Travelling to other countries, in your own car, is a dream for many. Travel enthusiasts love to explore new places, food and culture, along with unparalleled sights, by road. While travelling in your vehicle, you have the freedom to hit the road anytime and make your own rules. Here are some things you must take care of while planning your international road trip. Read on.

Make sure you have Carnet de Passages

Carnet de Passages is valid for twelve months, which is a visa for car owners. This pass will be asked around at many international borders in Europe and around the world. The Federation of Indian Automobile Association Association (FIAA) issues and allows foreign tourists to bring their vehicles to cross or enter the international border of the country. Indians are allowed to travel in their vehicle in countries like the United States, Norway, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Nepal, South Africa, Switzerland, Bhutan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Finland, France, Mauritius, Spain, Iceland, New Zealand, Australia and Sweden.

Plan for overnight stops

Make a plan before you travel, but keep it flexible. Research interesting places to see and make sure your route has rest stops. It is a better idea to have hotel reservations in advance, especially during the holiday season, to avoid any last-minute troubles of finding a stay.

Get your car serviced

Before you hit the road, make sure it is in good working condition. Check things like the fuel, engine oil, coolant, air conditioning, battery, brakes, lights, and tire pressure, to avoid being stranded on the highway with no help for long distances.

Pack essentials

While travelling by car, you never know what is waiting for you; so don’t forget to pack an emergency kit which must include a first-aid kit, a roadside safety kit, enough water, and a warm blanket. Along with your bags, pack a separate overnight bag with daily essentials like toiletries, nightwear and a quick change of clothes. Also to keep your car clean, make sure you have a garbage bin to throw the trash, rather than making the car messier.

Download maps

Make sure you have downloaded the routes through GPS on Google Maps, as there might be chances you may face network issues at times. Don’t blindly follow the navigation, as they might guide you to the shortest routes but can be dangerous. Mark popular eateries and gas stations for small breaks. Also, make sure you get plenty of sleep before driving for long hours on the road.