While it would be nice to head off for a Holiday trip to find clear roads, no traffic, and fantastic weather, that may be asking a bit too much. The reality is that anywhere you are going, other people are going to be heading to as well. You can expect to find Christmas Eve traffic, traffic during Christmas, and traffic on any other holiday.
However, there are some tips you can make use of to ensure you save as much time as possible, even in holiday traffic. We’re happy to share them with you to make your travel as calm and easy as possible.
Do Some Research Before You Leave Home
One of the best things you can do in advance of your holiday trip is to look into your options. While you might expect one route to be simpler and have less traffic than another, that isn’t always the case. Depending on the needs of other drivers, even the least likely road might end up causing stand still traffic.
Have at least one alternate route you can take if things get hairy. Find some fun attractions on the way that your kids will enjoy. They might take up a bit of time, but you can beat traffic and go quickly once you get back on the road. Breaking up the drive can give you time to energize yourself, as well.
Get Your Car in Perfect Working Order
It’s important not to take off on a trip if you aren’t sure your car is operating perfectly. Anything can happen out there, and nobody wants to end up stranded on the side of the road. Have the lights, tires, oil, hoses, belts, and fluids checked and take care of any problems before you leave. It's particularly important to check tires, especially if you will be driving long distances.
Simply taking some time to get maintenance tasks out of the way will likely make your trip less stressful. Get this done early and then forget about it. You’ll be less likely to end up in trouble and you can focus on what the holiday is all about: enjoying time with the people you love.
Make Sure You Are Fully Prepared
When you’re driving there’s no need to stress about flight delays or cancellations, but there are other problems that can crop up. You never know when you might have car trouble and need your car jack, an extra tire, or jumper cables. It’s also a good idea to have some warm blankets and other items around to keep everyone from freezing if you get stuck somewhere without heat.
Pack some games and toys for the kids, bring a first aid kit, and remember your flashlights and a set of tire chains. You may not need most of these things, but if you do, you’re going to be extremely glad you have them by your side.
Secure Your Home Before Hitting the Road
This isn’t strictly related to your car, but it is important, nonetheless. Lock up all your doors and windows and consider turning your garage door opener off to prevent any intruders from making their way inside. There’s nothing worse than spending time in Christmas Eve traffic only to come home and find out someone has been inside your home.
You should also avoid posting on social media that you are traveling since that can also bring in intruders. If you have the ability to do so, set your lights on timers to make it seem as if you are home for the holidays. Other options include having a neighbor check in or leaving a car in the driveway.
Stay Connected to the Outside World
If you want to keep ahead of any holiday traffic, consider adding some travel apps to your phone or tablet. Many apps and websites provide a holiday traffic report. If you listen early, you can get an idea of which areas to avoid and which to take in order to get to your destination without extra time. Even with GPS, you should have an option in case it goes out or you aren't able to get a signal.
There are even apps that will tell you which gas station has the cheapest fuel or where you can stop when the kids need to use the bathroom. Download some games for the kids, as well, if you think they’ll get bored on the ride. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of entertainment to make the drive a bit less monotonous.
Keep Hydrated and Fill Your Stomach
While this doesn’t have much to do with time, it does have to do with attitude and comfort on your drive. If someone in the car is thirsty or hungry, this can lead to irritability. It can also cause you to make decisions you might not otherwise. Either pack plenty of drinks and snacks or stop from time to time to ensure everyone is full and hydrated.
It’s also a good idea to eat before you head out, so you can make the first leg of your trip count. Plus, you’ll save money from cutting out at least one stop on the drive to where you’re spending the holidays. So pack up and bring what you’ll need for your long drive ahead.
Plan to Travel at Off-Peak Days and Times
If you’re able to travel on a day that isn’t Christmas Eve, it’s often best to do so. The traffic is going to be much worse right near a holiday and you may spend a lot of time frustrated in stand-still traffic. Try to set yourself up for success by traveling the roads on an off day so any stops you make are your decision. That said, sometimes the actual holiday of question can have less traffic than the day before and after it so keep that in mind.
In addition to that, the time of day that you leave will also have an impact on the experience you have. The absolute best times to drive are late at night or early in the morning. Most people will still be in bed, so the road will be your own. You can get a jump start and get where you’re going before the world wakes up for the day - just make sure you get plenty of rest before you leave.
Stay Calm and Do What You Can to Relax
When it comes down to it, the most important thing is trying to stay relaxed, regardless of what happens on your trip. When you get frustrated over things, it can lead to making decisions that aren’t optimal or even engaging in risky driving. If you are in a situation where you need to calm down, pull over and give yourself some time to relax before you get back onto the road.
Wrapping Up
It may be a bit stressful to think about your long drive through holiday traffic, but it doesn’t have to be as challenging as you think. When you follow the tips we’ve laid out for you here, you’ll be in the perfect position to make it on time and in good spirits.
If you find yourself getting anxious, stressed, or worked up, remember to tell yourself what is important. You want to make it to your destination, so you can enjoy time with your friends or family on a winter holiday. So, get prepared, be safe, and do what you need to do. Good luck and happy holidays!
