Mobility on holiday – an overview for families

Various factors play a decisive role in ensuring a successful vacation. In addition to the destination and the hotel, this also includes the issue of mobility. Families can use a wide variety of means of transportation during a trip. Here is an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of each option and what to look out for.

Opportunities for mobility – A first overview

When planning a family vacation, it is worth first looking at what mobility options are available. Based on this overview, the individual options can then be considered in order to make a sensible, final decision.

Versatile mobility options

The most common options for mobility on holiday include:

• the car,
• Bus and train,
• The plane
• and the bicycle.

The car is particularly suitable for destinations that can be reached by land and are not too far away. Depending on individual circumstances, families can consider using their own car or a rental car.

Bus and train are also suitable for destinations that are not too far away. These include destinations in Germany and other European countries.

The plane can be the means of travel of choice, especially when longer distances have to be covered. Apart from shipping, it is also the only option for reaching other continents such as America, Australia or Asia .

The bike is suitable for short trips in the region or for a well-planned tour lasting several days. The extent to which the latter is practical depends not least on the age of the children.

Possibilities for combining different means of transport

In many cases, more than one of the above-mentioned means of transport is used during a holiday. Rather, it may be useful or necessary to consider combining several options.

This means that there is the option of travelling to a particular city by car and then remaining mobile by bus or bicycle. This allows for a much higher degree of flexibility, especially in large cities.

If you travel to your holiday destination by plane, you will need to use other means of transport at your destination in order to remain mobile. In this case, it may be a good idea to take your own car, rent a car or use public transport in the holiday region.

Everything about mobility by car

One of the most common forms of mobility for vacation is using a car. This option has several advantages and disadvantages, but families in particular should pay attention to important details.

Advantages and disadvantages of using the car

One of the biggest advantages of traveling by car is a high degree of flexibility. Vacationers are not dependent on the departure and arrival schedules of public transport. Instead, they can decide for themselves when they set off, and the same applies to the times they take breaks.

If desired, the car also allows you to spontaneously visit one or two places near your holiday region. Depending on the size of the car, there are advantages for luggage - holidaymakers can take more things with them on their trip than, for example, on a flight or a train journey.

On the other hand, there are some disadvantages: Many car models are not particularly good for sustainability (this does not apply to electric cars, or only to a limited extent). So if you place great value on an environmentally friendly family vacation, you cannot fulfill this wish with a normal combustion engine.

In addition, especially during holiday periods, there is the risk of getting caught in a traffic jam on the motorway. This results in delays and often a dampened mood. Such situations can be a certain stress, especially for younger children, which can at least temporarily dampen the joy of starting the holiday.

What should you pay attention to when taking a family trip by car?

(Source: Adobe Stock / Klaus Eppele (#31496657) )

Before you leave, it is a good idea to check again whether there are any problems with the car that need to be solved. In this context, it is worth taking a look at:

• the tire pressure ( also depends on the load of the car ),
• the level of engine oil,
• the cooling system,
• the battery
• and the light.

If the traveler is driving a newer diesel car, they must also pack enough AdBlue. It is also advisable to check whether an inspection is due before the vacation.

The journey itself should be planned so that it is pleasant and comfortable for the children. Ideally, no more than 500 kilometers should be covered per day. It is also advisable to take a short break every two hours at the latest.

There may be one or two rest stops with a playground along the way, which is ideal for letting the kids let off some steam before continuing on. Before the journey, the child seat can be checked again.

To ensure that the kids don't get bored on the way, we recommend audio books and games. Food is just as important. This includes plenty of drinks, which is particularly important in summer. Sandwiches and fruit are good provisions for the journey.

Special case rental car: Further important details

If you want to travel with a rental car, you need to consider other points. This includes comparing offers and prices - this is important because there is no cancellation period for car rentals.

Before signing the contract, you should always read the provider's terms and conditions and clarify the insurance coverage. The latter should definitely be included in the contract. Comprehensive insurance is a good idea.

If the car is rented abroad, special criteria apply with regard to insurance cover. The amounts that insurers pay in the event of an accident involving a rental car abroad are often lower. It can therefore be a good idea to take out additional insurance. Nadja Feder from the comparison portal Verivox explains:

"The so-called 'Mallorca policy' offers protection against accidents with a rental car while on holiday. This additional clause increases the liability insurance for rental cars to the German level. The Mallorca policy protects holidaymakers who want to rent a car throughout Europe."

Mobility by bus and train

Two other options for mobility on family holidays are bus and train. Depending on the destination, they are suitable for transport to the destination as well as for local journeys.

Using buses and trains – advantages and disadvantages for families

Like using a car, these options have advantages and disadvantages. First of all, potential traffic jams are not a problem when the family travels by rail. In addition to avoiding inconveniences, this can also save a certain amount of time.

In addition, parents have the opportunity to spend more time with their children or to engage in other smaller activities during the journey than they would if they were using the car. Since they don't have to drive themselves, the journey to their vacation can be more relaxed, which contributes to a successful start to the trip.

(Source: Adobe Stock / gstockstudio (#457764806) )

There is also the safety factor, especially when it comes to train travel. Studies show that the risk of death due to an accident is significantly lower when travelling by train than when travelling by car or bus.

If you travel by train within Germany as a family, you can also save money, as you don't have to buy a ticket for children up to the age of 14. Between the ages of 6 and 14, children simply travel on their parents' card and are registered there. A maximum of four children can be taken on one ticket. On the other hand, there are some disadvantages:

• Rail travelers have to adapt to departure and arrival times, which limits flexibility.

• Depending on the number of passengers, the train may be quite noisy and crowded.

• Delays can lead to missing connecting trains, which also delays the start of your vacation. Such situations can be extremely inconvenient, especially for families.

