Travel planning: turn your driving holiday into a relaxing journey

Careful travel planning is the key to a relaxed and comfortable driving holiday, where the journey itself is just as important as the destination. It enables you to align driving time, rest and experiences perfectly, so you arrive well rested and see more along the way. Read on and discover how to draw up a travel schedule that works for you.

The foundations of your trip: preparation on paper

Good preparation does not start in the car, but at the kitchen table. Before you map out the route, it is important to be clear about the basics of your trip. Think about the destination, the available budget, the total travel time and what type of trip you have in mind. Do you want a quick transit, a slow travel experience with lots of stopovers, or a combination of both? These choices determine the structure of your plan and form the starting point for successful driving holidays. Write down these basic principles; it gives you an overview and helps you make later decisions more easily.

Estimating realistic daily distances and travel time

A common mistake is underestimating the travel time and planning days with too many hours behind the wheel. A satnav often gives an optimistic estimate that does not take breaks, fuel stops, traffic or unexpected roadworks into account. A good rule of thumb is to plan a maximum of 500 to 600 kilometres per day. This equals roughly 6 to 7 hours of driving time, excluding breaks. By keeping the daily distances limited, you avoid fatigue and create room to drive in a relaxed way and even see something of the surroundings during a stopover. This way the journey becomes less of a race against the clock and more a part of the holiday.

Optimal driving and rest times: safe and comfortable on the road

Safety and comfort on the road are closely linked to a good balance between driving and resting. The recommendation is to take a break of at least fifteen minutes after every two hours of driving. Use these moments to stretch your legs, have a drink or swap drivers. Taking a longer break at lunchtime gives you the energy to complete the afternoon stretch feeling fresh. Are you travelling with several drivers? Then take turns regularly. This keeps both drivers alert and involved in the journey. Coordinate the breaks with the needs of all passengers so that everyone stays fresh and relaxed.

Choosing the perfect departure time

The day and time of departure can make a big difference to your travel experience. Try to avoid the busiest times on the road. For instance, do not set off on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning in high season, the so-called ‘black Saturdays’ when the roads are extremely busy. Travelling on a weekday, such as a Tuesday or Wednesday, is often quieter. Also consider leaving very early in the morning, before rush hour starts. This saves you time and allows you to start your journey in relative calm. Check in advance the expected traffic and any roadworks on your planned route.

The art of stopovers: from necessity to experience

A stopover is more than just a practical interruption. Turn your stopover into a mini-holiday. Plan an overnight stay in a town or region you would otherwise just drive past. It breaks up a long journey and adds an extra destination to your holiday. Look for a hotel with a swimming pool for the children, or a cosy restaurant where you can soak up the local atmosphere. A well-planned stopover ensures that you continue your journey the next day rested and unhurried. It turns a long, tiring drive into a varied and enjoyable experience.

Travelling with children and/or pets: special points of attention

When travelling with children or pets, your planning requires extra attention. Young passengers need more and longer breaks. Preferably plan stops at places where they can play for a while, such as a playground at a roadside restaurant. Make sure there is enough entertainment in the car, such as games, books or a tablet. The same applies to pets: it is important to stop regularly for a short walk and fresh water. Check in advance the rules for taking pets with you in the countries you are travelling through and in the accommodation where you will be staying.

Practical tips for the road:

• Take enough snacks and drinks for everyone.
• Bring a travel pillow and blanket for extra comfort.
• Never leave pets alone in a hot car.
• Plan your route so there are plenty of child- and pet-friendly stopping places.

Building a realistic travel schedule: step by step

With all the elements in mind, it is time to put together your travel schedule. Start by dividing the total route into realistic daily stages. Decide on a starting and finishing point for each day and book your overnight stays in advance, especially in high season. Note down the estimated travel times and plan fixed moments for breaks, lunch and any sights you want to visit. The result is a detailed day-by-day overview that brings calm and clarity. This schedule is your guide, not a rigid rule. It gives structure but also leaves room for spontaneity.

Essential tools and apps for your travel planning

Digital tools make planning your trip a lot easier. Don’t just use apps for navigation, but also to prepare your journey. Think of apps that provide traffic information, show the cheapest petrol stations, or help you find campsites and hotels. Websites for booking accommodation often offer flexible cancellation policies. That is useful if your plans change. Use a notes app to keep your travel schedule, booking confirmations and packing list neatly together.

The art of flexibility: dealing with unexpected situations

A good travel schedule is the basis, but a successful trip also requires flexibility. Something unexpected can always happen: a traffic jam, a diversion or a flat tyre. Do not panic if your planning is disrupted. You are travelling with a generous schedule and have not fixed everything down to the minute. That means you have enough buffer to deal with changes. Sometimes an unexpected twist actually leads to the nicest discoveries. The room for flexibility is what distinguishes a well-planned trip from a stressful undertaking.

Checklist and preparation: ready to set off!

Before you leave, quickly go through the final points with this checklist.

Checklist before departure:

• Are all travel documents (passports, driving licence) valid?
• Have you bought the required vignettes or environmental stickers?
• Is the car in good technical condition (tyre pressure, oil level, fluids)?
• Have the overnight stays en route been booked and confirmed?
• Do you have an overview of your travel schedule, addresses and important phone numbers?
• Is there enough food, drink and entertainment for the journey?