SAVE TIME ON THE ROAD FOR A SUCCESSFUL HOLIDAY

Holidays are an eagerly awaited time of year. However, the journey to get there can often be stressful and time-consuming. Saving time on the road for a successful holiday is crucial to making the most of these relaxing moments. Find out how to optimise your route and avoid traffic jams through careful planning and the use of modern technology.

Departure planning

Postponed start

Setting off at different times can make all the difference to your holiday travel. There are several advantages to taking to the road early in the morning or late at night. There’s generally less traffic, which makes it easier to get around without getting stuck in traffic jams. Secondly, the temperatures are more pleasant, especially in summer, making the journey more comfortable.

According to an INRIX study, traffic is often heaviest between 10am and 6pm, particularly during school holidays. By leaving before 6am or after 8pm, you can avoid these traffic peaks and considerably reduce your journey time. These time slots allow you to drive more smoothly and arrive at your destination more quickly and with less stress.

Choosing your departure day

The day of departure is very important for avoiding traffic jams. That’s why leaving on Saturday, a traditionally busy day, is not always a good idea. It’s often wiser to choose a mid-week departure, when the roads are generally less congested. This allows you to avoid a lot of the traffic and travel with greater peace of mind.

To choose the best day, check traffic forecasts on websites. These sites provide valuable information on the periods to avoid and the best days to hit the road. They tell you when it’s best to set off to avoid traffic jams and slow traffic. By using these tools, you can plan your journey more efficiently and save time on the road. So you can start your holiday relaxed and stress-free.

Using technologies

Navigation applications such as Google Maps and Waze are essential tools for optimising your journey. They offer a number of useful features :

Traffic alerts keep you informed in real time about traffic jams. They suggest alternative routes to get around congested areas.
Optimised routes automatically calculate the fastest route based on current traffic conditions.

Thanks to these applications, you can react quickly to unforeseen circumstances on the road and adjust your route accordingly. This saves you time and makes your journey smoother and more comfortable.

Planning applications

Other applications can also be useful for planning stops on your journeys :

Apps show you the petrol stations and rest areas available along your route. They help you plan your breaks and ensure a comfortable journey by making sure you have the refuelling points you need.
To avoid the inconvenience of bad weather, applications provide you with up-to-date information on the weather conditions forecast along your route. By consulting these forecasts, you can anticipate areas of bad weather and adjust your journey accordingly.

Thanks to these tools, you can travel with complete peace of mind, avoiding surprises and ensuring a comfortable and safe journey.

Choice of routes

Alternative itineraries

To avoid the traffic jams that often occur on the motorways, taking the national and departmental roads can be a sensible solution :

These roads are generally less busy, which means you can avoid the slowdowns and traffic jams that are common on major roads.
– As well as ensuring that traffic flows more smoothly, these roads often offer beautiful scenery. They allow you to enjoy more pleasant views and stop off at charming places along the way.

Applications such as Mappy are useful for finding alternative routes to suit your needs. They allow you to discover secondary routes that can save you time and make your journey more enjoyable. By choosing the right routes, you can avoid the frustrations of traffic jams and make the most of your journey on roads that are less busy.

Route optimisation

For a smoother, faster journey, we advise you to avoid roadworks zones and large urban areas at rush hour. These areas are often a source of slowdowns and can extend your journey time. By planning your route to avoid these areas, you can save time and reduce the stress associated with heavy traffic.

What’s more, using intelligent toll systems, such as electronic toll collection, can save you precious time. By avoiding queues at toll gates, you can maintain a constant speed and minimise stops on your journey. This means you can get to your destination faster and with greater peace of mind.

Vehicle preparation

Checking the condition of the vehicle

Before setting off, it’s crucial to check the condition of your vehicle :

Brakes, tyres, oil, windscreen washer: a thorough inspection can prevent breakdowns and unscheduled stops.
Checklist : Make sure that all the essential components are in good working order.

A well-prepared vehicle is the key to a trouble-free journey.

Loading your vehicle

To maximise space and comfort :

Distribute the weight well : Make sure the load is balanced for a stable ride.
Avoid overloading : This helps avoid excessive fuel consumption.

A well-laden vehicle is more pleasant to drive and more economical.

To conclude, saving time on the road for a successful holiday requires good planning and the use of modern technologies. By leaving at staggered times, choosing the right day, using navigation and planning applications, and optimising your route, you can avoid traffic jams and make your journey more enjoyable. Preparing your vehicle properly will also ensure a trouble-free journey. By applying these tips, you’ll be sure to start your holiday on the right foot.

Have a good trip and enjoy your holidays!