The holiday travel season is upon us. Though usually filled to the brim with glee and goodies, the smallest glitch could put a damper on anyone’s festive frolicking. Thankfully for you, after countless travel fails and prevails, we’ve learned a few things. We’ve compiled a list of how to pack your car like a champ to avoid a horrific snowman-sized meltdown during your holiday road trip.
1. Ensure your vehicle is travel-ready
This includes checking tire pressure, fluid levels, belts, lights and brakes. We suggest taking your car by your mechanic for a safety inspection at least two weeks before hitting the road.
2. Pack smart
When loading up the car, you want to pack light and pack it in right to keep everything safe.
You May Also Like
Load lighter items on top of heavier baggage and secure items as necessary.
Avoid piling items to the ceiling and blocking the driver’s rear window view. Utilize the space underneath seats, too. Anyone prone to carsickness should have a clear view of the front window.
RELATED: Car Trips With Kids: Are We There Yet?
You May Also Like
3. Have the basics readily available
Even with careful preparation, you might experience car trouble on the highway.
You’ll want to be prepared. According to Consumer Reports, you should gather the following items for a roadside emergency kit:
- Cellphone
- Gadget charger
- First-aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Warning light, hazard triangles or flares
- Flashlight
- Jumper cables
- Auto club membership card (if applicable)
- Jack and lug wrench, foam tire sealant or a portable compressor and plug kit.
4. Snacks on snacks on snacks
Save time and money by avoiding high-priced pit stops.
Instead, prep backseat bites before travel.
Reduce the chance of spills and dribbles by stocking up on items like boxed juice, trail mix, pretzels, apple slices, and everyone’s favorite deli sandwich in a cooler for safekeeping.
By placing frozen water bottles among these items, you can ensure that your grub stays cool.
5. Entertainment
Keep your kiddos stimulated with gadgets and games. While “Kidz Bop” sing-a-longs may create an hour or so of enjoyment for them, the adults in the car probably prefer a different genre.
To keep the peace, juice up the tablet and grab some headphones.
With new children’s apps dropping on the daily, there are a variety of options (even educational) to keep the boredom at bay.
Lastly, while it’s not exactly a “packing tip,” always avoid peak travel times including rush hour (both morning and afternoon) as well as the lunch hour. If traveling across state lines, monitor traffic reports to bypass any congestion, road work, or accidents.
If you follow these tips, your nerves should be in good standing for whatever comes your way when you finally reach your destination!
