10 ways to ensure a great holiday road trip.

Wow!

We find ourselves in early December during a year that many of us will never forget. As many of us have experienced difficulties, being a grounded travel writer has been difficult. By comparison to many people, this is nothing more than a minor annoyance. Yet, it is our mandate, almost duty if you will, to bring you the best travel experiences we possibly can. In light of the current situation, we are trying our best not to disappoint those that follow us. To all of you and everyone else, we thank you for your undaunting confidence in us. Here are 10 ways to ensure a great holiday road trip. Perhaps better than they have been in years.

Travel has not ended; it has merely become much more local. Currently, it would be best if you did not venture from Province to Province or State to State. We find that we explore much more locally. We want to touch on something that can genuinely influence more people than the virus will, and you have all the control regarding your situation. Yes, you may have guessed it. We are talking about ensuring that your automobile is ready to endure the harsh snowy winter months. That many of us experience during the holiday season. Are you and your car fit enough of the impending perils? Let’s see. Is your vehicle ready for the conditions?

1. Pick your dates and times.

The holidays are the busiest time of the year for travel, then add a dash of Pandemic. There could be turmoil. According to the CAA, the worst times to hit the road are (December 23-24) the two days before Christmas, where everyone is in a frenzy to get things done. Leaving on Boxing day (December 26) also poses its trial so, it too should be avoided if possible. Leaving early in the morning or late at night may aid in evading most traffic jams. Remember, the best time to drive is when the roads are free and empty.

2. Have an alternate plan.

Most destinations are attainable by more than one route. If heavy traffic is inevitable, consider an alternative route or perhaps a more scenic route. Remember to consider this before leaving the driveway. Re-routing the GPS while driving can be stressful, even using the most advanced technology. You may find that this creates a new and exciting adventure on your way to Aunt Sally’s. It may not take any longer than sitting on a congested highway. After all, it should be about the journey. Enjoy it. You will get there. 10 ways to ensure a great holiday road trip.

3. You “probably” don’t wear a cape.

Give yourself plenty of time, especially for those that may need to travel 1000 Kilometers to get back to see family. With determination, you may be able to cover that in a day, but why? Drives with this duration are no one’s idea of a good time. This monotonous drive only introduces fatigue and bad behaviour. Why not stop in Sudbury and take a family portrait at the Big Nickel? There are always unique places to stop, many of which you have blasted by in the past. Museums, crazy themed restaurants, expansive lookouts, the options are almost endless. You may even find that extraordinary gift while supporting the local economy. Breaking your trip into smaller portions is an opportunity to create memories that may not have ever been apparent in the past. You may never have to hear the infamous “Are we there yet!”

4. There is an “App” for that.

Beyond your GPS, there are thousands of road apps that can keep you connected throughout your journey. Know which apps you will be using in advance. “Spotify” for the music that will keep you content to “Gas Buddy” that will ensure that you are supporting both your car, budget and sanity. Consider checking your data plan and the radius in which your network’s signal functions. Add extra to data if you need to. Many carriers can do this as an add-on.

Remember to monitor your vehicle’s health by using the many onboard systems available on most modern cars and trucks. Even seemingly minor issues can develop into something much more significant if not recognized immediately. Breaking down is one thing; breaking down during a cold winter’s day bites. A real holiday killer!

 5. No Breakfast.

Electronic plans are ready to go. The carriage is well gassed up and prepared for the long trip ahead. Have you forgotten something? No. Billy is strapped in his child seat, and the presents are in the back with the luggage. I think we are good to go but are we?

Depending on your travel duration, snacks can often come in handy, especially with children in the car. For short excursions, protein bars, homemade trail mix may be more than suitable. On the more extended expeditions, you may consider bringing a well-stocked cooler. Here you will have many snacks, sandwiches, drinks, and the world can be your oyster. It’ll save you from spending a small fortune on over-priced gas station goods and keep you focused on the road. You should pull off the road to eat, especially if you are the driver. If you need to drive while eating, consider less messy foods. Poutine, although very tasty, may not be ideal while driving on the Trans Canada highway at 120 KM/H. Remember to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can make you both tired and irritable. A condition that is never ideal for long road trips. Just another of the 10 ways to ensure a great holiday road trip.

6. Are you winter Road Trip ready?

When was the last time you looked at your winter roadside assistance kit? It was there last winter, so it should still be more or less intact. Let’s take a look and ensure that the basics are still there. It should include a blanket, shovel, jumper cables, flashlight and perhaps an Auxiliary Power supply for your electronics. Having these tools at hand is as essential as switching your all season tires to winter tires. The conditions have changed, and you need to be ready. A critical part of Winterizing your vehicle is packing an emergency kit if you break down in inclement weather. For a full list of what to pack, please follow the link: Winter Emergency Car Kit in this article.

7. Now That’s Entertainment.

Travelling with kids between 2 and 62 always presents another set of challenges. Having a good selection of videos is still a good idea. Rudolph, Elf and Home Alone are always good choices. You can never go wrong with having a few handheld video games available, such as Nintendo’s latest systems. Perhaps plan an early present opening event where everyone has the opportunity to open one gift to keep them occupied on the road. Here you may find an excellent opportunity to have a good old fashioned “tongue wag,” although it will not last long. You could learn something about your family if you listen closely.

8. Listen to your Local Authorities

You may find that many of the usual places to stop are not available while on the road. A Zen like mentality is needed; the universe is testing you. When you do find the bathroom, anxious from drinking all the nourishing water, please adhere to the guideline set out by the CDC or your local jurisdiction. Be sure to wash your hands, wear a mask, and practice social distancing. It would help if you always had a container of hand sanitizer available in your vehicle if the “pit stop” had run low or was non-existent. Be responsible for yourself and your family. We don’t want any of our family members to get sick. Another tip from the 10 ways to ensure a great holiday road trip.

9. Minimize Trips

As we discussed earlier, travelling in the COVID-19 era is far from ideal. Try to coordinate with loved ones to meet in one place and stay there for the duration of your stay. Consider taking as few trips as possible and limit your interaction to the trusted sphere of the family. Doing so may reduce the spread of the virus.

10. Share your Compassion.

Holidays are full of multiple layers of stress. Now we are adding a dash of covid 19, and the stress level multiplies. Compassion is the breath of kindness, so exhale and share the goodwill. Many people do not have the opportunity to be with loved ones over the holiday season for various reasons. Service workers and first responders are away from their families, ensuring our safety. A warm thank you or hello to these people can fill that void of missing family over the holidays. Remember, Tiny Tim lives in our hearts because of Scourge’s kindness.

Home, we made it!

We hope that you have found these holiday tips useful as you embark on your journey. To quote George Costanza from the TV Show Seinfeld, “you are the master of your domain.” In this case, the domain is your vehicle- not what they were referring to. By utilizing the information above, you are well on your way to a safe and happy Festivus. Oops. Holiday season.

Are any of you on your way to a family holiday outing? If so, let us know how you prepare. We are confident that how we do this in the North differs significantly from those that live in warmer climates, or does it?. Perhaps you could give a little “411” as to how it differs, and we can share that information too.

Remember, most holiday journeys are intended to be a round trip. So please drive safely. A cup of cider with cinnamon is waiting for you once you reach your destination.

As always, it is our privilege to help you with all of your adventures.

Your Vacation, Your Escape.

VTE