequently over the last two years, 12% over the last three, and 7% over the last five years.
Why choose a car for travel?
Participants cited several motivating factors for road trips. Convenience topped the list at 31%, followed by cost considerations (20%), safety and speed (14%), and the opportunity to enjoy scenic views along the way (12%). These reasons highlight a balance between practicality and the desire for a memorable travel experience.
Where are people going?
The majority prefer to travel within their own country by car, with only 8% indicating a willingness to go abroad by road. There is a reluctance to venture far from home: just over a quarter (27%) stay within their own region, and one in five (21%) are open to a nearby neighboring region. Only 19% are willing to spend more than a day driving, while 6–9 hours on the road appeals to 18% of respondents.
Some travelers (17%) actually enjoy a trip where the car serves as the primary lodging for part or all of the holiday, choosing to sleep in the vehicle during certain legs of the journey. This reflects a willingness to embrace flexible accommodations in pursuit of an immersive road trip experience.
Top five vehicle types for travel
The survey identified the motorhome as the most suitable traveling companion, cited by 38% of respondents. Rounding out the top five are:
- Crossover / SUV – 33%
- Minivan / minibus – 29%
- Station wagon – 17%
- Sedan / hatchback – 12%
Electric vehicles ranked lowest in travel suitability, with only 5% of participants willing to choose them for a trip. This preference suggests that many travelers still prioritize flexibility, charging availability, and range when planning road journeys.
Another noteworthy finding is the prevalence of rental cars as a holiday option. About one in five respondents (20%) has traveled on holiday using a rental car at least once, 8% have done so frequently, and 22% would like to try it in the future. These numbers underscore the role of rental services in enabling flexible, longer itineraries without the burden of vehicle ownership or long-term commitments.
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Note: The data reflect responses gathered in an online survey conducted in August 2022 via the VKontakte social network, involving 1,200 participants from across Russia. This attribution is included for context and does not imply endorsement by the platforms involved.