What to take on vacation by car: a complete list for a safe trip

Are you planning a vacation by car? This is a great way to explore new places without being tied to a transport schedule. But in order for the trip to go without unpleasant surprises, it is important to prepare properly. Many drivers forget about little things that can ruin their entire vacation: from the lack of a spare tire to forgotten documents.

In this article we have collected complete current list what you need to take on vacation by car in 2026. We took into account traffic regulations, recommendations of auto experts and the experience of experienced travelers. You will learn not only about basic things, but also non-obvious little things, which will come in handy on the road.

We paid special attention children's trips and documents - the two most problematic areas for most road travelers. And at the end of the article you will find a convenient interactive checklist, which can be saved to your phone.

Travel documents: what to check before going on vacation

Without correctly completed documents, you not only risk getting a fine, but you may also lose the opportunity to continue your trip. In 2026, the requirements for documents remained the same, but some nuances appeared.

Mandatory minimum for traveling in Russia:

• 📄 Driver's license (check expiration date!)
• 📄 Vehicle registration certificate (or PTS with a registration mark)
• 📄 MTPL policy (electronic version is now equal to paper version)
• 📄 Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation (to confirm identity)

If you are traveling abroad, you will additionally need:

• 📄 International passport (check the validity period - at least 3 months after return)
• 📄 Green card (international car insurance policy)
• 📄 International driver's license (if required by country regulations)
• 📄 Power of attorney to drive a vehicle (if the car is not yours)

⚠️ Attention: On March 1, 2026, a new customs union regulation came into force, according to which when traveling to the EAEU countries (Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan), a Russian OSAGO policy is sufficient - a green card is not required.

First aid kit and medicines: what should be in the car

A standard car first aid kit, which is sold in stores, often contains only a basic set. For a long trip, especially with children, this is not enough. Compose individual medical kit taking into account the characteristics of your family.

Mandatory minimum according to GOST R 41.12-2017:

Category	Contents	Quantity
Dressing materials	Sterile bandage, gauze wipes, adhesive plaster	2 pcs, 1 pack, 1 roll
Means to stop bleeding	Hemostatic tourniquet, hemostatic sponge	1 piece, 1 pack
Antiseptics	Iodine, brilliant green, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine	1 bottle each
Tools	Scissors, tweezers, medical gloves	1 piece, 1 piece, 2 pairs

Additional medications for vacation:

• 💊 Painkillers (Nurofen, Ketanov, Paracetamol)
• 💊 Antihistamines (Suprastin, Tsetrin - in case of allergies)
• 💊 Remedies for motion sickness (Dramamine, Avia-More)
• 💊 Medicines for indigestion (Imodium, Smecta)
• 💊 Individual medications (if any of the passengers take them)

⚠️ Attention: If you are carrying prescription drugs (for example, strong painkillers), have a prescription from your doctor with you. When crossing the border, some countries require the prescription to be translated into English.

Spare parts and tools: what to take in case of breakdown

Even a new car can fail on the road. According to traffic police statistics, 37% of tow truck visits in 2023 were associated with problems that drivers could fix on their own if they had a minimum set of tools. Don't rely on chance - prepare in advance.

Basic set of tools:

• 🔧 Jack (check its functionality!) and wheel wrench
• 🔧 Screwdriver set (flat and Phillips)
• 🔧 Pliers and side cutters
• 🔧 A set of socket heads (especially if you are driving a foreign car)
• 🔧 Small hammer
• 🔧 Electrical tape and heat shrink tubing
• 🔧 Multimeter (for checking electrical)

Spare parts and consumables:

• 🚗 Spare tire (or tire + puncture repair kit)
• 🚗 Fuses (set for your car model)
• 🚗 Light bulbs (dimensions, brake lights, turn signals)
• 🚗 Towing cable (minimum 4 meters)
• 🚗 Canister with oil reserve (1 liter)
• 🚗 Coolant (0.5 liters)
• 🚗 Jumper wires (if the battery is weak)

For owners electric vehicles and hybrids In addition, we recommend taking:

• 🔌 Portable charger (power bank for cars)
• 🔌 Adapters for different types of sockets (if you are traveling to Europe)
• 🔌 Cable for charging from a regular outlet (in case there are no stations)

Things for comfort: what to make your trip more enjoyable

Long trips are tiring, especially if there are children in the car. A few simple things can make your trip more comfortable and reduce stress.

For the driver:

• ☕ Thermos with your favorite drink (coffee, tea)
• 🎧 Noise-canceling headphones (for relaxing in parking lots)
• 👓 Polarized sunglasses
• 🧴 Hand cream (skin dries from air conditioning)
• 📱 Phone holder with wireless charging

For passengers:

• 📚 Books or e-book
• 🎮 Tablet with downloaded movies/games
• 🎧 Children's headphones with volume limiter
• 🧸 Favorite toy or blanket (for children)
• 🧩 Board games (compact versions)

How to entertain a child on a long trip

Create a “road quest”: prepare in advance a list of objects that you need to find along the way (a cow, a red car, a bridge, etc.). For each object found - a small prize. This will distract the child and make the trip more interesting.

