3 inspiring routes for (mini) road trips with an electric car

Oh, how we're looking forward to another road trip! In our own country, but in the meantime, we're dreaming of touring Europe this summer. That's why, in this new road trip guide, I'm sharing tons of tips with Peugeot on how to create the perfect road trip with your electric car. What to look out for and what's useful to know? You can read all about it in this article. If you ask me, the anticipation is half the fun! That's why I'm also sharing some fun ideas for road trips with an electric car. These are destinations and routes that are on my own wish list to take this year, both in the Netherlands and abroad.

Going on a road trip with an electric car: what you need to know

When you think about a road trip with an electric car, you're probably thinking about the range. It's undeniable; under ideal conditions, you can drive a maximum of about 300 km. So, if you're taking an electric car on a road trip within your own country or abroad, you'll need to factor in stops where the car can charge and you can take a break.

Do you drive a Peugeot like me or are you planning to do so? Via the My Peugeot App Or Peugeot's Free2Move app lets you plan the optimal route from fast charger to fast charger on days when you plan to cover a longer distance. My own Peugeot e-2008 SUV, for example, is already 80% full after just half an hour at the fast charger. Just enough time to grab a delicious croissant along the way, find some nice hotspots before your destination, or catch up on social media.

Handy: Peugeot's Free2Move app offers the largest selection of public charging stations in Europe. This allows you to map your route from fast charger to fast charger and create various rest stops, which are important when driving long distances. Keep in mind that the weather, as well as your driving style, affects your range. In summer, you'll be able to drive much further than in colder weather.

How to plan the perfect road trip with your electric car

Good preparation is half the battle, especially with an electric car. Not only is the route important, but there are also several other things you'll want to keep in mind.

• For example, I'd personally opt for accommodations with a charging station, so you can always drive to your next destination with full range in the morning. Through Booking.com, for example, and also through vacation rental providers, you can filter by hotel and cottage with an electric car charging station nearby or even at the accommodation itself.
• Plan a vacation with destinations that are relatively close to each other. This way, you'll truly make it a (mini) road trip and get to know the destinations even better along the way. I've created a few sample itineraries, all perfect for a one-week vacation. From the Champagne region to Zeeland!
• With the My Peugeot app You can plan the best route to your destination and it indicates exactly where and when you need to charge if interim charging is required.

3 Road trip routes with an electric car

For convenience, I've always based the distances on Amsterdam. Have fun planning your (mini) road trip!

North Holland & Texel

I've lived in North Holland for almost half my life, yet I've only really gotten to know the province well in the past year. This road trip goes from Amsterdam to West Friesland (1 night), from West Friesland to Texel (2 nights), from Texel to Schoorl (2 nights), and from Schoorl to the Haarlem/Bloemendaal area (2 nights).

Amsterdam – West Friesland (46 km):

Last week we spent a few days in West Friesland, and that's where the idea for this road trip came from. Do you prefer a cottage or a hotel? Hoorn recently opened a lovely boutique hotel: Ysbrantsz. Hoorn has a great fresh produce market on Saturdays, and there are several lovely restaurants. Other charming villages in West Friesland include Enkhuizen and Medemblik. Want to stay in a tiny house at the foot of the dike with a view of the meadows? Then check out Familie Buitenhuys.

West Friesland – Texel (77 km):

From West Friesland, you travel on to Texel. In just half an hour, you'll be on a ferry to one of the most beautiful and diverse Wadden Islands. What fun things can you do there? Enjoy the beautiful weather on the beach, pick wild oysters and open them yourself with a delicious bottle of bubbly, hike through the woods or through beautiful nature reserves like the Slufter, take a seal-watching tour from Oudeschild, relax in the spa at Boutique Hotel Texel, and enjoy fantastic food at boutique hotels with restaurants, such as Bij Jef and Gastrofarm in Oost. Charging stations are available throughout the island on Texel. View all tips for Texel here >>

Texel – Schoorl (46 km): 

The Schoorl area is incredibly beautiful in every season. We stayed there last fall and will definitely do so again this year. There are several lovely boutique hotels in the area, such as Blooming Hotel (in Bergen) and Hotel Merlet (in Schoorl). This area is all about unwinding. Walk along the beach or through the dunes. It's so beautiful! From the Schoorlse Duinen Outdoor Centre, you can enjoy lovely walks, and there's a gnome trail for the kids. Want to do a bit of shopping and browse the boutiques? Then Bergen is the place to be. View all tips for Schoorl and the surrounding area here >>

Schoorl – Haarlem / Bloemendaal (45 km):

On the way to the final destination of this mini road trip through North Holland, you'll make a stop in Alkmaar. It's a surprisingly charming city, with old streets full of small boutiques and charming restaurants and cafes along the canals. Afterward, you'll check into your last hotel near Haarlem or Bloemendaal aan Zee. Feeling like exploring the city? Then consider Boutique Hotel Staats. Or perhaps a more rural accommodation? One of my favorite places to stay, Plantage Rococo, is also a great base for a day at the beach or in Haarlem. Want to wake up with a sea view? The Poort Beach Boutique Apartments have been completely renovated and are wonderfully luxurious. Alternate a day at the beach with a day in the Waterleidingduinen nature reserve, where you can spot plenty of deer and foxes. Magically beautiful!

