You just have to make it through this week of classes, and then you get to go home for Thanksgiving. No matter how long your drive is, you need to make sure you are prepared for holiday travel. Keep reading to find out how to prepare for your road trip.
Planning to hit the road for the Thanksgiving holiday to visit with
family and friend? You won’t be alone. The AAA forecasts 42.5 million
Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving
holiday weekend, marking a 4-percent increase over last year. Before
you embark, consider these tips to help prepare you and your car for
whatever challenges might be faced on the road.
1. Fuel up. Don’t head out on a long trip without a
full tank of gas. In addition to topping off the tank, also check fluids
and tire pressures before you leave.
2. Be prepared. Bring supplies in the event of an accident or medical issue. Stock your car with an emergency kit—especially a flashlight, blanket, first-aid kit, and some basic tools. Also, bring water and extra snacks, just in case.
3. Pack smart. Check your vehicle’s load capacity to
make sure you aren’t putting too much weight in the car. On most new
cars, the total weight you can carry is printed on a placard (sticker)
inside the driver’s door jamb. This load rating includes all the
passengers and cargo. Also, make sure your gear is packed properly and
will not be a hazard if you stop short.
4. Track it. A portable GPS navigation system
will help you get where you’re going, making it easy to find gas
stations or restaurants along the way. Traffic-enabled devices can warn
of roadway congestion, and all units can assist in finding an alternate
route. Also, a navigator can help direct emergency services to your
location, should something happen. (See "Video: Don't let a GPS navigator steer you wrong.")
5. Kid prep. If you’re driving with kids, make sure
you pack enough snacks, water, games, videos/DVDs, and music to keep
them occupied during your journey. (See our "10 tips for a stress-free road trip with kids" for more advice.)
6. Traveling with pets. Be sure to secure your pets,
either with harnesses and seat belts or by placing them in a crate.
Animals can be a dangerous distraction when driving and physical threat
in an accident, should they travel about the cabin or escape onto a busy
motorway. Bring water, food, toys, leash, and clean-up supplies—you
never know.
7. Be patient. During busy travel times, expect to
hit traffic. It may make sense to drive late at night or early in the
morning to avoid the rush and ensure you get to your destination on time
and with minimal stress. A GPS device with traffic information and an
exit guide can help you navigate around congestion and help find desired
pit stop locations.
8. Don’t be distracted. Cell phones and driving
don’t mix, so if you need to send a message or make a call, hand your
phone to a passenger or pull over. It’s not worth risking your life or
others on the road.
9. Buckle up. Always use your seat belt, make sure
children are properly secured in a car seat and are seated in the rear
seats if they are under 13.
10. Watch for weather. If you’re driving in wintry
weather, make sure you clear off the snow and ice for better visibility,
allow for longer braking distances, and reduce your speed. (Check out
our winter driving guide if you are headed to a snowy location.)
11. Keep control. There could be a variety of
scenarios on the road, but if you stay calm and be prepared you can get
through any challenge. Check out our story “Surviving the worst-case scenarios” for more on driving in fog, snow, or if you car has brake failure, overheats, or your tire blows out.
For more information see
Consumer Reports.
After buying presents, food for the holiday meal, and a tree, there
isn't always much left over for extras. This year we're trying to save
money in my household - and have some fun - by making a lot of our own
ornaments and decorations, but still want a modern look. Here are
fifteen DIY ornaments that fit the bill:
