July, 2023

2 minutes read

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Travel as you please: the role of the automobile in the democratization of vacations

 

As summer settles in, it's time for a vacation. Whatever the destination, travel is an integral part of the adventure and has a major influence on our experience. That's where the automobile comes in, as it has profoundly transformed the way we travel. Since the boom of this industry in the 1950s and 1960s, vacations have become accessible to a majority of people, radically altering our travel habits and practices.

The automobile, a symbol of freedom
 

Before the advent of the car, vacations were a luxury reserved for the elite. But the explosion in car production has helped to shorten distances and facilitate family travel, offering unprecedented freedom of movement. Today, over 60% of Europeans use their car to go on vacation.

The many uses of the car on vacation

 

Not only is the car the preferred means of transport to get to your vacation destination, it also plays a key role once there. When traveling by plane, train or boat, renting a car is often necessary to discover your chosen destination. Services such as Free2Move, for example, enable you to rent a vehicle on the spot, offering a mobility solution tailored to the needs of holidaymakers.

The van life, a different way to travel

 

For some, the car is more than just a means of transport, it's also a place to live. Followers of the "van life" movement transform utility vehicles into veritable homes on wheels. Kitchenette, storage space, bunk…, it's all there! Discover vehicle conversion, for leisure or multi-service use.

Mobility choices to suit all tastes

 

Others prefer to combine business with pleasure by taking to the roads by bike - an excellent way to keep fit while enjoying the journey. And for those who find it hard to climb hills, there's always the option of an electric bike for gentle, environmentally-friendly mobility. Let yourself be carried along and enjoy the scenery! Find the bike you need for mountain biking, trekking, running or city biking, for adults and children, electric or non-electric.

Travelling by electric car, the new revolution

 

The latest revolution in the automotive world is the electric car. It's silent, reliable and more respectful of the environment. A major advantage that will enable you to drive freely in low-emission zones, even during the heat waves that often accompany pollution peaks.

However, going on vacation in an electric car requires a certain amount of preparation. It's important to plan your itinerary according to available recharging points, and to optimize your recharging time with a few tips. And don't forget to factor this time into your travel schedule. To recharge your vehicle without waiting, you can reserve one of the 350,000 charging points throughout Europe.

 

Think about eco-driving gestures:

  • reduce your speed,
  • drive smoothly,
  • use regenerative braking on the downhill run to recover energy consumed on the uphill run,
  • maintain your battery at a charge level of 20-80%,
  • avoid overloading your vehicle,
  • check your tire pressure.

 

 

The automobile has democratized vacations and continues to transform itself to meet the expectations and needs of travelers. With its wide range of vehicles and mobility services, Peugeot offers solutions for every type of vacation, from family road trips to weekend cycling. Book your test drive today at your nearest sales outlet!

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