by LaTanya Williams

Every year millions of families take to the road to visit family and friends. The kids get a break from homework and sports, and parents make use of vacation time accruals. AAA says over 40 million families will travel during this year’s holiday season. It’s an exciting time for everyone, filled with new memories and adventure, but these holiday road trick hacks are sure to bring an extra touch of cheer.

Jingle Bells and Whistles

Before packing up sweaters and snow boots one of the most important things to do is to give the car a good maintenance checkup. This is the perfect time of the year to check tires for excessive tread damage, especially for travelling into areas more prone to snow storms. Drivers can also check windshield wipers, brake pads, fluids like oil and antifreeze, and battery power. Also, don’t forget to review roadside assistance expiration dates to ensure their availability in the event of an emergency.

Meal Plans

Many families are accustomed to planning for meals at home. The same time should be spent on planning food and snacks during trips. Eating on the road can be costly, but a road trip ready shopping trip can help to minimize costs. Some families opt for homemade sandwiches, fruit snacks and a cooler filled with their favorite drinks; while others consider foot long sub sandwiches to go. In either case, meal planning is equally important for winter travels.

Plug In

No need to have the perfect assortment of crunchy bars and nut assortments without some solid entertainment to make the trip merry. Many cars have technology features to help with this. There are auxiliary inputs for passengers to plug in their own devices, Bluetooth hands free capabilities, and touch screen displays. Families can bring along their favorite movies and devices to stay occupied during the trip. Be sure to check for the right chords and plugs. Although different passengers prefer various sources of entertainment, most cars these days can cater to everyone. There are even a few classic options like AM/FM radio, and CD player functions.

Emergency Kit

Once all the travel preparations are made, don’t forget to make room for the emergency kit. Road trips can be unpredictable. Even with the proper routes planned and the navigation in play anything can happen. It’s always better to be prepared for the unexpected as opposed to trying to figure things out in unfamiliar territory. This kit should include items like a flashlight, batteries, band aids, a snow brush, and antibiotic ointment. Families might also include items for general road safety like jumper cables, a snow brush, light flairs, and reflectors.

Easy Breezy

Winter travel is usually an exciting experience for families around the country. It is often filled with memories that will last a lifetime. With just a few easy holiday road trip hacks, this year’s travel can be even better than the last. It’s as easy as performing a quick maintenance checkup, packing some good snacks and be preparing for emergencies.