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4 July 2025

Summer Travel by Car: Tips for a Safe and Responsible Holiday Drive

A woman with sunglasses drives a modern car while a man in the passenger seat looks at his phone. The view from the windshield shows a highway winding through green hills and mountains.

Austria on the Move: Why the Car Remains the Family Holiday Favorite

In Austria, the car continues to be the number one travel companion when it comes to summer holidays. While rail travel has steadily gained ground thanks to comfort upgrades and a greener reputation, the personal vehicle still dominates—especially for families with children. Train journeys, despite all their advantages, can quickly become cost-intensive when multiple child tickets come into play. For solo travelers or couples, rail remains a viable and enjoyable alternative. But as the high travel season begins, roads across Austria—and through the Alps—are once again filling up.

Tips from Asfinag: Staying Safe and Calm on the Road

Just in time for the holiday kickoff in western Austria and parts of Germany and the Netherlands, Austria's state-run motorway operator Asfinag issued its annual reminder for responsible and stress-free driving. The goal is to help prevent traffic incidents and ensure that the holiday spirit starts before the destination is reached. Asfinag, which oversees Austria's 2,250-kilometer motorway network, urges all drivers to prepare properly before hitting the road. Here are the most important points:

• Rest regularly: Take a break at least every two hours. The Asfinag app and website show rest areas located several kilometers apart.
• Stay fit to drive: Get enough sleep before traveling and pack light, nutritious snacks. Hydration is crucial, especially in summer heat.
• Child safety: Use legally required child seats and secure them properly. Bring activities like coloring books and audio stories to keep kids entertained.
• Avoid distractions: Stay focused on the road. Phones, spilled drinks, or digging through bags can be hazardous.
• Pack smart: Heavy items go low, light items on top. Nothing should rise above the back seat headrests.
• Wear proper shoes: Flip-flops are risky while driving—opt for lightweight but secure footwear.
• Check your car: Tire pressure, oil, brake fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid should be checked before departure.
• Plan your route: Use tools like the Asfinag app to check for construction, detours, and traffic forecasts.

Fashion.at's Perspective: Rising Costs, Careful Choices, and the Need for Thoughtful Travel Planning

While summer travel remains a joyful experience for many, Fashion.at notes with concern the rise in official train ticket prices in Austria. The country is currently facing fiscal challenges, is subject to an EU deficit procedure, and inflation continues to place additional pressure on both public budgets and private households. At a time when affordable, climate-friendly public transport should be strengthened, increasing prices risk making it less accessible—especially for those who already manage their household finances with care and foresight.

In such a climate, many turn to the car as a flexible and often more affordable alternative. But car travel, too, requires responsible planning—from budgeting fuel and tolls to ensuring road safety for all passengers. Let's not lose sight of the bigger picture: whether by train or behind the wheel, mobility must remain safe, fair, and accessible.


Image: The AI-generated picture shows the backseat view of a woman driving and a man in the passenger seat using his smartphone. They are on a scenic road trip, traveling on a highway through a green, mountainous landscape. The car's infotainment screen displays 'TOUR NEWS'. Photo: © Fashion.at generated with Imagen, Google AI Studio.