Stress-free holidays by car




Our checklist helps with planning





by Helga Meyer, maut1.de - 16 April 2024

Planning a holiday by car can be an exciting and eventful experience, what do you need, does everything fit in the car? What is the best way to pack, what do you need on the journey? There are many questions that occupy you before you set off on holiday by car. 

With the right preparation, you can start your journey completely relaxed. One of the most important aspects for us is the consideration of toll charges, vignette obligation and possible traffic jams at the toll station. We offer you a direct solution for this, our toll box! With this you can get through the toll stations quickly and don't have to worry about the charges. You will receive a convenient invoice by e-mail after 30 days. 

In our travel checklist we help you to prepare and plan your journey by car wherever you want to go.

Plan your destination and route: It is best to plan direct stops and sights on your journey. This will make the journey more exciting and you will have regular breaks that don't just take place at a motorway car park. Take small detours and explore the regions you pass through. 

Vehicle check: Check the condition of your vehicle before setting off. Check the oil level, tyre pressure, brakes, lights and air conditioning to avoid unexpected problems.

Das Auto für die Reise packen

Organise your luggage: Pack your luggage so that heavy items are at the bottom and the car is not overloaded. If you have a lot of luggage with you, we recommend transparent plastic boxes, where you can always see immediately what is stowed in the box without having to clear everything out. You should always pack drinks, important papers, mobile phone charging cables and activities for children towards the front, preferably in the footwell. 

Traffic jams - take precautions: Make sure you have enough food and drink with you for the journey, especially if you are travelling long distances. A breakdown or traffic jam can always happen unexpectedly. Especially in summer, it is important to drink plenty of fluids. In winter, we also recommend having a blanket to hand.

Toll box: A toll box is a practical way to drive through toll stations without stopping and to avoid the traffic jam at the toll station. You can find more information about our toll box here

Entertainment for the journey: Keep your children entertained during the journey, especially if they are travelling with you. There are excellent games for children: 

  • I see what you don't see, 
  • I'm packing my suitcase..., 
  • Phrases from car licence plates Example: SAD - HM Simon ate the homemade marble cake 
  • Who am I?,
  •  Etc...

Auf Reisen mit der Familie im Auto

Refuelling and route planning: Plan refuelling stops along your route and check whether there are enough petrol stations to avoid the risk of running out of fuel. Refuelling is cheaper in some countries, so check in advance where you can refuel best. If you are driving an electric car, bear in mind that the charging stations are sometimes faulty, so it is best to plan early charging breaks and look for an alternative straight away. 

Check the weather and traffic conditions: Before setting off, check the weather forecast and traffic conditions to avoid unexpected problems and adjust your journey time accordingly. The snow conditions in other countries or on Alpine passes are often different to those here, so you should be prepared for this.

With this checklist you are optimally prepared for your holiday by car. Enjoy your journey and arrive safely at your destination!

Picture credits : Header image : @ Ralf Geithe / adobe.stock.com & Picture car pack @ Stavros / adobe.stock.com  & Picture family travelling @ Robert Kneschke / adobe.stock.com
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