When many families set off at the same time on a holiday weekend, the sat-nav is practical, but not infallible. Especially in traffic jams, it likes to suggest side roads. This can save time, but it doesn't always lead to sensible routes: in some regions, there are temporary exit bans, local thoroughfares are overloaded, or the alternative route is significantly more stressful for children in the car than the main route.
For the start of the summer holidays in southern and western Austria, it is therefore worth doing a quick route check before departure. It only takes a few minutes and prevents you from having to make hectic decisions on the road while the mood in the back seat is already turning sour.
Don't just choose the fastest route before you leave
Don't open the sat-nav only when everyone is buckled up. Check the route in peace beforehand: Which motorway sections are likely to be busy? Are there roadworks, tunnels, border crossings, or known bottlenecks? And what alternative does the sat-nav suggest if there is a traffic jam on the main route?
The difference between a real alternative and a nervous shortcut is important. A real alternative stays on high-capacity roads, has clear rest options, and is realistic for a longer journey. A nervous shortcut leads through small towns, narrow streets, or routes that quickly become congested during holiday traffic.
Take exit bans and local notices seriously
Exit bans can be set up around heavily used holiday routes so that diverted traffic does not roll through towns. Anyone who blindly follows the app in this case will, in the worst case, end up in front of a barrier or have to turn back. Therefore, especially when driving south, check whether regional traffic measures apply along your route.
Also, do not plan with every theoretical shortcut. If a route seems only a few minutes faster but is significantly more complicated, the main route is often the more relaxed choice. Especially with children, it's not just the minute display that counts, but also: Can you take a break, refuel, go to the toilet, and reschedule if necessary?
These sat-nav settings help families
- Pre-load route: Enter the route and destination at home, not just at the first red light.
- Check tolls and vignettes: Do not deactivate any options if this causes the route to divert to long side roads.
- Activate live traffic: Without current traffic data, diversions are often worse.
- Set a stopover: Plan a realistic break after two to three hours, especially with children.
- Charge mobile phone: Keep the charging cable ready in the front and do not stow it in the boot.
- Passenger rule: The person driving should not be fiddling with the sat-nav while driving.
Plan for a paper or screenshot backup
Nobody needs a printed route plan for every trip. But a screenshot with the destination address, accommodation, phone number, and rough route can help if the data connection is weak or the mobile phone gets hot. The most important documents should also be within reach. You can find a simple template for this in our holiday folder before departure.
If children are travelling with you, a calm buffer is also worth it. It is better to leave ten minutes earlier and plan one more break than to force a tight route. In addition, our tips for the Start of holidays in traffic jams and against Travel sickness in children.
What to do if the sat-nav suddenly wants to divert you on the way?
Do not confirm every new route immediately. Check briefly: Does it really save time or just a few minutes? Does it lead from the motorway onto small roads? Is there a rest station soon, or would the alternative be longer without a break? If the decision is unclear, it may be more sensible to stay on the main route and wait for the next official information.
In hot weather, there is another point: mobile phones and power banks should not be left in direct sunlight. If the device gets too hot, it can slow down or switch itself off. What else is important for longer summer journeys can be found in our article on Passports and identity cards valid?.
Quick check before driving off
- Look at the main route and a real alternative.
- Check current traffic information for motorways, tunnels, and border crossings.
- Observe exit bans and local notices along the route.
- Mark break points, don't just look for them when you're in a bad mood.
- Save destination address, accommodation, and phone number offline.
- Keep charging cable, water, and small snacks within reach in the front.
Conclusion: The sat-nav remains a good tool, but the decision should not be completely handed over to the app. Anyone who checks briefly before departure which route is realistic and where there are closures or bottlenecks usually drives into their holiday more calmly.
Sources and further information
- ORF/Ă–3: Start of the summer holidays in the south and west of Austria
- ASFINAG: Traffic information for the A10
- Ă–AMTC: Exit bans from the A10
- ARBĂ–: Weekend forecast
- BMB: School holidays 2025/2026
Article image: AI-generated symbolic image.