Don't forget about food and water:

• 🍎 Fruits (apples, bananas - do not wrinkle)
• 🥜 Nuts or dried fruits (nutritious and do not spoil)
• 🍫 Chocolate (lifts your mood)
• 💧 Water (at the rate of 1 liter per person per day + reserve)
• 🍞 Sandwiches in a container (if you don’t plan to stop)

Things for children: preparation features

Traveling with children requires special preparation. According to statistics, 68% of families They encounter problems on the road precisely because they forgot to take into account children's needs. Here's what you need to take:

For infants (0-1 year):

• 🍼 Bottles, pacifiers, sterilizer
• 🧴 Diapers (with extra + wet wipes)
• 🛏️ Portable crib or car seat
• 🧺 Diapers (useful for changing diapers on the go)
• 🍶 Baby food (for the whole journey + reserve)

For children 1-6 years old:

• 🪑 Child car seat (required! Fine for absence - 3000 rub.)
• 🧸 Favorite toy or “soothe”
• 📺 Tablet with cartoons (download in advance!)
• 🧴 Sunscreen (even if you’re not going south)
• 🧥 Warm jacket (the car may be cool from the air conditioning)

For schoolchildren (6-12 years old):

• 📚 Books or comics
• 🎮 Handheld game console
• 📝 Notepad and pencils (for drawing)
• 🧢 Cap or Panama (from the sun)
• 💊 Medicines for motion sickness (if the child is prone)

⚠️ Attention: If a child is riding in the front seat, turn off the airbag! This is a traffic requirement for children under 12 years of age. In most cars, this is done with the key in the ignition or a special switch on the panel.

Overnight things: if you plan to sleep in a car or tent

Many road travelers save on hotels by spending the night right in the car or in a tent. This requires special preparation, especially if you are traveling to cold regions or mountains.

For an overnight stay in the car:

• 🛌 Air mattress or thick blanket (to smooth out uneven surfaces)
• 🧥 Sleeping bag (choose according to the season)
• 🔦 Flashlight (preferably a headlamp)
• 🪟 Window protection (curtains or blackout film)
• 🔌 Power bank (so that the phone does not run out of charge at night)

For camping:

• ⛺ Tent (check for leaks before going!)
• 🔥 Gas burner or grill (if you plan to cook)
• 🍳 Camping utensils (pot, mugs, spoons)
• 🧴 Mosquito and tick repellents
• 🧼 Biodegradable soap and wet wipes

If you're planning on wild camping, be sure to check the region's regulations. In some reserves and national parks prohibited put up tents outside special areas. Fines can reach 5,000 rubles.

Technical preparation of the car before the trip

Even if your car is in excellent condition, before a long trip you need to check full diagnostics. Here is a minimum list of checks:

Mandatory checks:

• 🔋 Battery (check the voltage - it should be 12.6-12.7 V)
• 🛞 Tire pressure (including spare tire!)
• 💡 All lamps (headlights, brake lights, turn signals)
• 🔧 Oil and coolant level
• 🔊 Signal and horn performance
• 🧹 Air filter cleanliness

Additional recommendations:

• 🛠️ Conduct computer diagnostics (costs 500-1000 rubles, but will reveal hidden problems)
• 🔧 Check the brake pads and discs (wear should not exceed 70%)
• 🛞 Balance the wheels (especially if you feel vibration at speed)
• 🔋 Test the air conditioner (in hot weather it should cool to 10-15°C)

For owners electric vehicles:

• 🔌 Check the condition of the high-voltage battery (diagnostics in the service)
• 🔌 Update charging station maps in your navigator
• 🔌 Take adapters for different types of connectors

Don't forget about washing and cleaning car before the trip. Dirt on the windows and headlights reduces visibility by 30%, and dust accumulated in the cabin can cause allergies in passengers.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about road trips

Do I need to take the original PTS with me?

From January 1, 2020, it is not necessary to take the original PTS with you. It is enough to have a vehicle registration certificate with you. However, if the car is on credit or lease, it is better to clarify the terms of the agreement - some banks require a title.

Is it possible to carry a gas cylinder for a burner in a car?

Yes, but subject to the rules. The cylinder must be new (not used), with an unexpired expiration date. The maximum volume is 5 liters. The cylinder must be transported in an upright position, in a well-ventilated place (preferably in the trunk). It is prohibited to transport cylinders inside a car.

What products cannot be transported across the border?

Rules vary by country, but generally prohibited: fresh meat, dairy products, fruits and vegetables (without a phytosanitary certificate), honey. Animal products (sausages, cheeses, etc.) cannot be imported into EU countries. For violation, products can be confiscated and a fine of up to 300 euros issued.

Do I need to take a fire extinguisher with me?

According to Russian traffic regulations, every car must have a fire extinguisher. Minimum requirements: volume 2 liters, expiration date. For the absence of a fire extinguisher, the fine is 500 rubles. For international travel, check your specific country's requirements - some require a 5 liter fire extinguisher.

How often should you stop on a long trip?

Doctors recommend stopping every 2-3 hours for 15-20 minutes. This helps avoid blood stagnation and reduces driver fatigue. If you are traveling with children, stop more often - every 1.5-2 hours. During stops, it is useful to do a light warm-up: squats, bends, stretching.