Industry experts from the travel, parenting and gaming industries have partnered with the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA), the UK videogames industry's trade body, to create a definitive top ten of in-car games to keep the kids happy and parents relaxed as families embark on their summer holidays across the UK.

Recent research from the AA shows that a record 56 per cent of Brits will be holidaying at home this year rather than abroad, as the recession continues to eat into disposable incomes and exchange rates see the cost of foreign holidays become even more expensive. The panel looked at a wide variety of games to suit all budgets – from traditional to technological, from old favourites such as Hangman and Snap! to more modern pastimes such as the videogames Mario Kart DS and Worms.

To avoid the inevitable chorus of "are we there yet?" starting as soon as the car pulls out of the driveway, here is the panel's Top 10 list to ensure the journey is as fun as the holiday: 

1)    I-Spy

2)    Hangman

3)    Mario Kart DS

4)    Travel Monopoly from Parker

5)    Bomberman on Nintendo DS

6)    Travel Connect 4 from MB games

7)    Snap!/playing cards

8)    20 Questions

9)    Worms: Open Warfare on Nintendo DS

10) Lumines II on PlayStation Portable
 

Michael Rawlinson, ELSPA Director General, said: "Most parents need a helping hand when it comes to keeping the kids entertained in the car and ELSPA is happy to help. From videogames to board games, there are lots of simple and fun ways to get the holiday started as soon as you leave your house."

Paul Watters, Head of Public Affairs at the AA, added: "With a clear rise in the number of holiday car journeys in the UK this summer, parents need to pack more than just clothes for their holidays! A variety of in-car games will make the journey go much faster for children and parents alike - and make getting to your destination almost as much fun as being there!" 

David Yarnton, General Manager, Nintendo UK, said: "It's great that Mario Kart on Nintendo DS is the most popular handheld game for kids to play in the car - Mario has entertained generations of kids in the home so it's only natural that he gets to be one of the kings of the road as well!"

The panel is comprised of gaming, parenting and travel experts from: The Guardian, The Independent, The News of the World, Radio 1, www.parentingwithouttears, BA High Life and The AA. Electronic Theatre will keep you updated with any such interesting revelations from ELSPA.

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