Travel can be stressful, even on the best day, but add in the influx of people during the holidays and it can be downright awful. Fortunately, The Auto Wire at Yahoo! has shared some of its best holiday road trip tips.
At Thanksgiving, we saw a record number of travelers. Over 43 million Americans hit the road – the biggest number in seven years – and we will likely see similar numbers traveling for Christmas, Chanukah, and New Year’s. The article says with proper planning, “you can navigate the holiday travel rush and enjoy a smooth, stress-free trip.”
Here are five suggestions:
- Avoid peak travel times – Expect congestion if you are driving on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day especially
- Choose alternate routes – A creative approach to route planning can save time and stress so be sure to take advantage of navigation apps such as Waze or Google Maps
- Prepare for the unexpected – It’s always smart to have an emergency travel kit with you. Besides first aid supplies, you should have a flashlight and batteries, a phone charger, bottled water and snacks, and warm clothes and/or a blanket.
- Winterize your vehicle – If you’ll be driving through areas prone to snow, make sure you have the proper tire pressure and depth for best traction, top off essential fluids such as antifreeze and windshield washer, and your car battery is in good condition.
- Entertain passengers – The trip will be much more enjoyable if your passengers have activities to keep them happy such as books, toys and games, podcasts, and favorite playlists.
It’s also a good idea to make sure the driver is well-rested and keep coffee, tea, or soda handy for a quick energy boost.
What are your best road trip tips? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter) and let us know what you do to make sure your travels are safe and stress-free.
