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Car holiday packing lists: essentials and must-haves
A smooth journey doesn’t start when you turn the ignition, but when you put together a well-thought-out list. A well-prepared packing list forms the basis for a comfortable and carefree trip. The question is: what do you take, what do you leave at home, and how do you ensure the most important items are always within reach? Read on to discover how to pack systematically for every road trip.
\n\nThe basics: documents and safety
\n \nBefore you think about clothing and comfort, it’s important to have your administrative and safety matters in order. Without the correct papers and equipment, you won’t get far and will face unpleasant surprises. Good preparation in this area ensures peace of mind and security, regardless of your destination.
\n\n\n\nTravel documents and administration
\n\n\nEnsure all necessary documents are valid and easily accessible, for example, in the glove compartment. To be safe, also make digital copies and save them in the cloud or on your phone.
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- Passport or identity card for all travellers \n\n \n
- Driving licence and vehicle registration certificate \n\n \n
- Green Card (international motor insurance card) \n\n \n
- Policy number for your travel and health insurance \n\n \n
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) \n\n \n
- Any vignettes or environmental stickers for the countries you’ll be driving through \n\n \n
- Debit cards, credit cards, and a modest amount of cash \n\n
Vehicle safety equipment
\n\n\nCheck the legal requirements of your destination in advance. In many European countries, specific safety equipment is mandatory. This includes the following items:
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- Warning triangle \n\n \n
- Reflective safety vests for all occupants (within easy reach) \n\n \n
- First-aid kit \n\n \n
- Spare wheel and jack, or a tyre repair kit \n\n \n
- Jump leads and a tow rope \n\n \n
- Spare bulbs for the headlights \n\n \n
- Fire extinguisher (mandatory in some countries) \n\n
\n\n\n‘ Minor inconveniences affect the mood, while a little planning makes the journey more pleasant. ’
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Comfort on the road for all passengers
\n \nLong journeys require good preparation for comfort. Minor inconveniences affect the mood, while a little planning makes the trip more pleasant. Focus on things that keep the journey enjoyable for everyone, from the driver to the passengers in the back seat.
\n\n\n\nFood and drink within reach
\n\n\nBeing dependent on roadside restaurants is not always ideal. With your own supplies, you save time and money, and always have something on hand. A cool box is an excellent investment for any car holiday.
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- Plenty of water bottles \n\n \n
- Thermos flask with coffee or tea \n\n \n
- Healthy snacks such as fruit, nuts, and muesli bars \n\n \n
- Sandwiches for the first few hours \n\n \n
- Rubbish bags to keep the car tidy \n\n \n
- Wet wipes and napkins \n\n
Personal care and health
\n\n\nIn addition to the mandatory first-aid kit, it’s wise to pack a separate toiletry bag with items for on the go. This prevents you from having to open the entire suitcase at every toilet stop.
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- Basic medication such as painkillers and motion sickness remedies \n\n \n
- Personal medications \n\n \n
- Disinfecting hand gel \n\n \n
- Plasters and blister plasters \n\n \n
- Sun cream and lip balm \n\n \n
- Insect repellent (depending on the destination) \n\n
Practical matters and entertainment
\n \nA smooth journey is more than just driving from A to B. The right technological aids and sufficient entertainment make the journey relaxing and enjoyable, especially when travelling with a family. Good preparation in this area prevents boredom and navigation stress.
\n\n\n\nNavigation and technology
\n\n\nDon’t rely solely on your mobile data connection. In other countries, coverage can sometimes be unpredictable. Therefore, ensure you have a reliable alternative.
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- Navigation system or smartphone with a good holder \n\n \n
- Download offline maps of your route and destination \n\n \n
- Car charger and power bank for your electronic devices \n\n \n
- USB cables for all phones and tablets \n\n
Entertainment for long journeys
\n\n\nThe hours in the car fly by with the right entertainment. Tailor your choices to the interests of your fellow travellers. For a family with children, a separate bag with activities is a smart move.
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- Music or podcasts (download playlists for offline use) \n\n \n
- Books or an e-reader \n\n \n
- Travel games or puzzle books \n\n \n
- Tablets with films or series for the back seat \n\n \n
- Headphones for all passengers \n\n
Smart packing: how to organise your luggage?
\n \nThe art of packing for a car holiday lies in organisation. It’s not just important what you bring, but also how you pack it. A cleverly arranged boot will save you a lot of frustration during stopovers or upon arrival at your destination. Start with the heaviest items at the bottom and work your way up. Place items you’ll need last at the back. Pack a separate bag for any overnight stay on the way, so you don’t have to unload all your luggage from the car. Keep the items you need on the go, such as the cool box, snacks, and a bag with entertainment, within easy reach inside the car itself.
\n\n\n\nPreparing for your car holiday is an important part of the journey. With a complete packing list and smart luggage organisation, you ensure a relaxed start. On the Traveler Tips website, you’ll find more practical articles about route planning, traffic rules abroad, and tips for travelling with family. Discover more on our website and plan your trip down to the last detail.
\nFrequently Asked Questions
\nFor a car holiday, essential documents such as a driving licence, passport/ID card, vehicle registration certificate, and car insurance certificate including a Green Card are indispensable. Ensure you have enough money, debit cards, and travel insurance with a policy number. For vehicle safety, a warning triangle, safety vests for all occupants, a first-aid kit and, if mandatory, a fire extinguisher and spare bulbs are crucial. Check the car beforehand for tyre pressure, oil level, and brakes, and bring a spare wheel or tyre repair kit.
\n\nTo pack smartly for a car holiday and still travel comfortably, fill empty spaces in the car with smaller items, such as shoes or toys. Ensure that important documents, snacks, water, and a first-aid kit are always within easy reach. Keep your car charging cable separate and only stow it away after all other luggage has been loaded to keep it easily accessible. Finally, before departure, check that you have essential items such as a warning triangle and safety vests, which are mandatory in many countries.
\n\nTo enhance the road trip experience beyond the standard packing list, there are some must-haves for both on the way and at the destination. For on the go, a cool box with ice, comfortable neck and back cushions, and entertainment such as downloaded music and games are essential. At the destination, a camera with a charger is ideal for capturing memories. Finally, an umbrella and rain gear can prepare you for unexpected weather conditions, both during the journey and at the location.
\n\nA flexible packing list for a road trip with varying climates and activities starts with essential documents and vehicle necessities. Pack clothing in layers that you can adjust to temperature differences, and opt for multi-functional items. Create separate, adaptable sub-lists for specific activities such as hiking or swimming, which you add or remove as needed. Always keep a small bag with indispensable items such as medication, snacks, and a first-aid kit handy, regardless of the destination.
\n\nFor a carefree journey, a valid driving licence, passport or identity document, vehicle registration certificate, and car insurance certificate with a Green Card are indispensable. Also ensure you have European accident forms, your travel insurance policy, the EHIC, cash, and debit cards. For safety, a warning triangle, safety vests for all occupants, a fire extinguisher, jump leads, and a spare wheel or tyre repair kit are crucial. Finally, don’t forget to bring spare bulbs, a torch, and a complete first-aid kit.
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