Oyster picking on Texel

Antwerp, Lille & the Champagne region

Fingers crossed we'll be able to travel freely to Belgium and France again very soon. During this road trip, you'll immerse yourself in the good life of Burgundy. From Amsterdam to Antwerp (2 nights), from Antwerp to Lille (2 nights), and from Lille to Épernay (3 nights) in the heart of the Champagne region.

Amsterdam – Antwerp (170 km):

When was the last time you were in Antwerp? It's still my favorite city in Belgium, and it's so easy to get there! Antwerp is fantastic for shopping, from the big brands on the Meir to the small boutiques in Kammenstraat and Volksstraat. Sergio Herman recently opened Le Pristine, and anyone who loves good food should definitely add it to their bucket list. Other favorites you'll want to visit soon include Fiskeskur, Bistrot l'îlot, and Green Garage. For accommodations, Hotel Pillar, Hotel Franq, and Hotel August are highly recommended. View all tips for Antwerp here >>

Antwerp – Lille (126 km):

The next stop on this road trip will be Lille. A city I love returning to again and again. It has that French feel just across the border. Where you can shop well, but perhaps even better food. I think the city still needs some improvement in terms of really nice hotels, but until then, L'Arbre Voyageur is your best bet. It's within walking distance of the city center and all its delicious restaurants. Combine shopping with wandering through the historic streets, exploring beautiful parks, visiting museums, and, above all, enjoying a leisurely meal and drink. View all tips for Lille here >>

Lille – Épernay (226 km): 

Have you ever been to the Champagne region? I found it so special the first time I went. The main street was lined with all the champagne houses you see on the menus of fine restaurants. Stately buildings with miles of cellars where champagne bottles patiently wait for that one celebratory moment. The surrounding area is beautiful; you'll find several lovely restaurants that aren't necessarily trendy, but where you can enjoy delicious French food. Load up the car with beautiful bottles to take home as a souvenir. There are plenty of hotels in the Champagne region, but I would definitely recommend accommodation with a charging station for an electric car. View the selection here >>

The way back? Still have vacation days left? Then you could, for example, spend a night in Maastricht on your way home. Of course, you can also use the fast chargers you find in the Free2Move app!

Wandering through Lille

The Zeeland Islands

If you've been following me for a while, you know I was born and raised in Zeeland. A mini road trip through Zeeland is a must! If only because we took it ourselves last summer, and it gave us the ultimate holiday feeling in our own country. Why? Sun, sea, sand, fantastic food, and nature. From Amsterdam to Schouwen and Duivenland (2 nights), from Schouwen and Duivenland to Walcheren (2 nights), from Walcheren to Cadzand-Bad (2 nights), and from Cadzand-Bad to Goes (1 night).

Amsterdam – Schouwen and Duivenland (150 km):

Perhaps one of the most beautiful islands in Zeeland in terms of nature. Westenschouwen, near Burgh Haamstede, offers beautiful walks. Afterwards, enjoy a wine tasting at Wijnhoeve de Kleine Schorre, one of the best Dutch wineries, served in KLM Business Class. Zierikzee is a great base for your days on Schouwen and Duivenland. You'll find several charming boutique hotels there, such as De Zeeuwse Hemel. In Bruinisse, you can enjoy delicious fish at Bru17. It's also fun to go on a fishing boat; you might even spot seals! Weather permitting? Then stay at De Heerlijkheid van Noordwelle, complete with an outdoor pool and palm trees!

Schouwen and Duivenland – Walcheren (43 km):

On your way to the next stop, I highly recommend a delicious lunch at De Houtzaagwerf in Kortgene. It's one of my favorite restaurants, and I keep returning to it. Walcheren is the island where I was born and lived until I went to university. I never thought I'd say it again, but Middelburg is a truly wonderful city for a city break. For example, stay at Boutique Hotel Eleanor. It's also perfect for combining with sightseeing in Veere, the beaches of Domburg, and relaxing at Beach Club Bombarie in Westkapelle. Walcheren isn't a large island, but there's plenty to discover. With kids, Het Kaslokaal in Oostkapelle is a must-see. They can play, while you enjoy your coffee in peace. View all tips for Walcheren here >>

Walcheren – Cadzand-Bad (100 km):

Before there was a tunnel to Terneuzen, you had to take a boat across the Western Scheldt to get to Cadzand-Bad. Fortunately, Zeeland Flanders is now very easy to reach, and unlike how busy Walcheren can get in the summer, you can still experience true tranquility in Zeeland Flanders. That is, until you arrive in Cadzand-Bad, because this seaside resort near the Belgian border is very popular. You'll find many excellent restaurants there (including several by Sergio Herman, whom I mentioned earlier in my tips for Antwerp). Want to go all-in on culinary delights? Then book one of the packages from Het Strandhotel. During this road trip, you'll dine at both Pure C and AIRrepublic, which have a total of three Michelin stars.

Cadzand-Bad – Goes (71 km):

Time to head back to the Randstad! But we're adding a few more nights to explore the Goes area. From Goes, you can easily reach the harbor town of Kortgene, as well as Yerseke. If you love oysters, Yerseke is definitely a place not to be missed. A plate full of oysters, a good glass of wine, and a view of the oyster ponds of places like De Oesterij. Goes has some restaurants to remember: Codium en Kale and De Bril. You can stay at Katoen, diagonally across from Codium.

Tours around Schouwen and Duivenland

More tips for fun weekend getaways by car?

Together with Peugeot, I've already collected tons of great staycation tips throughout the Netherlands! From lovely vacation homes to cities you might not immediately think of for a weekend getaway.

View all tips here