For many people, the most beautiful time of the year doesn't begin with beach and sunshine, but with hundreds of miles of asphalt. The ADAC currently counts around 1,000 construction sites on German highways, and with the staggered start of school vacations in the federal states, wave after wave rolls toward the Alps and the south. Three factors determine whether the journey becomes an ordeal or already feels like the first day of vacation: the right departure time, break planning, and a realistic approach to children and costs.
Outsmarting Traffic Jams: When to Hit the Road
The automobile clubs agree: Friday afternoon, Saturday morning, and Sunday afternoon are the phases with the most traffic jams. Those who have flexibility should preferably depart on Tuesday or Wednesday outside rush hour; those who must leave on the weekend should ideally do so early Sunday morning. Many families also swear by the early morning hours: if you like driving at night, ideally start between three and four in the morning - hardly any traffic, pleasant temperatures, and the children often continue sleeping in the vehicle. It remains important to keep an eye on traffic jam and traffic reports before departure in order to be able to detour on a large scale.
Breaks Are Not a Waste of Time
Rules of thumb for family trips: no more than 500 kilometers per day and, according to ADAC, at least every two hours or every 200 kilometers a break of at least 15 minutes. These stops serve not only for bathroom breaks but also for movement: against muscle tension and for good circulation for the driver as well as all passengers. Rest stops with playgrounds are ideal, where children can let off steam before having to sit still again. At least once you should take a break longer than one hour, preferably at lunchtime. After that, driving is usually calmer because many children fall asleep. Important: never change babies and toddlers during the drive, and let small children eat only during breaks if possible, otherwise there is a risk of choking.
Against Restlessness: Engagement Beats Entertainment
Boredom is the most common trigger for bad moods in the back seat. Surprise bags that are opened depending on travel progress have proven effective. Classics like "I spy with my little eye," word chains, or license plate guessing don't require any accessories. Caution applies to tablets and smartphones for entertainment: they may solve the boredom problem in the short term, but are likely to cause motion sickness in many children - and thus in the best case lead to unplanned stops, in the worst case to urgently needed car cleaning. For provisions: light snacks like fruits and vegetables, plus water, tea, and juice spritzers without carbonation. And perhaps the most important point: never leave children alone in the car during a break! In summer, the temperature in the vehicle rises to 40, 50, or even 60 degrees within a very short time.
Don't Discover Toll Requirements at the Border
Those traveling south should clarify fees in advance. In Austria, the 10-day vignette costs 12.80 euros in 2026, the 1-day vignette 9.60 euros. Important for short-notice travelers: these two short-term vignettes can become valid immediately when purchased online - or can be purchased in advance. The 18-day consumer protection period, according to which the digital vignette for private individuals only becomes valid 18 days after purchase, only applies to the annual and 2-month vignettes. Those who need one of these long-term variants on short notice should opt for the adhesive vignette or purchase the digital variant at a point of sale (gas station, ÖAMTC, ADAC) with immediate validity. On A13 Brenner, A10 Tauern, and other routes, additional route tolls apply.
Switzerland only offers the annual vignette at the official price of 40 Swiss francs, about 44.50 euros at ADAC or ÖAMTC; the Swiss do not have short-term vignettes. Italy and Croatia continue to charge distance-based fees at toll stations. Croatia is gradually converting its toll system to a barrier-free, still distance-based electronic toll starting in fall 2026 (system "Crolibertas"); however, nationwide full operation is only planned for March 1, 2027. For the 2026 summer season, nothing changes yet - until then, payment will be made as usual by ticket at the toll station.
Those who plan all this won't avoid traffic jams, but at least the greatest stress. Because in the end, the same applies to the drive south as to the vacation itself: the journey is already part of the destination.
