Five Big Road Trip Tips for a Successful Holiday Journey

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Soon, everyone will be hitting the open road to travel, near or far, to visit family, friends, and the people they love for the holidays. You could argue it’s the warmest time of the year, despite the cold weather. While we’ve shared plenty of safe driving tips, including for nighttime driving, getting your vehicle ready for the winter months, and keeping up with general vehicle maintenance, now’s an excellent time to plan for holiday trips. Whether you’re going cross country or a state or two up, or down, or over, it’s always more fun, and safer, when you’re prepared.

Some of these tips may be a little more obvious, but it still helps to have a thorough checklist that way you can make sure you have all the bases covered! They include getting your car ready, packing some supplies, and securing some in-car entertainment during the ride. When you’re ready, mount up and let’s see what we’re working with.

1. Do a Vehicle Check-Up

This is one that may seem like an obvious tip, but before traveling long distances you should always do a quick check-up on your vehicle, at the very least. Top up fluids like windshield washer fluid, oil and radiator fluid. Check your tires and visit a local shop to have them rotated or replaced as needed. Don’t forget your spare tire! Also check your brakes and replace those if necessary. Consider an oil change and filter swaps, cabin filter included.

If you want to do a simple check at home use an OBD2 scanner to find error codes that are flagged by the systems computer. You can use that information to decide if you’re going to do the repairs yourself or if your vehicle needs professional attention. You might also want to bring that scanner with you during the trip, just in case.

2. Plan Your Trip Route

Map out your trip in advance. While it’s easy to pull up the route on a GPS app or navigation system and follow that way, for longer trips it’s best to plan out a loose itinerary. Where are you going to stop for gas, snacks or bathroom breaks? Are there any attractions or places you want to visit along the way? How long should the trip take you in total? Are you stopping at hotels for the night or driving straight through?

Some of these answers may even change depending on the road conditions, traffic or weather. If you hit a rainy area you might want to pull off and wait for the weather to clear, for example. Or, if you hit bad traffic, you might want to pull off the highway and visit a store or station for a quick bathroom break while waiting for things to simmer down. It helps to have these potential locations scoped out beforehand. Roadtrippers is an excellent tool for planning out long trips complete with potential stops along the way. If you have younger children along for the ride, stopping at an attraction or two is almost always a must. They’ll appreciate getting out to stretch their little, antsy legs.

3. Pack Emergency and Backup Supplies

Pack emergency supplies for you and your passengers, like food, water, and a first aid kit, but don’t forget about the vehicle. You might already have your spare but consider bringing some extras, like oil, antifreeze, and other supplies. Sure, you might have a smartphone to make emergency calls, but if you’re going somewhere off-grid, a radio or additional communication might also be necessary. Also, remember to pack any gifts or presents you’re bringing along first, so they’re in the back, with the necessary supplies out front for easier access during the trip.

You could pack a portable power station to charge your devices on the road. Sleeping bags and camping gear are great in case you want to stop off somewhere. Raincoats and all-weather gear are good to stay dry. Flashlights, flares, batteries, cameras, a car jack, duct tape, jumper cables, rags or paper towels, these are all potential items to pack in the trunk or small toolbox. If you’re going somewhere cold, take a window ice scraper, tire chains (if necessary) , extra blankets, traction mats, sand or cat litter — in case you get stuck in snow. Try to think outside the box depending on where you’re going.

4. Entertain Your Passengers

If you’re traveling with family, or friends, make sure everyone has gear packed to keep them entertained. Kids especially need something to keep their minds occupied, so they’re not asking you what’s going on every five seconds. Handheld game consoles, tablets, board games, books, art supplies, and if you’re bringing electronics — like a Nintendo Switch — make sure you have something packed to charge the battery like a portable power pack or a power station. There are also some great toys and puzzles that use simple disposable batteries, like the devices you can find from GiiKER and similar brands.

If you want some bonus points, think up some fun driving games to play during the trip. Get a game or two going when things really start to slow down. In holiday traffic, for example, it helps to keep everyone alert but occupied.

5. Minimize Distractions and Rest Up

Before the big trip, rest up. But also, take the time to prep the vehicle and get everything ready for the drive so you’re not distracted. Make sure your phone and mobile devices are connected to the vehicle, especially if you’re using Bluetooth. Install that new phone mount or holder to the dash. Install, setup, or prep your dashcam for the trip. Make sure you have napkins and similar supplies in the glove box. Clean out areas of the car filled with junk or leftovers, like door drink holders, storage cubbies and the center console — you might need that storage for something else. Make sure you have a trash bag handy, or an in-vehicle garbage can.

Also, consider leaving at odd hours to avoid traffic. Leave early in the morning or later in the evening when everyone would be home having dinner. Take breaks as soon as you feel yourself getting tired, or swap out with a co-driver like your spouse or partner.

With some solid planning this could well be the best road trip you, and your family, ever take. Happy holidays and drive safe everyone!

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