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The ride in the Vacation is pending. However, a few things should be observed to ensure that reaching the holiday destination is relaxed.
Finally! Vacation outside the balcony or the home garden is possible again. Many people have booked vacation destinations that are accessible by car. Whether traveling within Germany or to other European countries - here are a few tips so that the most beautiful days of the year start well and relaxed.
Before it begins
The car is checked a few days before the start of the journey. It is advisable to check the oil, wiper and cooler water levels and take a look at the tires. The tread depth should not be less than 3 millimeters, and the tires must not have any damage to the flank or tread. The lighting system should also work perfectly. Anyone who takes care of the technical condition of their vehicle early enough can, if necessary, make improvements in good time before the start of the holiday. Those who prefer to delegate: Many workshops offer holiday checks for little money before and during the travel season.
It is also important to check identity documents in advance. Are the passports still valid? You should also take care of insurance and foreign regulations such as compulsory lights and speed limits. When going abroad, it is advisable to take the European accident report with you. This is a form that makes it easier to record damage after a crash on site. Insurance companies attach great importance to it, especially when it comes to regulating accidents abroad. The report can be obtained, for example, from car clubs or the German Insurance Association (GDV). Anyone traveling to Russia, Bosnia-Herzegovina or Turkey also needs the international insurance card, which facilitates claims processing. It is available from your own car insurance company, and is now also available online.
Many roads abroad are subject to tolls. Often you can order the relevant vignettes in advance or buy them shortly before the border crossing at designated service stations or petrol stations. In Austria, for example, there is also the option of having the license plate registered digitally for the use of toll roads. Driving on toll roads without a valid vignette is not a good idea. The monitoring is usually carried out closely and the penalties exceed the cost of the vignette many times over.
If pets are going on holiday with you, it is advisable to clarify the applicable regulations such as vaccination and chip requirements in advance and to have the necessary documents ready.
You should also invest a little brainwash in route planning. Even if a navigation system is on board - studying the travel route and using an analog map and car atlas does not hurt. Because not all sat navs have the perfect route ready for diversions and traffic jams. You can calmly consider alternative options for congested stretches.
Load the car
The vehicle is loaded before the start of the journey. Simply "throwing" the luggage in the trunk is not a good idea. Ideally, you should pack heavy objects downwards and light ones upwards. As a result, the vehicle's center of gravity is kept low and cornering behavior is less impaired. With station wagons, a luggage net or grille above the rear seat backs secures the luggage. Sharp-edged objects can become dangerous projectiles even in minor rear-end collisions and should therefore not be placed on the shelves. It is best to keep all loose objects in the trunk or on the floor.
It is also important that the safety vest, triangle and first-aid kit as well as medication, food, toys and diapers are not at the bottom under all suitcases, but are within reach. It is best to have a safety vest for each passenger on board. So you are always on the right side, because in many countries - unlike in Germany - there has to be one for every passenger. In addition, there should be a sufficient number of face masks for all passengers on board. Even if it is not compulsory to wear a mask at the destination at the start of your holiday, the regulations for wearing it can change or be adapted at any time.
While driving
Ideally, you start your vacation trip relaxed and without time pressure. If you get stuck in a traffic jam, you have to keep calm and form an emergency lane. Those who have enough food and drinks on board have a clear advantage. If children are on board, it is advisable to protect them with sunscreen. In addition, there should be enough food, nappies and baby food if necessary, and the little ones' favorite toys in the car. Guessing games and, of course, books and / or tablets help against boredom while driving. Many cars now have USB ports in the rear so that nothing stands in the way of the power supply for electronic media.
make break
Regular breaks are not only good for the youngsters. It also helps adults to stop and move around in between. You should therefore take a break of at least 15 minutes every two to three hours. Fresh air and small athletic gymnastics or relaxation exercises before continuing your journey will keep you lively.
Abroad
Different countries, different rules: Those who inform themselves in advance about the traffic rules of the holiday country avoid expensive tickets. Speeding, for example, can get really expensive. The prescribed maximum speeds for the motorway, country road or city should be taken seriously. Disregarding parking regulations or requirements for environmental zones are also expensive. Calling with the mobile phone while driving without a hands-free system also costs hefty fines in many countries.
