It's useful to know what is going to be mandatory, and what is optional. If it is mandatory, it means you can't go on the trip without it! We will be checking some of these at Dover, so please make sure you have all of the mandatory items. Do not try to skip any, as there could be dire consequences if you miss some of them, such as on the spot fines in Europe. If you miss out on things like European breakdown, the cost of recovering your car will be more than the value of your car unless it is a very valuable mini, so don’t miss out on it!

USE THIS CHECK LIST, STRIKE THROUGH ITEMS AS THEY ARE LOADED INTO YOUR CAR, NOT AS THEY ARE PUT ON THE KITCHEN TABLE! MANDATORY

1. Passport
2. Driving Licence
3. European Car Insurance cover
4. Car Insurance details
5. Car Registration document  V5
6. Fire extinguisher
7. spare wheel CHECK IT IS INFLATED AND DOES NOT HAVE A HOLE!
8. Food
9. Clothes
10. Spending money (euros)
11. Petrol money (euros)
12. European Breakdown recovery  and the number to call if you break down
13. Warning triangle
14. Headlamp reflector patches OR USE BLACK STICKY TAPE - COSTS NOTHING AND WORKS JUST AS WELL
15. Tent and camping equipment making sure it is all present and correct including poles!
16. Spare bulb kit
17. GB sticker  Mandatory unless your number plate is an EC one
18. High viz jacket
19. First aid kit
20. Engine oil - at least a gallon
21. At Least 1Ltr of Water

1. A mobile phone
2. Tools
3. Music for the journey (if you can hear it above the noise of your engine singing away
4. A walkie talkie 
5. Haynes manual 
6. Some screenwash 
7. E111 form for medical cover in case you are ill
8. Travel insurance documents