Experience the freedom and spontaneity of a last minute car holiday
Which region are you going to discover?
Would you like to book a last minute car holiday? Then there are plenty of options! During a car holiday you have all the freedom in the world. And that’s what makes it so much fun to do, you can arrange it exactly how you want. Can’t find a dream vacation? Then you put it together yourself! Read on for tips and inspiration!
On holiday by car
Advantages of a last minute car holiday
If you have decided to go on holiday with your own car , you have complete freedom to determine when and how far you want to travel. It saves a lot of time in looking for a cheap plane ticket and transport to your final holiday address. As soon as you get in the car you are your own boss and you can take as long as you want, with stops or not. This of course depends on the destination and how long the car journey takes.
In any case, you are not dependent on the bus or on a taxi driver who may not show up. Moreover, you are flexible to move, even when you have arrived at your final destination. Once en route you can see beautiful landscapes pass by and you can stop to take pictures if you want.
Because you cover a lot of kilometers in a short time, you can also see a lot in a short time. In short, whether it is a last minute car holiday or planned well in advance, the car is an ideal means of transport, especially for families with young children and/or pets, for couples and groups of friends.
Sustainable last minute car holiday
Although flying is faster, the car has the advantage that it emits considerably less CO2 when several people are in the car. Are you traveling with several people? In that case, drive as few cars as possible, because this saves on the amount of CO2 emissions per person.
In addition, pay attention to your driving style; brake gently, do not accelerate too hard and drive at a constant speed. This saves on fuel consumption. A well-maintained car with the correct tire pressure is also very important for the environment. If the weather permits, avoid the air conditioning as much as possible.
Keep in mind that diesel is the least sustainable fuel, so if you have the choice, opt for petrol, or even better, for electric driving. Electric cars do not emit CO2. In addition, the energy used can also be generated green, so that the total environmental impact is even lower. This makes the footprint of your last minute car holiday even lower!
Sustainable stay
The choice of transport to your final destination has the greatest impact on the climate. Have you opted for a last minute car holiday? Then that is a first good step, but then you are not there yet; the place where you stay and how you spend your holiday are also important.
It is now possible to book an ecological holiday home or to stay at a campsite. At a campsite you use the least energy, making this the most environmentally friendly holiday accommodation. Don’t like camping? Then choosing accommodation that uses green energy and takes the environment into account is a good alternative.
If you choose a hotel, you can pay attention to the international eco-label in the tourist industry when booking: The Green Key, which sets requirements for nature and the environment.
Other useful tips for a sustainable stay are to use your towels more than once and to switch off the light, air conditioning and/or heating when you leave the room.
Plastic is one of the biggest environmental polluters, so do not use disposable cutlery and/or cups unnecessarily.
Sustainable holiday activities
The trend of sustainable travel has been increasing in recent years and that’s great! Sustainability is in the small things. Do as many non-environmentally harmful activities as possible. For example, rent a bicycle to see the sights or go on foot to the beach, forest or the market. Buy local products and cook a delicious meal with them.
In this way you get to know the culture and at the same time contribute to the environment. Do you see a nice souvenir on the way? Do not buy souvenirs made from wild plants and/or animals and protected species.
On the road by car: where are we going?
Road trip by car
The most popular holiday destinations in summer are: France, Spain, Germany and Belgium. Destinations such as Croatia and Bulgaria are also becoming increasingly popular. If you book a last minute car holiday to France, we offer sustainable accommodations for a week or weekend away in France. The south of France is mainly known for sun, sea and sand. If you don’t want to be on the road that long, the north of France offers beautiful nature reserves. The opal coast, for example, is only about a 4 hour drive from Utrecht!
If you prefer Spain, you can be there within one day. Spain has a lot to offer for both beach lovers and nature lovers. For a holiday closer to home, sustainable accommodations can be found in both Germany and Belgium .
These neighboring countries have a lot to offer in terms of nature and culture. For those who prefer to travel a longer distance, Croatia is within two days incl. to reach stops. You can enjoy the many beautiful beaches and mountains. Keep in mind the toll roads on all highways in Croatia, except Zagreb. You can pay in cash or with a credit card.
Pay close attention to the travel advice that applies in the destination country before you start the adventure and check the supplies for the car. When making long car journeys, it is advisable to take a 15-minute break after driving 2 hours. This way drivers stay focused and fewer accidents happen on the road
Last minute car holiday necessities
Different rules apply in every country, as do the mandatory items in the car.
The following items are either mandatory or useful to take with you when you go on holiday by car:
- Driver’s license: mandatory
- Registration certificate: mandatory
- Green card: handy
- APK inspection : mandatory
- Claim form: mandatory
- Warning triangle: mandatory (in Spain 2)
- Fire extinguisher: mandatory
- First aid kit: mandatory
- Spare glasses: handy
- Safety vest: mandatory
- Spare wheel: handy
- Vignettes: Mandatory in some countries, such as Austria
- Environmental stickers: mandatory in some environmental zones in Germany
- Navigation system: handy
- Bottle of water: handy
A sustainable car holiday
Do you want a weekend away or a little longer? Do you want to be far away or close by? It’s all possible! With a last minute car holiday you can take adventurous road trips and stay in beautiful, sustainable accommodations. You are in control: you can plan the entire trip yourself. Of course we are happy to help you with that! Look for our offer on Sustainaway and book a good deal!
Heading out in your own country? Find your sustainable holiday!