Special added value for sustainability

Despite all this, traveling by train and bus has another advantage. Both modes of transport make sense for sustainability. This is the case for several reasons.

On the one hand, the individual's CO2 consumption is significantly lower because many people travel using the same means of transport instead of each using their own car. On the other hand, the type of drive plays a role.

The vast majority of trains today are powered by electricity. Deutsche Bahn advertises that its long-distance passengers (i.e. ICE, IC and EC) travel entirely on green electricity. Furthermore, there are buses in more and more cities and regions that run on electricity. This can bring many advantages in terms of sustainable mobility at your holiday destination.

Importance of adequate and early planning

Travelling by bus or train should be well prepared. One important thing is to book early. This ensures that the tickets are not sold out and that an alternative has not yet been found. In addition, buying early often offers opportunities for some monetary savings.

When travelling by train with children, it is a good idea to reserve a seat. This way you can avoid having to stand in a crowded train, which is certainly not pleasant for children on a long journey. The same applies, of course, if you travel to your holiday destination by bus.

As with a car trip, families should bring enough provisions with them. The same applies to various options for keeping busy, such as:

• Games,
• Books
• or audio books.

If you want to be prepared for delays, you can look for alternative options for a connecting connection in advance and check the current status online during the journey. This can help avoid a lot of stress if something does happen.

A certain amount of preparation is also useful for mobility by bus and train at the destination. You can look at what prices and possible forms of discounts such as day or weekly tickets apply locally and how the connection network is structured.

Mobility by plane

As already mentioned, the plane is often the means of transport of choice for trips to distant regions. But it can also be used for shorter trips, for example to other European countries, depending on individual wishes.

(Source: Adobe Stock / Viacheslav Yakobchuk (#388054144) )

Advantages and disadvantages of mobility by plane

Flying has a number of advantages, including the speed of travel. No other means of transport allows you to cover longer distances in a shorter time.

As already mentioned, the aircraft also makes it possible to reach far-flung regions of the world. There are also positive aspects in terms of comfort. Depending on the class booked, passengers of all ages can look forward to a varied entertainment program and high-quality cuisine. At the same time, the aircraft is considered one of the safest means of transport.

On the other hand, there are a number of disadvantages. If you want to fly as a family with a little comfort, you have to expect high costs. When using low-cost airlines, on the other hand, you miss out on various amenities that can make the trip more pleasant for parents and children.

There is also the risk of fear of flying. This problem can be caused by a general fear or by turbulence and other dangerous events in the air. For children , the pressure on the ears caused by take-off and landing can be extremely unpleasant.

The impact on the environment is also problematic. Flying is considered to be an extremely climate-damaging form of travel. Long-haul flights cause a lot of greenhouse gases, but avoidable short-haul flights are also currently under heavy criticism. If you want to go on a sustainable holiday as a family, you should therefore use other means of transport if possible.

What should families pay attention to?

At the airport and during the flight, parents should follow a few tips to make traveling with children easier. First of all, this includes using online check-in. This saves time at the airport and in many cases avoids additional stress. An alternative is the family counter, which is available at some airports.

To help the children behave as calmly as possible around the plane, it is a good idea to let them run around a bit before take-off or to walk a few metres with them. This will help them to burn off some of their energy. Ideally, you should allow some time for this, which is why it is a good idea to arrive at the airport early.

There are a few things you can do to help with ear pressure on an airplane. This includes giving your child a piece of candy or gum during take-off and landing. For babies, feeding, breastfeeding or a pacifier can help . It is also a good idea to bring your own food, at least for the children. This means that spontaneous hunger pangs can be quickly and easily solved.

Using the bike

Another means of transport that can be used especially at the destination is the bicycle. It plays a role in mobility as well as in leisure activities.

Advantages and disadvantages of cycling on family holidays

The advantages of using a bicycle are obvious. Firstly, the bike is an extremely environmentally friendly means of transport. No emissions are produced when riding. The only relevant factors for the CO2 balance of e-bikes are the greenhouse gases emitted when generating electricity.

Cycling tours or covering short distances by bike also allow for a lot of exercise and time in the fresh air. This gives parents the opportunity to let off steam and see some of the surrounding area. In the city, cycling allows for a certain amount of flexibility and saves time.

On the other hand, there are some disadvantages. Weather conditions such as rain or cold can get in the way of comfortable travel on the bike. In addition, care must be taken to ensure that the planned routes do not overburden the children. Depending on their age, this can mean that more time is needed for a certain distance.

(Source: Adobe Stock / Michael (#582167072) )

Conventional bike or e-bike?

The family can consider whether they want to use conventional bicycles or e-bikes. Electric bikes have the great advantage that covering longer distances is easier for both adults and children.

However, more extensive planning is required and there is less flexibility, as the bikes always have to be sufficiently charged for the respective tours. A conventional bike, on the other hand, is ready for use at any time. Furthermore, bikes without an electric drive are significantly cheaper to buy.

Own bike or rent one locally?

Finally, you can consider whether it makes more sense to take your own bike with you on holiday or to rent one at your destination. The latter has the great advantage of saving you a lot of luggage.

This results in greater comfort, especially if the journey to the holiday destination is made by train or bus . If you are planning to rent bicycles for mobility at your holiday destination, you should find out about the offers and prices there before you travel. This can reduce the risk of organizational problems.

Conclusion

Families can be mobile on vacation in a variety of ways. The most common are the car, bus and train, the plane and the bike. Each of the options has its own advantages. While traveling by car offers a high level of flexibility, the train is particularly safe and at the same time more sustainable. The plane is particularly impressive due to the speed of travel, while bicycles are environmentally friendly and offer the opportunity to exercise in the fresh air. Regardless of the means of transport, mobility at the vacation destination should be planned well in advance in order to avoid organizational problems and to travel as efficiently as possible.