Summer holidays are meant to be relaxing—sun, beaches, fresh mountain air, and stress-free days. But there’s one common mistake that can instantly turn a perfect vacation into a logistical nightmare: parking in the wrong place.
Epanomi beach, Thessaloniki, Greece on May 17, 2020.
Here are four places you should never park during your summer break:
1. On the Beach
It might sound idyllic—parking next to the waves with the sea breeze filling your car. But this romantic idea can quickly turn into a disaster. The sand may look solid, but your tyres can easily sink, leaving you stranded without traction. Most vehicles aren’t designed for off-road terrain like soft beach sand, and only a tow truck—or emergency services—can pull you out.
2. In Nature Reserves
Exploring nature is a wonderful part of any trip. Driving into it, however, is another story. Some visitors venture into protected areas thinking no one will notice. But authorities often patrol these zones, and the consequences can be serious. Aside from heavy fines, you risk harming delicate ecosystems or blocking emergency access routes.
3. On Unmarked Dirt Roads and Hidden Trails
Social media is full of tips about “hidden beaches” that don’t appear on Google Maps. While tempting, these secret spots often involve rough, unpaved paths that become impassable after rain. Loose gravel, mud, and uneven ground can trap your car for hours. If you’re in a remote area without mobile signal, help may be far away—and your insurer might blame you for “driver negligence.”
4. Under Old or Leaning Trees
Shade is great in the summer heat, and parking under a tree may seem like a smart move. But aging or unstable trees, especially in hot or windy conditions, can drop heavy branches—or worse, collapse entirely. If a tree looks even slightly unstable, keep driving and find another spot.
