Roadtripping around the world
Before I start...
You probably clicked on this packing list cause you're about to hit the road yourself. And thinking about this actually makes me smile a lot. The first roadtrip I did was in a small car. I tilted the seats back and slept on the front seats. And you know what? It was amazing. You don't have to spend a lot on the craziest equipment. Roadtrips can be super cheap. And there is no right or wrong! I'll share everything you need to pack for such a trip.
I know how stressfull packing can be.. Especially when packing for a roadtrip..
so hopefully I can take away a bit of the stress by just sharing the things that I packed for my trip.
So turn some music on - and let's pack together <3
Pauli's Packing List
what I packed for traveling with my car or van
Part 1: Basics
Personal Documents
(International) Drivers License
Depends on where you go. But definitely make sure to carry your license.
vehicle papers
Passport
You need this one all the time when crossing borders etc.
Vaccination Proof?
Sometimes you need it. Rather check first just to be sure.
International Health Insurance
the one I use
Check for Vignette/ tolls and try to buy them in advance
In most countries you have to pay for using the highways. Make sure to check this before to avoid getting fined.
Vehicle Insurance Check
Check if you have a form of Insurance that would help you when something happens in other countries. There are several providers like ADAC. It's not essential but has helped me.
Organizer
whenever I pack my big backpack or even for the van I use them. They help to organize everything much better and help you save some space.
Drybag
When you hop on a kayak you want your stuff to be fully dry. You can buy these ones in Asia too though.
Backpack
Boxes
I personally use boxes for storing my stuff in the van. It gives much better structure and organization
Empty Crate
Lifesaver if you have opened bottles and you don't want them to fall over.
Cosmetic
Sunprotection
Definitely make sure to bring enough! This is one thing that's super expensive in other countries
Surf - Zinc Sunprotection
After Sun - Lotion
Skincare Products
the essential things you need (don't bring too much).
Make-Up Products
Facial Cleansing Products
Tweezers
Razor
I lost mine and bought one in Asia - they have a lot here too.
Toothbrush + Paste
Hairbrush + Ties
Shampoo + Conditioner
I use non fluid, biodegradable ones, so that I can shower outside if I want to.
Case for non fluid Shampoo
In here I stored mine
Deodorant and Refills
I swear on my deo, you know that :D But def bring a deo - your hostel mates will thank you.
Moskito Spray
Desinfektion Spray
Wound Cream
Contactlenses + Fluid
Birthcontrol/ Condoms
Desinfection Spray
Surfponcho
it's so convenient after Showers/ after Surf
Medicine Stuff
I'd recommend to talk to a pharmacist and just prepare yourself with the stuff that feels important to you.
Clothing
it fully depends on where you're planning to go and for how long you'll stay. This is an example for an average Europe trip in May.
For the van I pack clothes for 2 weeks, and then just wash them.
14x Underwear
10x Socks
6x Bikinis/ Bathing Suits
I live in my bikinis :D
I wear them 24/7 and usually just combine them with a skirt/ shorts and a shirt on top. That's why I packed less TShirts and more Bikinis.
2x Surf Bikini/ Surf Suit
1x Wetsuit for Surfing in colder places
3x Tops
2x Sport Bra
2x Shirts (Blouse)
You see me often wearing a Bikini Top and a Shirt over it. This is my Go to cause you're covered and don't sweat a lot.
1x thin long sleeve Shirt
2x Jeansshorts
1x Saron
1x long Jeans
1x Leggings
1x Flowy long trousers
1x Hoodie
1x Joggers
1x Rain poncho or Rain Jacket
1x Vest
when I travel to colder areas
1x Bucket hat/ Cap
1x beanie
when I travel to colder areas
1x warm Jacket
when I travel to colder areas
Shoes
1x Slippers
1x hiking boots
1x Sneakers
Technical Stuff
This one is a true lifesaver :D
When you got bitten by a mosquito you put this one on top, then it heatens up and the bite won't be itchy anymore + heals quicker.
Cameras
Tripod
this is how I take the photos by myself :D
SD Cards// Harddrives// SSDs
if you're photographing a lot or working as a photographer
SD-Phone// SD-Laptop // SD-Ipad Adapter
Laptop/ iPad
only if you need to work online
IPad Pencil
Phone
a Stick to open your Phone Sim Slot
Depending on where you travel you'll buy a local SIM Card. Most of the times they'll change it for you but sometimes they don't. Then its super handy to have the stick with you :)
Charger for
- Phone
- Cameras
- Earpods
- Laptop
- Ipad
AirTags
Part 2:
Everything you need to pack in your car/ van
Electrical Situation
Jumper cable
Sometimes vehicles struggle with their batteries. It's always good to carry one.
