The summer drive home: a road trip checklist
Long drives across Europe are a summer tradition for many families. A simple checklist so you arrive relaxed, rested and on time.
Every summer, thousands of families drive from Germany, Austria and Switzerland down to the Balkans and beyond. It's a long trip, and good preparation makes all the difference.
A week before you leave
- 1Check tyres, including the spare, and the tyre pressure for a fully loaded car
- 2Check oil, coolant and windscreen washer fluid
- 3Make sure your documents are valid: ID or passport, driving licence and the vehicle papers
- 4Check whether you need vignettes or toll tags for the countries on your route
- 5Check your car insurance cover for every country you drive through
Packing the car
- Heavy luggage low and close to the back seats
- A warning triangle, high-visibility vests for everyone and a first-aid kit within reach
- Water and snacks in the cabin, not the boot
- Phone chargers and offline maps in case there's no signal
- Sunshades for the side windows if you travel with children
On the road
Take real breaks
Plan a stop every two hours or so. Get out, walk around and drink something. If you feel tired, stop. Swapping drivers is better than pushing through.
Beat the heat and the queues
Leaving very early in the morning means cooler temperatures and often shorter border waits. Weekends at the start of the holidays are usually the busiest.
Make the car feel like home
A long trip is easier in a car that feels nice to be in. Clear out rubbish at every stop, air the car out and hang a fresh freshener before you leave. Some families pick the country they're driving to, so the whole car knows where it's going.
Safe travels, and enjoy the arrival. See all countries on the products page.
