Road Trip Tips for Holiday Travel
The holidays are here! That means, family dinners, holiday parties and lots and lots of road trips. Traveling long distances can be stressful or it can be memorable, fun, and easy if you follow these few simple steps.
Winter Check-up
Have a certified mechanic check your oil level, tire pressure, windshield wipers, heater, defroster, antifreeze, and brakes, before you head out on the road. Having your vehicle break down in the middle of nowhere is the last thing you want when traveling during the holidays.
Check Road Conditions and the Weather Report
The sky may be blue in your neck of the woods but that may not be the case near Grandma's house. Before you leave check the Federal Highway Administration's website for up-to-the-minute traffic information, detours and road construction. The Weather Channel's website is also a great resource as you can find out the weather conditions of the interstates and roads on which you will be traveling.
Be Prepared with Winter Driving Essentials
Traveling during the winter months can be tricky. Be prepared for whatever weather comes your way by packing an emergency snow-kit. Water, food, a flashlight, Jumper Cables, a de-icer, a handheld snow brush and windshield scraper, a Shovel, an inexpensive bag of cat litter or sand for traction in case it gets stuck in snow, a towing chain, etc. Although this may seem extreme remember that the old adage, "It's better to be safe than sorry."
Keeping personal hygiene essentials close at hand is also a good idea. Toothpaste and toothbrush, hand sanitizer, deodorant, toilet paper, Kleenex, and a change of underwear and socks. You can never predict the weather conditions and never know when these items can come in handy. Packing a few bottles of water and healthy snacks is a great idea as well.
Don't Forget Your Cell Phone
If you make a habit of carrying a cell phone be sure it is charged and, if you can afford it, be sure to also carry a portable car charger and extra battery. If you don't have a cell phone be sure to purchase one prior to your departure. There are several inexpensive "no contract" pre-paid cell phones on the market. Also, if you're traveling long distances make sure your phone has local, long distance and roaming abilities.
Buckle Up
Most states require drivers and all passengers to use a safety restraint system while riding in a motor vehicle. Few people think they will be involved in an accident, but it's too late to buckle up once a crash begins. Buckling up takes two seconds and it is that two seconds can mean life or death. In many states, being ticketed for not wearing a seat belt can increase your auto insurance rates. Also, if traveling with children, make sure they are properly restrained. While most people know that infants and toddlers need to be in a child safety seat, many us do not know that children under 4'9" must be in a booster seat. If you do not have a booster seat for your child, make sure to pick one up immediately, it's the law.
Watch Your Speed
Making it in time for the Christmas party isn't worth putting your life on the line. Make a schedule, even if it's just a mental note, of what time you must leave your house in order to make it on-time to wherever it is that you are traveling. Be sure to allow extra time for bathroom breaks, food breaks, and rest stops (if you're traveling long distances).
Make Sure You're Insured
Auto insurance helps protect you, your family and your automobile in case of the unexpected. There are several types of coverage on the market including Property coverage (for damage to or theft of the car), Liability coverage (for the legal responsibility to others for bodily injury or property damage), and Medical coverage (for the cost of treating injuries).
Check to see what type of coverage you have and be sure to speak to your local insurance agent to see if you have all the coverage you need. In Texas, discount car insurance is available in most areas. Before you head out on the road it is extremely important to make sure you have all the insurance you need. If you think you can't afford auto insurance just think of the cost of having to pay for the expense of an auto accident out-of-pocket. There are affordable Auto Insurance options available. Many people are eligible for auto insurance discounts for things like having a good driving record or owning a home.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
It's a sad fact that there will be intoxicated drivers on the road and although we're not 100% able to anticipate other driver's actions we can be 100% aware of our own. Eliminate distractions. Focusing on the fact that "We're going to be late" or listening to our kids fighting in the backseat is dangerous. If traveling with children be sure to speak to them of the importance of being able to focus while you drive. Pick up a few coloring books or travel toys. Being bombarded with questions of "Are we there yet?" is never good for any driver especially in the winter when the road conditions can be questionable. Teach them a game that they can keep themselves occupied with. Billboard Scavenger Hunts, I-Spy, and Finding the 50 States in License Plates are just a few.
Unfortunately you must also remember that there may be other drivers on the road that may have had a few alcoholic beverages prior to getting behind the wheel. Although we can't account for their actions we can be especially vigilant when it comes to our own. Keep a safe distance when driving behind other vehicles on the highway - a distance of 4 cars between vehicles is recommended. If you notice a vehicle driving erratically take down their license plate, phone the police and steer clear of their path. Whatever you do, DO NOT DRIVE DRUNK! It may go without saying but operating a vehicle when under the influence not only is a bad idea...it just may be the last idea you have in your life. Not to mention that your auto insurance rates will skyrocket after a DUI conviction. Take a taxi or ask if you can crash on the couch. If the host or hostess is kind enough to invite you to the party then they too must be kind enough to make sure you get home safely, even if that means that you won't make it home until the morning of the next day.
Take a Camera
You'll never be able to imagine all the cool things you'll see while on the road. Taking a camera with you can help you capture some of really memorable moments. Whether you want to stop and take pictures with your favorite road signs or capture all the in-the-car-antics having a camera can help to make the commute unforgettable and fun. Because there's little else more disappointing than not being able to capture priceless moments don't forget extra batteries and film or, if your camera is digital, extra memory cards.
