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Packing list for a motorcycle holiday

A man holding a motorcycle helmet wearing Alpine MotoSafe earplugs.

When it comes to motorcycle holidays, good preparation is crucial. We have therefore compiled a handy packing list for your motorcycle holiday. This will ensure that you don't forget anything important and can hit the road with peace of mind! 

 

Important documentation 

 

When you go on a motorcycle holiday, take time well in advance to get all your documentation together and check that everything is still valid. Make copies of all documentation, put them in a waterproof folder and make sure you always have them with you. 

 

  • Passport 

  • Driving licence 

  • International driving licence  

You will need this if you are going on a motorcycle holiday outside the EU. Please note that you must also have your Dutch driving licence with you! 

  • Registration certificate 

  • Proof of motorcycle insurance 

Third-party insurance is mandatory. If your motorcycle is also insured against theft and damage, check your policy to see if different terms apply if something happens abroad. 

  • Health insurance card 

  • Travel insurance 

  • Vaccination booklet (if relevant) 

  • Bank cards and credit cards 

  • Roadside assistance card/details  

For example, your ANWB roadside assistance card. 

  • Emergency contact details 

The details of the person to be contacted in case of emergency (ICE contact person).  

  • Spare key to your motorcycle 

  • Cash 

 

For the journey 

 

Even if you plan to get food on the road or eat out, you should always have water and food with you. You never know! 

 

  • Water 

  • Snacks  

  • Food 

  • Hydration pack/drinking backpack 

Ideal because you can then hydrate while riding. 

  • Water filter 

A water filter or water purification straw is ideal for emergency situations, as well as for motorcycle holidays in remote areas and countries where the tap water is not suitable for drinking. 

 

Clothing and motorcycle clothing 

 

Your (motorcycle) clothing depends in part on your destination and the season. But as you can read in our blog post with tips to best prepare for your first motorcycle holiday for beginners, it is wise to be prepared for unexpected weather conditions. 

 

Clothing 

  • Underwear  

  • Socks 

  • Casual clothing 

  • Sleepwear 

  • Swimwear 

  • Shoes 

  • Slippers 

  • Plastic bag for dirty clothes 

 

Motorcycle clothing 

  • Helmet 

  • Helmet hat/balaclava 

  • Motorcycle jacket 

  • Motorcycle trousers 

  • Good socks 

  • Motorcycle boots/shoes 

  • 2 pairs of gloves (summer and winter) 

  • Scarf/neck warmer 

  • Rainwear 

  • Thermal clothing 

  • Sunglasses or sun visor 

  • Earplugs (including storage bag and cleaning spray) 

Alpine has several motorcycle earplugs, which offer optimal protection against hearing damage caused by wind noise and engine noise. 

 

Personal care products 

 

Of course, this motorcycle holiday checklist would not be not complete without the things you need for your own personal care: 

 

  • Toothbrush 

  • Toothpaste 

  • Soap/shower gel 

  • Deodorant 

  • Shampoo 

  • Shaving equipment 

  • Towels 

  • Hand gel/hygienic wipes 

  • Toilet paper 

  • Sunscreen 

  • Face cream 

  • Body lotion 

  • Lip balm 

  • Vaseline 

  • Tick tongs and/or tweezers 

  • First aid kit 

  • Personal medication 

  • Paracetamol or ibuprofen 

  • Menstrual products 

  • Mosquito repellent 

  • Contact lenses/glasses 

(Always bring a spare pair of glasses or extra set of lenses if you depend on them! You don't want to end up halfway through the trip with only one lens or broken glasses...) 

 

Overnight stays 

 

What to bring for these depends on where you will be staying. Camping is a lot cheaper than staying in hostels, hotels or Airbnb's, but it does mean you have to bring considerably more stuff.  

 

If you go camping: 

  • Tent 

Before setting off, pitch the tent once to check that you have everything you need, including pegs and guy ropes. 

  • Groundsheet 

  • Sleeping bag 

  • Mat 

  • Sheet 

  • Pillow 

  • Paracord 

  • Pegs 

  • Tea and coffee 

  • Cooking equipment 

  • Lighter/matches 

  • Dishwashing utensils + tea towel 

  • Torch 

including (extra) batteries 

  • Straps (useful for securing luggage, but also as a clothesline) 

 

If you are staying elsewhere: 

 

Check in advance what facilities are available and what is and is not provided in terms of towels, soap, sheets and pillowcases, among other things. Hostels often offer the option of renting towels, for example, which is worth considering if you want to take as little luggage as possible.  

 

Tip: as well as earplugs for the motorcycle, bring sleep earplugs. It's nice to feel rested after a night in a noisy ho(s)tel or on a campsite with noisy guests! 

 

Equipment and electronics 

 

  • Smartphone 

  • Charger 

  • Powerbank (fully charged) 

  • Travel plug/world adapter (if needed) 

  • Possibly a separate navigation system 

Are you going off-grid? If so, bring a paper map of the region as well, just to be sure! 

  • Holder and mounting system for your smartphone/navigation system 

  • Communication system* 

  • In-ear earphones  

 

*optional 

 

Tools & other motorcycle supplies 

 

You should bring enough to sort out any technical problems, but bringing half the garage is not an option. We recommend packing at least the motorcycle supplies and tools listed below. Are you going on a motorcycle holiday with others? If so, discuss who will bring what tools so you can share the burden. Keep in mind that spare light bulbs and engine oil can vary by make and type of motorcycle. 

 

  • Tyre repair kit 

  • Tyre pressure gauge 

  • Multitool 

  • Spare fuses 

  • Spare light bulbs 

  • Small bottle of engine oil 

  • Chain spray 

  • Cable ties 

  • Duct tape 

  • Instant glue 

  • Visor cleaner  

 

Security 

 

As for securing your motorcycle, you can take the same measures as you do at home. Do you have a tracker system? If so, check in advance that it works in the destination country. 

 

  • Chain with lock 

  • Disc brake lock 

  • PacSafe net or cable 

  • Motorcycle cover 

  • Tracker