10 things every cockpit needs

Before you hit the road, you should get your "cockpit" ready so you have the most important things within reach while driving. Based on our own experience - sometimes painful - we've put together a short list for you. If you've got more tips, drop us a comment!

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• GPS/road map: Most frequent travelers own a sat nav by now. But you can't rely on it completely, as we've had to learn more than once. Sometimes you skipped buying the last pricey update, sometimes the device loses signal, and sometimes it just decides to give up entirely. That's why we recommend always carrying the matching road maps too. Small detours can be fun - but the fun stops the moment you find yourself lost with your caravan in the narrow lanes of a tiny mountain village. We know what we're talking about... [vcex_spacing size="10px"]

• Driver's license/ID documents/emergency card: Your driver's license should always be within reach, and don't forget your ID card or passport either - especially when heading abroad. At border crossings into Croatia, Andorra, or Norway, for example, ID or customs checks are still sometimes carried out. It's best to keep your documents in the glove compartment, center console, or door pockets - much more comfortable than your pants pocket :-) It's also a good idea to always carry an emergency card with the key details (personal information, blood type, required medications, etc.), so the right measures can be taken quickly in case of an accident or serious illness. If you don't have one yet, you can download a printable template here. [vcex_spacing size="10px"]

• Cash/debit card/credit card for toll stations: In several European countries (and probably soon in Germany too...) highway tolls are charged, often payable at toll stations. It's wise to always keep some cash on hand, ideally a good supply of coins, since card payment isn't accepted everywhere. It's also happened to us a few times that the card readers didn't work, leaving us scrambling to dig out cash at the last second. [vcex_spacing size="10px"]

• Drinks: Especially on longer drives, it's important to drink regularly. Bike water bottles are handy since you don't have to fiddle with unscrewing a cap - you can just drink one-handed. The closure also stops spills, and the bottles often fit into the holders built into the vehicle. After testing several options, we now use the Sigg WBM Sports Touch, since it comes with different cap options, is flavor-neutral, and the wide opening makes it easy to clean. [vcex_spacing size="10px"]

• Snacks: We'll admit it - we just can't travel without snacking along the way. More than one sandwich has met its end at full speed on a European highway. If you also tend to get sudden hunger pangs, stock up on small snacks that can be eaten on the go without making too much of a mess. In our experience, good options include: nuts, cookies, crackers, dried fruit, gummy bears, BiFi sausages, salami sticks, chocolate, rice cakes, and cut-up fruit or vegetables. Not recommended: pizza, sushi, burgers, and meatballs. Don't ask why - just trust us! (Happy to provide a detailed cleaning-cost comparison from various services on request...) [vcex_spacing size="10px"]

• Tissues/paper towels: If something spills, the windows fog up, or you catch a cold - a bit of paper can fix most problems, at least for the moment. [vcex_spacing size="10px"]

• Sunglasses: Even if you set off under cloudy skies or in the rain, don't forget to pack your sunglasses. Wet, reflective roads, hazy light conditions, and sunrises or sunsets can blind you depending on the sun's position. [vcex_spacing size="10px"]

• Seatbelt cutter/emergency hammer: As already mentioned in our "Basic Equipment" list, these tools are essential for emergencies - whether you're planning a long trip or just heading out for a short drive. They cost just a few euros and some companies even sell them in a combined version, and they can save lives. Ideally, you should keep one of these tools per passenger in the respective door compartments. [vcex_spacing size="10px"]

• Flashlight/torch: For breakdowns, accidents, or just to find your way in poor lighting conditions, you should carry a small torch that can also be stored in the door or glove compartment. [vcex_spacing size="10px"]

• High-vis vests: In Germany and other European countries, high-vis vests are mandatory. You need to carry at least one for every passenger — in some countries even one per seat — and wear it whenever you leave the vehicle outside built-up areas. You can find all the rules on this, among other places, here.

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