5 Long Road Trip Tips (For the Holidays)

holiday road trip tips
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Looking for essential road trip tips for the holidays? Well, who can blame you, it’s that time of year when the leaves begin to change color, the temperature drops, and everyone appears to be in a better mood. The holiday season is always a great time of the year for many individuals. The only drawback is that it might be pretty costly, with many people taking advantage of it and going on vacations. When it comes to planning your trip, there are several factors to consider.

Planning your vacation usually goes like this: Where do you want to go? How long do you want to stay there for? What kind of vacation do you think you’d like the most? How much is your budget for the trip? Since there are more people vacationing during peak seasons, planning your trip ahead will save you headaches. Here's Flow Autobody's contribution for a hassle-free vacation: An easy guide containing road trip tips for the holiday season!

From Road Trips to Road Tips!

Plane tickets can get extra expensive during the holidays, simply because everyone’s flying off to their destinations! Some people choose to drive to their destinations instead. Getting your car in check before leaving is just one part of the planning session. Here are some more helpful car tips for long road trips to make your vacation as enjoyable and safe as possible.

 

1. Make sure your car is serviced

long road trip tips

When you’re planning a holiday road trip, the last thing you want to worry about is your car. Here are just some of the things that could go wrong if you don’t prepare your car for a road trip:

  • The engine may overheat due to a lack of oil or coolant.
  • The transmission may fail due to a lack of fluid.
  • The brakes may not work correctly due to worn-out pads or disks.
  • You could get into an accident because of faulty steering or suspension.

By taking your car in for a service check-up before hitting the open road and keeping in mind a few more road trip tips, you can avoid these issues and have a worry-free adventure down the road. Flow Autobody does a splendid job in doing an overall check for your vehicle and repairing even the tiniest damage for a guaranteed safe trip. Get a FREE online estimate here!

Another important thing (or 4)  to check before you leave: wheels. You can get wheel repair services done in less than 48 hours by specialised shops such as Alloy Precision Repair!

 

2. Take breaks for long drives

As much as it is important to prepare your car for a road trip with friends and family, you must ensure that you stay safe while driving, too. While you may want to save some time and avoid stopping altogether, long drives can be more dangerous if you don’t stop for breaks. Taking a break every two to three hours will give your body, eyes and mind time to rest and recover from the fatigue that often comes with long car rides.

If you’re traveling with other licensed drivers, you should consider taking turns in driving just to make sure that you don’t tire yourself out from the long drive.

 

3. Keep the kids entertained

One of the best ways to keep kids entertained during a long car ride is to have plenty of activities and snacks on hand. Coloring books, puzzles, and games can help keep little ones occupied, and snacks like crackers, apples, and carrots will help keep them fueled up. If you’re traveling with a baby, bring some toys and books to keep them amused, as well as diapers and wipes for any accidents. And lastly, don’t forget to pack a first-aid kit in case of emergencies!

Kids often don’t have the patience to travel for very long hours. No matter how you choose to keep them entertained, just make sure to put them in a good mood. That way, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your holiday trip without having to worry about the kids.

 

4. Download functional travel apps

We know, we know.. Once a holiday is planned, you just want to skip to the part where you’re already settled and in vacay mode.. Don’t forget, the journey is part of the vacation! However, sometimes there are bumps (pun intended) on the road that ruins it for us. Make sure that the moment you leave home up til you are at your destination, you come well-prepared. Downloading relevant travel apps can help you have a smooth vacation.

Navigation Apps

long road trip tips

Navigation apps will come in handy as these use real-time traffic updates so that you may avoid traffic congestion along the way. The app can tell you which route to take and at what time is the most optimal time to leave. It can also show alternative routes in case you want to make some detours and stopovers during the ride. If it’s your first time going to your destination, then it’s imperative that you download a navigation app to save you from running around in circles trying to find the place.

 

5. Keep a two-meter gap (or more) between you and the vehicle in front

One of the most important driving tips is to keep a safe distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you. Most experts recommend maintaining a two-meter gap (or more) between your vehicle and the one in front. This will give you plenty of room to stop if needed and help reduce the risk of a collision. If someone does try to cut in front of you, you’ll have plenty of time to react. Remember that the faster your car goes, the further you should be from the next vehicle in front.

In addition, be aware of your surroundings at all times. Keep an eye out for cars trying to merge into your lane, and be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary. Even if you’re already excited to get to your destination, always follow traffic rules and drive with caution!

Things To Bring On Your Holiday Trip

long road trip tips

Now that you have an idea of how to prepare cars for long drives, let’s proceed to things you should bring to your destination. Whether you are going on an extended holiday, or simply taking a day trip out of town, always make sure your bag is packed full of items. This will ensure that everything you need while away from home is close at hand. Since everyone’s needs vary, the following list may contain helpful suggestions that pertain to your specific outfits or vacation plans. Here are a few things you should not forget when going on a holiday trip:

 

Important Documents

When packing for a holiday trip, always be sure to take your passport and boarding pass with you. Additionally, if you are traveling overseas (even by land), it is vital to have all your necessary visas and travel permits. You will also want to bring copies of your essential documents if they get lost or stolen.

 

Sunscreen and Repellants

If you are going on an outdoor excursion or safari, be sure to pack sunscreen, insect repellent and a hat. It is also essential to dress appropriately for the climate and terrain you will be visiting. Jeans and sneakers may not be ideal for hiking in the jungle!

 

Toiletries

If you stay at a hotel, it is an excellent idea to bring your toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner and soap. Many hotels provide these items, but they often come in small or inconvenient sizes. Additionally, you may want to pack a towel if your hotel does not offer them.

 

Kids’ Stuff

If you are traveling with children, be sure to bring along diapers, wipes and other necessary supplies. It is also helpful to pack some favourite toys and books to keep the little ones entertained on long car rides or flights.

No matter where you’re going or what you’re doing, always make sure to bring a charger for your electronic devices. Chances are you will be using them a lot while on vacation, so it is best to be prepared!

 

Prepare for the Long Road Ahead with Flow Autobody

long road trip tips

One of the most important things to prepare for the long drive is your car. If you want to be double, triple, quadruple sure about your car and if it’s in the perfect condition for a long journey, bring it to Flow Autobody! Our top priority is keeping the driver behind the wheel safe. With our team of expert technicians, no detail shall be missed. We check vehicles inside out, with built-in magnifying glasses in our eyes simply because we have a good eye (and ear) to check any and all vehicle damage!

We can easily repair anything quickly, too, so your holiday plans won’t get ruined. Check out the repair services we offer. You can even get a FREE estimate here quickly! Having everything in check is a must, especially if you want to make sure you get to your destination and back home without any hindrances on the road.

And lastly, don’t forget to have lots of fun – embrace the spirit of the season and enjoy your time away from home! With these tips mentioned above, it’ll be much easier for you to travel and proceed with all the trips you planned. Enjoy the holiday season, and stay safe!

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