Holiday Travel Tips for 2016
It’s that time of year again, the holiday season is officially upon us! For many people the holidays mean one thing: hitting the road to go visit loved ones. The holidays are a time for us to take a break from the stress of everyday life and focus on all the things we have to be grateful for, especially our friends and family. With everyone talking turkey and distracted by the sugar plums dancing in their heads, it’s important to prepare for your travels before you take on the open road.
According to Time magazine, 48.7 million Americans will be traveling this season, an all-time high for the past nine years! With so many more people planning on taking to the roads this holiday season, be sure you’re ready to handle your road trip with these travel tips:
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Check Your Car Before You Leave
It’s best to have your mechanic check everything out, but, if that isn’t an option, make sure you have good tire pressure, you’re up to date on your oil changes, your windshield wipers are in good condition, and that all your headlights are in proper working order before hitting the road. Thanks to our friends at 21st Century Insurance for this great travel tip!
Make a Travel Plan
Start by mapping out your route. Be sure to plan stops to rest, and maybe even stop by some of the best pit stops in America, if any are on your way! Also, check what the travel conditions will be like along your way, and be prepared in case you’ll need to deal with rain, ice or snow.
Have a Back-up Plan
Be prepared just in case you hit traffic or another travel nightmare. Downloading apps like Waze can help you avoid traffic or accidents, and you can help other drivers who are on the same route as you. Be prepared with snacks, blankets, and a flashlight in case of emergency. Also, be sure to have a map in case you get lost in an unfamiliar area without cell reception.
Travel on Off Days
If you have the flexibility in your schedule, the Travel Channel recommends that you try to leave at least two days before the holiday. You’ll be saving yourself, and other drivers, the hassle of extra traffic, and you’ll get to spend that extra time with your loved ones helping with the cooking, playing board games with your nieces and nephews, and all the other special traditions your family has.
Pack light
As tempting as it is to pack multiple outfit choices so you can look your best for family photo ops, overpacking your car causes it to run less efficiently. That means you’ll be stopping more often to fill up your gas tank and spending more money. Do yourself a favor and pack lighter to get to your destination faster!
Drive the speed limit
Speaking of faster, resist the urge to speed while traveling. As tempting as it may be to get to your destination quickly, your friends and family will be grateful to have you arrive safe and sound, without getting a speeding ticket, or worse, an accident.
Whether you’re traveling to the opposite coast or just the other side of town, the CashforCars.com team wishes you and yours very happy – and safe! –holiday travels this season.
