You’ve decided to road trip it through the holidays! Maybe cost of flights were too high, you wanted a family adventure or you just prefer driving. Regardless driving during this time can bring on the stress!
Roads are filled with traffic, everyone gets hungry, and you need to stop for gas and potty breaks! All of these things can easily add time to your trip. So having a plan for your route can help you gain some control over how things will go!
We don’t want your road trip to leave you feeling stressed before you even hit the road, so here are some tips that we think will make your driving rate a success:
Routine Car Maintenance Before You Go
This seems obvious right? However it’s the holidays…food, get togethers and gifts are what is on your mind. Be sure that all routine maintenance has been done before you go! Oil changes, tire rotations, wiper blades…all the things! Check for your spare tire, you don’t want to be without it in the middle of nowhere. Lastly get an emergency kit like this for road
Plan Overnight Hotel Stays
Before you go book any over night hotel stays! You do not want to try to find a one nighter during the holidays. Hotels fill up fast, and if you show up you may be out of luck or stuck at a less than desirable location. Find a safe area with access to the interstate or highway. Also, I personally like the added bonus of a free breakfast, it gets everyone fed and full before getting on the road. If your road trip is 12+ hours we highly recommend splitting that drive. Long car rides make everyone cranky and uncomfortable no matter how much entertainment or stops you have planned. Our team of agents are travel experts, we are free to you and can help you book even your 1 night, to book through us just click this link bit.ly/FTTQuote.
Plan Your Stops
Before you go be sure to look at the maps or navigation you will be using for the suggested route, and become familiar with potential alternate routes. Look for exits and stops with restaurants, rest areas and gas stations you may want to stop at along the way. If you know when you are leaving then plan your meals at a particular stop, this way you can get everyone out to stretch, potty and eat. Give the kids a little bit of playtime too outside the car, so restaurants with a play area are always a hit! Download gas savings apps like Gasbuddy and SitorSquat to maximize your gas savings and know where to stop. If you want to take it a step further purchase discounted gift cards for your restaurants and gas stops before you go. You can ask me more about discounted gift cards in the comments. Planning your stops is going to keep everyone happy along the way!
Car Necessities
Being comfortable in the car is key! Be sure to bring blankets and pillows. We all know there is always someone either asleep or cold on a long drive. Children’s carseats should be strapped in properly and ready to go, I usually vacuum ours out before long drives. A good car charger is important to have. I like a charger that charges quickly with a dual USB port like this one https://amzn.to/3497Qx3. Have your snacks and drinks handy. Entertainment should be easily accessible for children and any other passengers.
Relax and Enjoy the Ride
Part of road tripping is family bonding! Remember to take time to enjoy each moment! Don’t be rigid! If you see potential fun stops along the way like those total tourist trap souvenir stores we all know and love, just do it! Haha! Laugh, make memories, and stop and smell the roses (well not literal roses because it’s winter and you likely won’t see any but you know what I mean)! Make this holiday road trip the one to remember!
