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5 ways Peugeot Leasing in Europe is complete peace of mind

Road tripping through Europe is everyone’s dream, right? But if you’re an Aussie and don’t own a car on Continental shores, the logistics can be challenging.

Lucky for you then that Peugeot are running long leases for cars in Europe, with a deal just for those living outside of the EU, so you can road-trip as long as you like, from the spectacular scenery of Sweden to tiny Portuguese fishing towns and the Champagne houses of France, for up to 175 days. Here’s why it will take the stress out of your holiday (because that’s what holidays are for, after all).  Discover 5 ways a Peugeot Leasing in Europe is complete peace of mind.

 

Share the load

You know how, on a road trip, there’s always one driver who has to do all the driving? Maybe it’s because they’re the only reliable one, or more likely it’s because they are the only one insured to drive the damn thing. Well you’ve run out of excuses lazy-bones, because with Peugeot European Leasing direct family members or family members living at the same address get on the insurance for free. So now you can take it in turns to sample the bottles at those beautiful French wineries; everyone gets a shot, as it were.

Safety first

Picture the scene: the car breaks down on a dusty road at night. You don’t speak the language; you’re tired; you’re hungry (always)… Not likely with Peugeot European Leasing, because with these guys you get a brand-new car from a choice that includes European Car of the Year 2017, the Peugeot 3008. Still worried? Don’t be­ – 24-assistance is included, there’s a factory warranty for the duration of your lease, and nil excess.

Freedom!

A road trip isn’t a road trip unless you can go off the beaten track a little bit. In Europe you’ve got all the hotspots like Italy, France and Spain, but what about some of the wilder places? Trust us, once you’ve been to Venice, you will crave the quieter retreats of countries, and towns, off the tourist trail. Head to beautiful Budapest in Hungary and experience one of the largest – not to mention most beautiful – thermal baths on the Continent, the Széchenyi Thermal Baths; uncover the secrets of the Ottoman Empire in Serbia and the postcard-perfect towns of Bosnia. In Croatia you have to go to the real King’s Landing of Dubrovnik (try it in off-season though, because Game of Thrones fans are fierce and a lot of them take the pilgrimage). With Peugeot European Leasing you can drive through 41 different countries across Europe – including the less famous ones. There is also no limit on kilometres, so you can go as far afield as your mind can take you.

Mix it up

You’re on a road trip, so you don’t want to have to go all the way back to where you started to return the car, right? No worries, Peugeot European Leasing has organised it so you can pick up your car from 28 different locations, and drop it back at a different one. So you can start your trip eating paella in Madrid, and end it eating sausages in Toulouse (yes, food is a big part of the reason we travel).

Take your time

Come on now guys, there’s no point racing around like Usain Bolt when you’re on your hols. Take it from us – Europe is a big place, with beautiful villages, food like you’ve never tasted, gorgeous wine and fantastic architectural experiences around every bend. Let’s not rush this. And with Peugeot European Leasing you don’t need to, because you can hire a car for anywhere between 21 and 175 days, which is almost half a year people. Six months in Europe? Where do we sign…?

 

Get your European Roadtrip started with Peugeot Europe

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What the European heatwave means for your summer travel plans

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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    Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK. 

    Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

    And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

    Why is it so hot in Europe?

    Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

    France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

    In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

    The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

    Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

    How travel is impacted

    A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius
    A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

    During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

    If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

    Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

    people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris
    People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

    With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

    Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

    How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

    Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

    Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

    Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.