Friday, November 21, 2014

Preparing for Your Holiday Road Trip


As the holidays approach, so does the time for road trips. Whether you’re only traveling an hour or two up north, or across state lines, it is important to be prepared for your winter road trip. I will be traveling across Wisconsin and visiting family in three different cities, all about 50 +/- miles from each other. I do this every year, and each year I prepare so that the only thing that I have to worry about is whether or not I’ll be able to eat all the lovely holiday food! Each person will have different priorities when it comes to their road trips, but here are a few suggestions from me.
                                     
First, you won’t get to your destination without a working vehicle of some sort. I highly suggest that, prior to any road trips, that you take your car to a trusted mechanic. It is important that your tires, brakes, and fluids are in good shape for the long trek ahead. Your vehicle is about to run a marathon and your mechanic’s check and fixes are its training. You wouldn’t run a marathon without training, right?
                                      

It is also important to have a safety kit in your trunk, including a first aid kit and basic tools for repair. Be sure to include winter items like blankets and shovel, as well as some cat litter, which will provide traction in case you are stuck. There is a link at the bottom of this post to an article by Consumer Reports that lists suggested safety kit items. Lastly, make sure your cell phone is fully charged before leaving. Please, please do not use it while driving—wait until you are stopped somewhere or are in an emergency situation.
                                      
Even if you know where you are headed, it is important to map your drive. Be sure to check the weather for the locations you will drive to and through, and be sure to check where there might be construction projects on your drive. There is a link at the bottom of this post to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website, where you can find the work zones in various regions of the state.
                                     
Now that you have taken care of your car and your safety in it, it’s time to take care of you. As with any trip, make a packing list and double checking that you have packed everything that you need. In order to check that I have all I need, I often visualize a full day and what I use, pointing at the items in my suitcase as I go. It might sound a little silly, but that’s often how I remember to pack my toothbrush or some extra socks! Now that you have your clothes and other items packed, be sure to pack snacks and entertainment, these are especially important for those extended trips.
                                      
These are just a few suggestions, and I hope they help. Being prepared can take some take away some of that holiday stress and allow you to enjoy spending time with family and friends. From every employee at Horizon Community Credit Union, we wish you the happiest and safest of holidays!

Safety Kit Suggestions:

WI DOT Work


Posted by: Breanna B. 


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