199 IT WOULD SUCK TO BLOW OVER...

Do you ever struggle to drift off to sleep because your brain starts racing, firing mad thoughts around like a knock-eyed cowboy at a shoot-out? That happens quite a lot to me, even more so now that we are embarking on a mad trip across Europe.

The latest insomnia inducer was being over the drink drive limit while on the continent. Although we will be sensible, I still get the fear at the thought of inadvertently being over the limit after enjoying a glass of sumptuous red with a delicious, freshly made pasta dish in a restaurant in Menaggio - I may be manifesting here!

In preparation for the trip, we will need to pick up some breathalisers. A law requiring them in every car was passed in France, but enforcement was postponed indefinitely in 2020 and later reversed, so we will not be fined for not having one, but it is still needed.

There are many options, from one-shot disposal units to relatively inexpensive reusable devices, right up to £200+ digital machines that are all singing and all dancing, with features like a database of drink-drive limits that will display if you are over the limit in that country - clever stuff. Ideally, I would like something in the middle.

I want something cheap enough to be affordable but with useful features to help us on our trip. The most important thing is that it is accurate. It doesn't matter if it costs two pounds or two hundred pounds; if it doesn't work consistently, it is neither use nor ornament.

I did some research, and the same device kept coming up. The AlcoSense Excel Breathalyser was awarded Auto Express 'Best Buy' 2025/26, Evo Magazine Group Test Award Winner, Car Buyer Best Breathalyser under £150, and is Sunday Times 5 Star Rated.

The official blurb says "The AlcoSense Excel is armed with a 64mm² Fuel Cell sensor, from the same production line as several Police Approved breathalysers, just a little smaller. The Excel's alcohol sensor delivers unrivalled precision at this price point."

There are pricier, more feature-rich devices in the AlcoSense range, but it looks like this hits the sweet spot I was looking for - accurate, reliable results without breaking the bank. It is just under £100, I'll add this to the list of things to pick up; it will be one less thing for the group to worry about.