Tips for Thanksgiving Travel

Can you believe next week is Thanksgiving? Busy roads are always a major part of the holiday weekend. If you are driving to your destination, consider the following tips for safe Thanksgiving travel.

1. Lists: Start by making a list or two of all the essentials for your long holiday weekend. Consider making a list for each person and your fur babies. Cross items off your lists as you begin to pack and load your vehicle.
2. Vehicle Maintenance: Before leaving for your destination, do a quick maintenance check on your vehicle. Check the tire pressure, oil level, antifreeze level, brake fluid, and the condition of the wiper blades.
3. Get Gas Early: If possible, get gasoline early to avoid long lines at the pump. Also, gas prices increase with demand.
4. Arrival Time: Know exactly when you need to be at your destination to adjust your driving time. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
5. Pack and Load: If possible, start packing early. Clothing and other non-perishable items are easily the first items to cross off your list. Try to load as much as possible into your vehicle the night before your departure time.
6. Road Trip Snacks: Depending on the amount of driving time, snacks are an essential especially if you have children in the car. Plus, packing your own road-trip snacks and beverages saves time and money.
7. Be Flexible: Leave early to avoid the traffic. Wednesday and Sunday are the busiest travel time for Thanksgiving weekend.
8. Stop When Needed: Do not be afraid to take breaks. Around each one hundred miles, try to stop at a rest area or local café. Breaks are not a luxury but a priority. Remember for your own safety to lock your vehicle at every stop.
9. Weather Watch: The weather changes quickly. Use a local weather app or your GPS to watch for any sudden changes. Pack an emergency kit for your vehicle including a first aid kit, phone charger, and extra blankets.
10. Be Mindful: Watch out for other drivers. When people are in a hurry, mistakes happen in an instant. Be alert. Follow the rules of the road. Don’t speed. And avoid alcohol consumption.
11. Child Safety: Secure children in the age-appropriate car seats. Bring favorite toys, games, videos, music, and other items for entertainment on the road.

Most of all, make your road trip an adventure. Have fun. Stop and take photos. Enjoy every minute of the trip.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Author: Rebecca C.

I am just a person who loves to photograph and write about the world around me. View all posts by Rebecca C.