While students in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are just starting their vacation, families in Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Lower Saxony, and Bremen are already approaching the end of summer break. The good news is: those who want to make the most of the remaining free days in early August don't need to plan a two-week trip. Even a short vacation of five days can provide enough time for relaxation and shared experiences. The following destinations are easily accessible and offer a real vacation feeling in just a few days. However, this weekend might not be the best time to depart, as the ADAC expects continuous traffic jams on many highways.
Spontaneous Vacation: Travel Ideas for the Last Days of Break
Zeeland in the southwest of the Netherlands is well-suited for a spontaneous getaway. Travel time is quite manageable, especially from the western states. Families appreciate the relaxed atmosphere in the Dutch province. The wide sandy beaches offer plenty of space for playing and swimming. While popular vacation spots like Domburg, Renesse, or Cadzand are well-visited during the summer months, with a bit of luck the crowds can spread out along the coast.
The Danish North Sea coast is another option for families traveling by car. Long sandy beaches characterize the region, and in many places dunes connect directly to the coastline. Popular destinations include the island of Rømø with its wide beach accessible by car, or the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Wadden Sea, which can be explored through guided mudflat hikes. In Blåvand, Denmark's westernmost point beckons with a lighthouse and expansive views over the North Sea.
For those who prefer to head south, the Salzkammergut region in Austria is a great option. Around Lake Wolfgang, Lake Atter, and Lake Traun, there are numerous possibilities for day trips. Families can take easy hikes, travel by boat across one of the lakes, or explore places like St. Wolfgang and Hallstatt. Since many destinations are close together depending on your starting point, longer drives can be avoided.
End of Vacation: Quick to Reach by Flight Too
If the short trip should begin with a flight, Mallorca is one of the practical options. Thanks to numerous direct connections from Germany, flight time is usually only around two to three hours. This means the entire day isn't lost on arrival and departure days. Once there, long beach days can be easily combined with sightseeing. The island capital of Palma offers several worthwhile attractions with its historic old town and the La Seu Cathedral. A trip to the Tramuntana Mountains is also a good option for families.
Another possibility is the Croatian Adriatic coast around Zadar or Split. Both cities have direct flights from many German airports during summer. Families can spend a day in Split's old town or take a boat trip from Zadar to Kornati National Park. The waterfalls in Krka National Park are also easily accessible from the coast and are suitable for a day trip. In between, there's plenty of time for swimming at the region's pebble beaches.
