How do you prepare for a vacation by car?

Documents (ID, passport, international permit, insurance)

Make sure you have all the necessary identity documents (ID card, passport and electronic visa, if required, and visa) and those for the vehicle (registration certificate, certificate of conformity, insurance certificate). For some countries, especially when using a hire car, you may need to obtain an international driving licence (simple administrative request). Warning: in China and Japan, for example, it is generally forbidden for foreigners to drive without a local licence. Find out all you can before you leave. If you are leaving with your own car, your (valid) car insurance certificate or contract will tell you which countries your car insurance is valid for. Otherwise, you will need to take out third-party insurance for the country or countries you are travelling through. If you are travelling to or from another continent with your vehicle, you should find out about customs or temporary import procedures. Breakdown cover may be included with your travel assistance or car warranty. If not, take out one with a replacement car. Lastly, if you are not covered by free circulation agreements, you will probably have to limit the value of the goods you transport, or risk paying taxes at the border.