Key - Battery Check
Some cars have electrical Keys. Make sure to check yours before cause you don't want it to stop working while being on the road.
Charger for the Car/ Van
Cigarette lighter adapter to charge your stuff
- USB Plugs
- Bigger one (the one I use)
cable drum/ extension cable
Powercable for connecting to Electricity at Campsites
Landstromanschluss Kabel
AirTags
Extra fuses
Extra Sicherungen, falls mal eine fliegt
Fairy Lights
Cooling box
Cooking Situation
Part 1: Cooker
Options: Gas, Petrol, Electric...
I personally cook with Gas. But you don't have to do so. Just adapt the Cooker you personally need.
On all of my car roadtrips, this has been the only one I used. And even in my van I use it a LOT.
make sure to buy some online already since they cost much more on the road.
Gas Stove attachable to a Tank
Big Gas Tank
Gas Tank Adapters for filling up
windscreen to protect the stove when outdoor cooking
Part 2: Pots and Pans
2 Pots + lids
If you need it - here's the reminder to pack it.
Optional: 1 Pan
1 spatula
Pfannenwender
1 cooking spoon
Eating Situation
Extra Bottle
There are several options to refill. Save some plastic guys
Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, ...
Vinegar
Spices/ Seasonings
Cutleries
- Big/ Small Spoons
- Forks
- Knives
- Bread Knife
- sharp Knifes
Dishes
- bowls
- plates
- glasses
- cups
- Egg holder
Cutting boards
Coaster
Untersetzer
so you can put hot pots on the table
Bottle-/ Wine Opener
Can Opener
Optional: Metal Straws
Cleaning Situation
Big Bowl in which you'll clean the dishes
I use a foldable one. I'll link it.
cutlery holder
So cutlery can dry on its own after cleaning it.
sponge/ dishcloth
for cleaning
Dish Soap
I use biodegradebale one so I can wash my stuff outside
4x Kitchen Towel
Drying Matt
You can put the wet dishes on it so it can dry quicker
Zewa/ Kitchen roll
Watertank with Outlet for Cleaning
Cleaning Vehicle Inside
Trash Bags
Waste Bin
Super helpful to have one that you can put outside while cooking.
Broom
Door mat
It's been a lifesaver in the van to keep away the dirt
Extra Towel that can get dirty
I use biodegradebale one so I can wash my stuff outside
VAn Safety
To make sure you'll never be stuck in nowhere
so you can't see inside
Gas Warner
Not essential. I have one - just to be sure.
Extra Fuses
Extra Sicherungen, falls mal eine fliegt
Extra Outdoor-lock for your keys in case you go surfing
Second Car Key
AirTag at Key
You don't want to loose your key
Check for your spare wheel - so you're covered when something happens
Share your location with friends/ family.
Do a mechanical check before you leave
I use outdoor and extra indoor locks - it's no essential though.
All of your documents
See first bullet point "Personal Documents".
Vanlife
Not essential but nice to have
Outdoor carpet
It keeps most dirt away
Doormat
It keeps most dirt away
Keep in mind: you don't nessecarily need all of this. On my first roadtrip I mainly sat on the floor :D
Gas Tank Adapters for filling up
magnetic battery light for outside
Surfskate/ Longboard, ...
Shower situation
This is the one I use the most
Biodegradable Shampoo and Conditioner
Poncho
Laundry Situation
Laundrybag
helps you to stay organized and not mix your dirty clothes with the others.
clothes line
You want to dry your clothes
Toilet situation
Camping Toilet
There are several options. Choose the one you like best.
Toilet paper
Make sure to never leave it elsewhere. You don't want it be left in nature.
Shovel
If you poop outside
Water situation
I use 20l + 30l extra Tank
Water Tank Outlet
Water tube for refill
Water tube Connectors
Other ESSENTIALS
Curtains/ or thermo matts
so you can't see inside
Toolkit
Car jack
Vehicle papers
All of your documents
See first bullet point "Personal Documents".
Snow chains?
depends on where you'll go
Boxes
I personally use boxes for storing my stuff in the van. It gives much better structure and organization
Broom
Empty Crate
Magnetic Hooks
SO HERE WE GO - OFF TO A NEW ADVENTURE :)
