‘Tis the season for holiday travel and plenty of holiday traffic. While this is a joyous time to spend with family, you want to make sure you arrive safely. Here’s a brief guide on how to prepare for a Thanksgiving road trip with family.
Get the Car Ready
Before heading out on a road trip, you must ensure your car is ready. Whether it’s organizing, cleaning, or servicing the vehicle, preparing the car is a pivotal part of a road trip. Firstly, you might want to have a professional check your car’s battery. One of the reasons a car battery maintenance check is important is that this inspection ensures the car can run and stay running while you’re driving long distances.
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure there are enough seats for everyone and that you have storage bins or room for food in the trunk. Packing and organizing everything you bring along will make the drive less stressful.
Take Breaks Between Distances
Even if your trip’s a short distance, it’s always good to pull over at a rest stop to stretch your legs and take a break. Driving without stopping sounds like the most efficient option, but it can quickly tire you out and create safety issues.
Research your route, take note of rest stops between, and measure the distance before you hit the road. If more than one person in your family drives, try switching off between stops to give yourself a break.
Pack Your Food
The best part of some road trips is discovering new places to dine, but packing meals helps you save money and room in your stomach for Thanksgiving dinner. If you need to make pit stops for food, try to eat out around dinner time.
When you spend most of the day on the road, it’s tempting to stop at a drive-thru, but those seemingly quick stops take longer, and there are far too many choices. Pack a cooler or bag with snacks, quick lunches, and drinks. Most of all, don’t forget to pack food for your pet if you plan on bringing them along.
Try and Head Out Early
Traffic is a hindrance on every holiday, especially with Thanksgiving being the first of many celebrated this season. Every holiday, you’ll face long hours waiting for a way to move onto a ramp and make your exit in time.
If you want to avoid road trip traffic, try leaving early in the morning. Aim for between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. if you’re driving for a few hours, but if you’re driving longer, try to leave around 4:00 or 5:00 a.m. These peak times are perfect because fewer drivers are on the road, and some are just starting their day.
You may also want to leave a few days prior to the official gathering so that you’re not late if you hit traffic on the way to your destination. These tips can help create a stress-free thanksgiving road trip with family. Ensure everyone’s ready before hitting the road, and have a great Turkey Day!
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