All in all, traveling during the holidays can be stressful but following these simple rules can make travel a pleasure instead of a pain. Take your time, plan ahead, and have fun!
Winter Check-up
Have a certified mechanic check your oil level, tire pressure, windshield wipers, heater, defroster, antifreeze, and brakes, before you head out on the road. Having your vehicle break down in the middle of nowhere is the last thing you want when traveling during the holidays.
Check Road Conditions and the Weather Report
The sky may be blue in your neck of the woods but that may not be the case near Grandma's house. Before you leave check the Federal Highway Administration's website for up-to-the-minute traffic information, detours and road construction. The Weather Channel's website is also a great resource as you can find out the weather conditions of the interstates and roads on which you will be traveling.
Be Prepared with Winter Driving Essentials
Traveling during the winter months can be tricky. Be prepared for whatever weather comes your way by packing an emergency snow-kit. Water, food, a flashlight, Jumper Cables, a de-icer, a handheld snow brush and windshield scraper, a Shovel, an inexpensive bag of cat litter or sand for traction in case it gets stuck in snow, a towing chain, etc. Although this may seem extreme remember that the old adage, "It's better to be safe than sorry."
Keeping personal hygiene essentials close at hand is also a good idea. Toothpaste and toothbrush, hand sanitizer, deodorant, toilet paper, Kleenex, and a change of underwear and socks. You can never predict the weather conditions and never know when these items can come in handy. Packing a few bottles of water and healthy snacks is a great idea as well.
Don't Forget Your Cell Phone
If you make a habit of carrying a cell phone be sure it is charged and, if you can afford it, be sure to also carry a portable car charger and extra battery. If you don't have a cell phone be sure to purchase one prior to your departure. There are several inexpensive "no contract" pre-paid cell phones on the market. Also, if you're traveling long distances make sure your phone has local, long distance and roaming abilities.
Buckle Up
Most states require drivers and all passengers to use a safety restraint system while riding in a motor vehicle. Few people think they will be involved in an accident, but it's too late to buckle up once a crash begins. Buckling up takes two seconds and it is that two seconds can mean life or death. In many states, being ticketed for not wearing a seat belt can increase your auto insurance rates. Also, if traveling with children, make sure they are properly restrained. While most people know that infants and toddlers need to be in a child safety seat, many us do not know that children under 4'9" must be in a booster seat. If you do not have a booster seat for your child, make sure to pick one up immediately, it's the law.
Watch Your Speed
Making it in time for the Christmas party isn't worth putting your life on the line. Make a schedule, even if it's just a mental note, of what time you must leave your house in order to make it on-time to wherever it is that you are traveling. Be sure to allow extra time for bathroom breaks, food breaks, and rest stops (if you're traveling long distances).
Make Sure You're Insured
Auto insurance helps protect you, your family and your automobile in case of the unexpected. There are several types of coverage on the market including Property coverage (for damage to or theft of the car), Liability coverage (for the legal responsibility to others for bodily injury or property damage), and Medical coverage (for the cost of treating injuries).
Check to see what type of coverage you have and be sure to speak to your local insurance agent to see if you have all the coverage you need. In Texas, discount car insurance is available in most areas. Before you head out on the road it is extremely important to make sure you have all the insurance you need. If you think you can't afford auto insurance just think of the cost of having to pay for the expense of an auto accident out-of-pocket. There are affordable Auto Insurance options available. Many people are eligible for auto insurance discounts for things like having a good driving record or owning a home.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
It's a sad fact that there will be intoxicated drivers on the road and although we're not 100% able to anticipate other driver's actions we can be 100% aware of our own. Eliminate distractions. Focusing on the fact that "We're going to be late" or listening to our kids fighting in the backseat is dangerous. If traveling with children be sure to speak to them of the importance of being able to focus while you drive. Pick up a few coloring books or travel toys. Being bombarded with questions of "Are we there yet?" is never good for any driver especially in the winter when the road conditions can be questionable. Teach them a game that they can keep themselves occupied with. Billboard Scavenger Hunts, I-Spy, and Finding the 50 States in License Plates are just a few.
Unfortunately you must also remember that there may be other drivers on the road that may have had a few alcoholic beverages prior to getting behind the wheel. Although we can't account for their actions we can be especially vigilant when it comes to our own. Keep a safe distance when driving behind other vehicles on the highway - a distance of 4 cars between vehicles is recommended. If you notice a vehicle driving erratically take down their license plate, phone the police and steer clear of their path. Whatever you do, DO NOT DRIVE DRUNK! It may go without saying but operating a vehicle when under the influence not only is a bad idea...it just may be the last idea you have in your life. Not to mention that your auto insurance rates will skyrocket after a DUI conviction. Take a taxi or ask if you can crash on the couch. If the host or hostess is kind enough to invite you to the party then they too must be kind enough to make sure you get home safely, even if that means that you won't make it home until the morning of the next day.
Take a Camera
You'll never be able to imagine all the cool things you'll see while on the road. Taking a camera with you can help you capture some of really memorable moments. Whether you want to stop and take pictures with your favorite road signs or capture all the in-the-car-antics having a camera can help to make the commute unforgettable and fun. Because there's little else more disappointing than not being able to capture priceless moments don't forget extra batteries and film or, if your camera is digital, extra memory cards.
All in all, traveling during the holidays can be stressful but following these simple rules can make travel a pleasure instead of a pain. Take your time, plan ahead, and have fun!
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