After such an unprecedented two years, spending quality time with loved ones has never been so important. Recently, our research revealed that two thirds of UK adults have missed out on gatherings and events with family and friends due to restrictions.
Ready to reunite with loved ones? Our handy new tool will help you Meet Inn the Middle
So, with local and national guidelines easing across the UK – and with the nation keen to make up for lost time – we wanted to lend a helping hand in finally bringing people back together.
We created a clever little tool to help family and friends Meet Inn the Middle, calculating the perfect spot between you for those long-awaited reunions to avoid anyone having to travel further than anyone else.
Type up to three locations into our handy calculator based on where your loved ones live and the tool, created by us at Premier Inn, will show you the ideal location to meet halfway for a catch-up for up to four groups. Even better still, our tool is populated with local attractions and the nearest Premier Inn hotels, too, just in case you fancy making the most of the things to do nearby and staying overnight.
Simon Ewins, Managing Director for Premier Inn said:
“Only recently have we once again been able to catch up with our loved ones in person, but our research shows despite people wanting to get together with friends and loved ones more often, many still find that barriers such as a meeting spot which is convenient and affordable for everyone can be off-putting. We hope our new ‘Meet Inn the Middle’ tool, which is simple to use and shows the halfway journey point for up to four groups as well as inspiration for days-out, offers the perfect solution so people can rest easy whoever they are meeting there is a convenient and affordable option to choose”.
It’s no surprise that making time for meet ups is at the top of our to do lists in 2021 – our survey revealed that 61% of 2,000 UK adults realised during lockdown that they didn’t see loved ones as often as they should, and 63% are going to make more of an effort now that the UK is slowly returning to a sense of normality. But our survey also revealed that there are lots of factors making it harder for people across the UK to reconnect. A staggering 65% of UK adults who have friends and family living over 100 miles away struggle to decide where to meet up, while almost half of those we asked put off organising a get-together at all because it’s too difficult.
Two thirds of those we asked said that finding an affordable location for everyone is one of the most important factors, while 36% were disappointed when they realised they had to travel much further than others in the party. Also, 56% admitted they’d be more likely to organise the get together if they didn’t have to travel so far.
However, as restrictions ease, 38% have spent a night away to catch up with loved ones, with 91% enjoying their time knowing they were staying overnight and didn’t have to rush home.
Interestingly, our study also found that 44% of those asked often overlooked the UK when it comes to exciting city breaks, while 61% said the pandemic has made them appreciate the UK's towns, cities and countryside more.
Simon added:
“The UK has so many wonderful cities to visit, full of attractions which makes it perfect for catching up with friends and family. And it's far better to slash a journey time in half, so instead of pondering whether to meet at yours or theirs, why not meet in the middle?"