Tips for a car trip

On long car trips it is necessary to have a break often enough. On longer breaks you can also go sightseeing, so before you travel search information about the sights on your route. This way you will get more out of your trip! Reserve pillows and sound books for the travel. The backseat passengers will also stay entertained with portable dvd players. If you plan to visit a beach on your way, pack a beach accessories on a separate bag ready beforehand. Water cookers that are designed for cars will serve to make coffee and tea or to warm up baby's bottle.

Driving a car in Germany

Many motorways don't have speed limits, but the recommended speed is 130 km/h. In some cities in Germany there are environment zones where you can drive only if your car is equipped with a sticker stating the car emission numbers. If you drive in environment zone without the sticker you will get fined. 

Using studded tyres is forbidden in Germany and will result in confiscation. While driving keep enough space between you and the car before you. Traffic jams are formed easily by roadwork and you have to be ready to slow down quickly. Hazard flashers are used to warn those driving behind you. They are used when you join the tail of the traffic jam or when there has been an accident ahead. If you have an accident or need help there are emergency phones by the motorway every one kilometer apart. Gas stations along motorways serve 24h. Some of the gas stations have a cafe or restaurant that is open also during the night. 

Driving a car in Finland and Sweden

Grocery bag for car holiday 

It is useful to pack snacks for a car holiday that are easy to eat by hand. Take a cooler with you and pack food in closable containers, this way you won't find unpleasant surprises in the bottom of your bag. If you prefer to cook a meal on the road, pack a disposable barbeque and grill sausages for example on a beach. Small snacks like dried fruits and nuts will entertain children on a long journey. Choose snacks that won't crumble easily. 

Packing list

• Butter knife 
• Cheese slicer
• Disposable dishes and cutlery
• Wet wipes
• Paper towels
• Plastic cans with jars and Minigrip-bags 
• Thermos bottle
• Water cooker
• Chopping board
• Can opener
• Cooler

Right way to pack your car

See your car's instruction book for the maximum load weight. It is illegal to drive a overloaded car and the driving qualities of a car change radically when it's loaded heavily. Check the tyre air pressure. Pack the luggage so that in case of sudden braking things don't fall on passengers and avoid unattached objects inside the car. If you need more space for your luggage, a ski box on top of the car might be an option. 

Pack these in your car:

• Towing rope
• Emergency triangle
• Safety vest
• Windshield washer fluid
• Jump leads
• Flashlight