The great thing about travelling abroad in a car is that you really can drive off into the horizon and explore to your heart’s content. There are absolutely stunning areas that are often hard to access through public transport, so renting a car or driving to your destination can mean that you find some breathtaking sights and experiences.

Driving empowers you to take your holiday into your own hands. If you enjoy spontaneity on a vacation, then it’s best to ditch other modes of transport. However, with great individuality comes great risk! Prepare yourself for an exciting journey with the following checklist:

GPS Systems and Maps

On the road, GPS systems are a complete life-saver. It will significantly reduce your stress levels, on the road. All you have to do is key-in your destination, and it will guide you at every turn. However, even some GPS systems can go haywire when you need them most! That’s why it’s always advisable to take an old school map with you, just in case.

Wireless Communication

Travelling in a group takes a lot of organisation. To mobilise everyone effectively, it’s important to keep up communication lines. Obviously, you shouldn’t talk on your phone – even in countries where it’s still legal to do so – because it drastically increases your chances of a car accident. Instead, take a hands-free system with you, to stay in-touch with your fellow travellers. You don’t want to leave anyone behind by accident!

Maintenance

Before you leave, it’s so important to make sure your car is in perfect working order. One of the worst things that could happen on holiday is a massive vehicle breakdown in a country where you can’t speak the language. It puts a huge dampener on your vacation. And it causes a lot of stress. Keep your car in great condition.

Just in case you breakdown at night, always make sure you carry a torch in the car at all times (with spare batteries).

Sustenance

Fill your boot with plenty of water – especially if you’re driving in a hot country; local water isn’t always drinkable and you don’t want to be in the middle of nowhere, with no access to H2O. You should also have some imperishable food with you, just in case you’re miles away from an eatery (and you get the tummy growls). And no, a bag of wine gums doesn’t really count.

Documents

You should always have important documents with you, such as your passport and driving licence. You don’t want to find yourself with an s172. Just in case an accident occurs, you should have all your emergency home contacts in a safe place, as well as the details of a motor lawyer.

Health First

Keep spare blankets in your car, as well as a first aid kit. Accidents do happen and it’s good to be prepared for them. Especially in countries where you’re more likely to sustain life-threatening injuries, due to sparse health and safety laws.