Although it is something of a cliché, many would agree that men find it difficult to ask for directions whilst driving. But a new suggestion from natural navigation expert Tristan Gooley proffers the idea that instead of simple pig-headedness, this behaviour is more likely due to 'blind panic'.

Gooley made the comments on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, as he talked about his job training people to use natural cues such as the position of the sun, moon and stars in order to find their way. He said men tended to commit to a 'system' and were very reluctant to deviate from it. This could result in men making more panicky decisions and even driving faster in what might well be the wrong direction. By asking for directions, Gooley suggested, men were admitting that their whole system was at fault.

Women on the other hand, said Gooley, were much happier to use all available resources in order to find their way, with far less of a fixation on any kind of system.

So the next time you organise a driving holiday in some distant European country, there are a few things you need for a safe, secure and fully navigable getaway: a satnav, some short term European breakdown insurance – and a woman.