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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