The busiest travel day of the year is on the horizon, and that means that you will soon set out on the road for that long Thanksgiving car trip. Before you go over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house, consider implementing these tips to make the Thanksgiving drive a dream instead of a nightmare.
Stay Clean
Chances are you are going to be spending a lot of time in your car, so it’s a good idea to make sure it’s clean enough to be a place you want to spend time in. Before you head out on your trip, make sure you tidy up your vehicle. Keeping your stuff organized will help keep you at peace during the journey, so do this before you hit the road. Once you’re on the way, use the pit stops to asses your trash situation. The better you are about throwing out your garbage, the happier you and your family will be.
Anticipate Trouble Spots
Let’s be real here; you’re going to run into some problems during your travels. Roads can be closed, traffic can get jammed, or you may not have enough money for all of the tolls. Hopefully, that won’t be an issue because you’ll be prepared! Do what you can to avoid these problems by taking time before your tips to be ready for any contingency. Perhaps watch a youtube video on how to change a tire just in case.
Stick to Your Schedule
One thing you can control before the road trip is yourself! If you have a long journey ahead of you, you should get on a schedule. Plan out where you want to make your stops and for how long. You might want to have some extra padded time should any problem arise. Afterall there is nothing worse than showing up to Thanksgiving.
Do Your Research
There are a lot of roadside stops along the country highways and byways, and it might be worth taking a look at some tourist opportunities while passing through. Even if the route you take is familiar, you might be able to find some hidden gems. Many of the best photo ops and made memories can be right off the road, and it won’t take you to far from your preplanned course.
Rent Smart
If you have to rent a car, it can be a difficult task. The key is to do your homework and plan, as well as possible. Try to look past the big brand name rental places as you are sure to get discounts with small companies, especially when they are not near the airport. A good tip comes from Alfa Romeo of Larchmont (NY), be sure to hunt for discount codes and promotions for deals! A good idea might be to track your rates and shop around, so you’re getting the best deal at the best time. Heading home for Thanksgiving doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg.
Know Your Car
It’s a good idea to check your car’s vitals before you head out on a long trip. Check for common issues like a flat tire or a dead battery. You might want to take along a first aid kit just in case you’re stuck on the road. Also, consider bringing an extra key, so you don’t have that moment of dread that you’ve locked yourself out of the house upon your return.
We hope these tips will help you and your family get to your destination safely! Don’t forget to bring the pumpkin pie, and have a great Thanksgiving!
