24.07.2024
Lena, 22, and Tim, 23, have been dreaming of a road trip for months: enjoying some free time, exploring wonderful landscapes and just spending some time travelling together. It’s a Saturday afternoon, and the pair are sitting in their apartment in the Swiss plateau planning their road trip. First of all, though, they have to make an important decision: where exactly are they going?
Planning your next trip? Our money newsletter regularly provides you with practical tips on travelling, paying and everyday life.
Lena has scoured the Internet for hours, and Tim likes her ideas.
Portugal offers the spectacular coastal road from Porto to Lisbon, passing through charming villages and alongside picturesque beaches. The Algarve coast, with its fantastic cliffs and idyllic coves, and the Alentejo region are of particular interest to Tim and Lena.
With the popular Amalfi Coast and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, Italy is a popular tourist destination. Tuscany is also an attractive region thanks to its rolling hills, beautiful vineyards and medieval cities.
France, and in particular the Route Napoléon, fascinates Tim and Lena. The Route Napoléon starts on the Côte d’Azur before travelling through the Alps towards Grenoble along the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes, taking in breathtaking panoramas and journeying across the highest mountain passes. Alternatively, you can enjoy a pleasant road trip through the south of France.
And then there’s Switzerland. Our home region also has beautiful routes on offer, such as the Grand Tour of Switzerland, which connects the country’s most beautiful areas from the Bernese Oberland’s impressive mountains down to Ticino’s crystal-clear lakes and rivers.
After lengthy consideration, Lena and Tim decide to go to Italy. The thought of driving through picturesque villages, discovering historic cities and enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle was all the encouragement they needed. Not to mention the pizza, pasta, gelato and cool clubs!
Lena and Tim decide on a route starting in Milan, heading to Venice and then Rome before continuing on down to the Amalfi Coast.
Tim and Lena consider what budget costs they have to factor in for their journey. Here’s a list of the most important costs they should plan for:
Use the following tips to save money on a road trip through Italy:
Search on platforms such as Airbnb, booking.com or directly on a provider’s website for cheap overnight accommodation. Camping is often an inexpensive option, especially in rural areas.
Avoid restaurants frequented by tourists in central areas. Instead, eat in smaller local restaurants. These are often better value for money and provide a more authentic experience. You can also find high-quality, cheap food for picnics at local markets. A wander through a local market is always a great experience.
Try not to refuel on a motorway, as prices tend to be higher there than in other places. Plan your refuelling stops in advance to avoid paying more than necessary.
Motorway toll fees in Italy can be expensive. Avoid these toll fees by using country roads (strade statali) instead of motorways (autostrade). This will of course make your journey longer, but will save you money and provide you with some spectacular scenery.
When withdrawing cash or paying by bank card, always choose to pay in the local currency. Find out more in the article “Holiday money in a foreign currency: key things to bear in mind”.
Look for cheap or free activities such as walks or hikes, or visit parks and beaches that don’t have an entry charge.
Tim is responsible for booking accommodation along their route. First of all, he takes some time to think of the pros and cons of each type of accommodation:
Holiday apartments offer a lot of flexibility and independence, because guests can choose and prepare their own meals. What’s more, they are often more spacious than a hotel room.
There are no daily cleaning services, and guests usually have to clean the accommodation themselves. There are usually no amenities such as restaurants, bars or concierge services in the building. They’re usually only worthwhile for a longer stop on a road trip.
Hotels usually have a wide range of amenities such as restaurants, room service, gyms and swimming pools.
Hotels are usually more expensive, especially if you use any additional services. Staying in a hotel chain can feel less personal than staying in a bed and breakfast.
Tim eventually decides on a mix of charming bed and breakfasts, a comfortable holiday apartment for a longer stay on the Amalfi Coast and hotels for staying in the cities.
Lena takes care of the car: She searches on the Internet for the The link will open in a new window relevant legislation and regulations and any country-specific requirements for the car (e.g. emission stickers) Next, she makes an appointment to have the car checked over in a garage before the holiday. She also updates her GPS, checks the first-aid kit and restocks it if necessary, and reviews her car insurance cover.
The fuel tank is full, the batteries are loaded, and the packing list has been checked one last time: Lena and Tim are ready for their adventure. They set off in the early hours of the morning, with the sun already rising. With a deep breath, they start the engine.
