Summer vacation - Avoiding traffic jams, helping pets - tips for a good vacation
Simultane start of Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland on July 15 into summer holidays. This means vacation for many, but also traffic jams, concerns about pets, and the search for holiday jobs. There are many places that offer tips.
TRAFFIC
The General German Automobile Club (ADAC) advises drivers, especially women, to plan more travel time. In both federal states, the A3 and A6 as well as the A61 are particularly affected by heavy traffic. In its traffic jam forecast, the ADAC specifically draws attention to two construction sites: on the A6 (Kaiserslautern – Metz/Saarbrucken) in both directions between St. Ingbert-West and Saarbrucken-Fechingen, and on the A8 (Karlsruhe – Saarlouis) in both directions between Kreuz Neunkirchen and Neunkirchen-Oberstadt.
The ADAC advises avoiding weekends and, in particular, Friday afternoons, Saturday mornings, and Sunday afternoons for long trips. Tuesdays through Thursdays are better suited. One should also be well prepared for long waiting times, with sufficient cold drinks and snacks, appropriate clothing, and games to keep children entertained in traffic jams.
JOBS DURING SUMMER HOLIDAYS
For many young people, summer holidays mark the beginning of a holiday job. The Structures and Authorization Directorate (SGD) South emphasizes that youth labor protection must be observed. The responsible supervisory authority points out the following regulations, according to President Hannes Kopf.
From the age of 13, a light, child-friendly job with parental consent is permitted but only for up to two hours daily and not during school hours. Anyone who is at least 15 years old may work in the holidays for a maximum of four weeks (or 20 days). For youths aged 15 to adulthood, the following rules apply: a maximum working time of eight hours daily and 40 hours weekly, as well as rest periods.
Working with hazardous substances or under the influence of noise, vibrations, or radiation is prohibited. The necessary protective equipment must be provided, and youths must be informed about safety and health regulations.
ANIMALS
According to the State Criminal Police Office (LKA) in Mainz, there were 49 reported cases of animals being abandoned in Rhineland-Palatinate last year. Twenty-three animals died - among them 14 snakes. In some cases, owners went on vacation and left their animals unattended. "This practice is not only immoral but can also be legally pursued," the LKA emphasized.
For small animals, the risk of discovery is low, but fines of up to 25,000 Euros can be imposed. "If the animal suffers or dies, it is a criminal offense that can result in a prison sentence of up to three years." The LKA therefore appeals to all pet owners to find alternatives if pet care during vacation is not possible.
Animal boarding facilities, care services, or temporary care by friends or family can secure the well-being of animals. "Who leaves their animal behind," the LKA emphasizes, "acts not only immorally but must also reckon with serious penalties."
FLIGHT TRAVEL
The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure advises travelers to check in online, arrive at the airport on time, and be aware of the current security regulations. The airport security checkpoints are particularly busy during the summer holidays. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure to allow sufficient time for check-in, security checks, and potential queues. Passengers should also be aware of the current entry and exit regulations for their destination country.
The Hahn Airport expects over 150,000 passengers during the three summer months, according to its own statements. With a catchment area of approximately 200 kilometers, it serves as a hub for flights to the Mediterranean, European mainland, and North Africa. The airport reports that over 126 aircraft take off weekly to 42 warm water and city destinations - including Mallorca and destinations in Spain such as Barcelona, and in Italy such as Rome.
"We would like to thank our passengers in advance for an early arrival and careful preparation at the security checkpoint, contributing to a smooth and stress-free start to their vacation", said Rüdiger Franke, Managing Director of Triwo Hahn Airports.
- If you're planning a journey from Karlsruhe to Saarbrücken during the summer holidays, be aware of the heavy traffic on the A8 between Kreuz Neunkirchen and Neunkirchen-Oberstadt.
- The Structures and Authorization Directorate (SGD) South in Rhineland-Palatinate advises young people starting a vacation job to observe youth labor protection regulations.
- For children on long car trips during the summer vacation, ADAC suggests bringing sufficient cold drinks, snacks, appropriate clothing, and games to keep them entertained in traffic jams.
- Pets left unattended during vacation in Rhineland-Palatinate can lead to up to 25,000 Euros in fines and even a prison sentence, according to the State Criminal Police Office (LKA) in Mainz.
- Many animal boarding facilities or care services are available in Neunkirchen, helping pet owners ensure their animals' well-being during their summer vacation.
- Saarland, especially Saarbrücken and Saarlouis, is included in the ADAC's traffic jam forecast, with construction sites on the A6 and A8 causing delays during the holiday season.
- Travelers flying from Hahn Airport during summer vacations should check in online, arrive at least two hours before departure, and be aware of current security regulations and travel requirements.
- In River Rhine-Palatinate, the abandoning of pets during vacation can be considered a legal offense, especially if the animal suffers or dies, and penalties can be severe.
- The General German Automobile Club (ADAC) recommends women to plan more travel time and avoid weekends for long trips during the summer vacation, with Tuesdays through Thursdays being the better choices.
- Vacation jobs for young people in Kaiserslautern should adhere to stricter regulations, as working with hazardous substances, under noisy or radiating conditions, or beyond the prescribed hours is prohibited.
