One of the biggest challenges on a long trip is keeping the kids entertained.
The south is calling! With its sun-drenched beaches, historic towns and varied landscapes, there's no better way to enjoy summer than with a road trip through the sprawling regions of the south. In this article, we share the best tips and warnings for an unforgettable car journey, including advice for electric car and caravan owners, and of course, how to keep the kids entertained.
It's always wise to plan your route in advance, and this goes doubly for a long trip south. While electric cars are the future, they can present some challenges on long journeys. Make sure you know where the charging points are along your route and plan regular stops to charge your car. It is also advisable to bring a charging cable with different connectors.
It is important for caravan users to remember that not all roads are suitable for larger vehicles. Check the restrictions and regulations on your route in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Don't forget to check the caravan thoroughly for technical defects before you leave.
keep the kids entertained
One of the biggest challenges on a long trip is keeping the kids entertained. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep them busy. Consider downloading audiobooks, movies, or games to tablets or smartphones. Don't forget to bring chargers and headphones!
Also don't forget the "old fashioned" games like "I see, I see what you don't see" or a bingo game with things to see along the way. These are great ways to keep the kids involved in the trip and the environment. Take a break often. This is especially important if you are traveling with children. Make sure you take a break every two hours so that everyone can stretch their legs, go to the toilet and have something to eat and drink. There are often picnic areas or rest areas along the highways where you can stop and enjoy a homemade lunch.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to see the journey as part of the vacation, not just a means to get there. With proper planning and preparation, the ride can be an adventure in itself.
If you are planning to drive to Spain, there are some additional tips and points to consider. Spain has a growing network of electric vehicle charging points, but these are not always as frequent or reliable as in other European countries.
Navigate smoothly through Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy with your family and electric car.
It may be worth downloading an app to find the nearest charging points. Unlike many other European countries, Germany does not have tolls on most of its highways. However, for vehicles over 7,5 tons, such as campers and buses, there are tolls on highways and certain major roads.
Good Trip!
Although Germany is known for its Autobahn motorways without a speed limit, there are still sections where speed limits are enforced, especially in roadworks, accident zones and certain urban areas. It is necessary to always follow the posted speed limits. It is mandatory to have your dipped headlights on at all times, even during the day. It is also important to have a warning triangle, safety vest and first-aid kit in the car.
Germany has an excellent network of electric vehicle charging points, making it an ideal destination for electric vehicles. In Austria you have to pay tolls for most highways and expressways. You need a vignette for this, which you can buy at border crossings, petrol stations and online. Different vignettes are available depending on the length of your stay. Certain roads, such as the Grossglockner High Alpine Road and the Brenner Pass, have a separate toll. Keep this in mind when planning your route. Austria has a growing network of charging points for electric vehicles.
Talk about kid-friendly stops. Austria is a paradise for children, with countless castles to explore, mountains to hike in and lakes to swim in. There are also many theme parks, such as Minimundus in Klagenfurt, and interactive museums, such as the Haus der Musik in Vienna.
As you continue your road trip to or through Switzerland, you are about to discover some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe. With the majestic Alps, shimmering lakes and quaint villages, Switzerland is an unforgettable destination. Please note that the Swiss police have strict speed controls and speeding fines can be high.
A vignette is required to use the motorways in Switzerland. This vignette, which is called 'Autobahnvignette', can be purchased at the border crossing, at petrol stations and online. The vignette is valid for one year, regardless of the time of purchase. Switzerland has a good network of charging stations for electric cars, especially in urban areas.
Have a good trip!
If you decide to drive on to Italy, you can look forward to a country rich in history, culture and delicious food. But before you start your Italian adventure, there are a few things you should take into account. Make sure you always have your safety vest with you, as well as a warning triangle for emergencies. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, it is also mandatory to carry a spare pair.
Most of the highways in Italy are toll roads. You can take a ticket upon entering the toll road and pay upon exit based on the distance traveled. Both cash and credit cards are accepted at most toll booths. Italy has been working to improve its infrastructure for electric vehicles in recent years, but the network of charging points is not yet as extensive as in some other European countries.
Italy is a fantastic country for families, with plenty of attractions and activities suitable for children. From historic places like Rome and Florence, to beautiful coastal towns and countryside, there is always something to see and do. Also consider visiting theme parks such as Gardaland or the water park Caribe Bay.
