7 Tips for Holiday Road Trips

Millions of Americans travel during the holidays each year to be with their loved ones.  With heavy traffic and winter weather holiday travel can be challenging.  We want to make sure you make it to your holiday destination safe and sound this Christmas season so we have compiled a list of travel tips.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Weather

Before you take off to your holiday destination make sure you are prepared for winter weather.  This means packing a candle, matches, change of dry clothes, non-perishable snacks, flashlight, shovel, tow strap, snow scraper, de-icer,  highway warning triangles, and kitty litter just in case you get stuck in the snow.

Vehicle Maintenance

Performing vehicle maintenance seems like a routine job, but it never hurts to double check everything before you take off. Most businesses are closed during the holidays make sure you check your tire pressure, oil, windshield wiper fluid, and brakes are ready to go for your holiday road trip.

Map Your Route

Traffic tends to be heavier around the holidays, so it never hurts to plan ahead.  Avoid busy roads so that your trip doesn’t get delayed.  Also, make a plan to avoid roads that can be troublesome during winter weather. It also never hurts to pack a paper map, just in case you have a malfunction with your GPS.

Prepare Your Battery

Make sure your mobile devices are charged when you leave and that you bring an extra charger.  Also, don’t forget jumper cables! You never know when your phone might die or worse, get stranded on the side of the road.

Gas

If at all possible fuel up a few days ahead of time.  Gas prices tend to rise around the holidays and this is a great way to save a few dollars.  It also never hurts to bring a gas can along with you just in case you run out.

Drive Responsibly

It’s okay to arrive a few minutes late. Many wrecks happen from driving too fast or by not being alert behind the wheel. If you feel tired, pull over. Staying alerted is important.  Driving the speed limit will help you avoid a costly situation and most importantly, arrive safely.

Car Insurance

It is very important to ALWAYS drive insured.  With extra traffic and winter weather, it is extremely important that you have car insurance. Not only is it against the law to drive uninsured, but you never know when disaster could strike.

Enjoy the holidays with your family and friends!