The car is packed, the kids are buckled, and you can practically smell Aunt Betty’s famous pumpkin pie cooking.
Getting on the road, you take the normal route to your parents up north, only to find a string of abnormal traffic that has the kids echoing the dreaded phrase, “Are we there yet?”
There has to be a better way to travel this upcoming turkey day! Well, you are in luck, because there are a few tricks from the experts up our sleeve that make choosing to cruise a worthy endeavor.
With 54.3 million Americans looking to travel over 50 miles away this Thanksgiving, according to AAA, you are going to want to navigate the roadways smart and safely. This Thanksgiving, get the best tips for traveling on the road.
Get Ahead of the Rush
According to The United States Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Thanksgiving Day is the busiest time to be on the roadways, with Tuesday and Sunday being the least busy.
Taking off a day early might tap into your summer vacation time, but will save your sanity by giving you a clear route to your destination.
Staying a day or two longer with the family keeps you off the lanes when you, and everybody else, are sitting long hours in traffic nearly falling asleep from the pound of turkey consumed just days prior.
Transportation analyst for INRIX, Trevor Reed, says, “Thanksgiving is one of the busiest holidays for road trips, and this year will be no different. Knowing when and where congestion will build can help drivers avoid the stress of sitting in traffic.”
Enjoy Scenic Routes
It’s not always possible to get out of work early, or to bear the in-laws an extra day. In these cases, map out a few alternative routes that are off the beaten path.
Sometimes it’s nice to trade the concrete jungle for lush foliage and grazing cattle. Country roads are a nice option when you are just going to be gridlocked for two hours next to a parking garage; that is, unless curvy roads make those mashed potatoes and gravy come up for a second appearance.
Reed urges drivers, “Our advice to drivers is to avoid commuting times in major cities altogether or plan alternative routes.”
Grab Electronic Essentials
There is nothing more frustrating than being on a road trip with a dead cell phone. It makes you feel lost and disconnected.
Pack charging cords for all devices that you have on hand, whether it be your cell phone, tablet, or MP3 player.
Many of us use our cell phones as the GPS, and you don’t want to be stuck trying to guess which street to turn on while the last of your favorite sweet potato casserole is being dished out to the cousin who seems to take everything.
Plus, checking traffic on your phone from time to time throughout your trip will help you avoid any unsuspecting surprises, like a car accident or road work.
Prepare Snacks
Any parent knows that we can’t even make it to the bank and back without snacks and drinks, yet alone hundreds of miles away to the relative’s house.
You never know what the roadways are going to throw at you. Being prepared for delays, or the many bathroom stops for mom who has a bladder the size of a kumquat, makes the drive go smoother.
Don’t be that guy who makes the kids “tough it out” while you yell at the car in front of you because you have a hunger-induced rage.
Have individual go bags for everybody in the car with non-perishable items like trail mix and a sports drink. Kids are going to be in a much better mood when they have had a filling snack, which means a little less “he’s bothering me again!”
Check for Tolls
Popular roadways through cities typically have tolls to pay. Check your route ahead of time to see how many you will pass through, and what the cost will be.
Keep some extra cash and change in the car for the unsuspected route change, or parking meter you didn’t think about.
Also, if you fly through an area without providing adequate fees, the fines are far worse, and can definitely put a damper on an otherwise pleasant road trip.
Splurge for the Auto Check Up
Many drivers don’t want to spend the money to have the vehicle looked over by a mechanic before a big road trip.
However, if you dish out a little dough up front, you can save more than your money in the long run.
Making sure the car is ready and able to endure a road trip gives you the peace of mind that nothing is going to fail you on the way to grandma’s.
Sleep Well
Vacations should be a fun event. Being tired, exhausted, or overstimulated can take away from the excitement and create a dreaded day of torment.
Make sure to get a good night’s sleep before you take off, and avoid any overly stimulating activities prior to leaving, like movies or sports.
Allow frequent breaks throughout the trip for walking around, drinking some water, and going to the bathroom; a full bladder makes everything a little more hectic.
Driving tired is comparable to driving drunk in some cases, so keep you, your family, and fellow travelers safe and stay rested.
Thanksgiving driving doesn’t have to be a bumper to bumper nightmare. Keep these tips in mind to create a smooth route with minimal hiccups.
Nobody wants to be the last to show up at the Thanksgiving table, catching the tail end of your brother attempting to deliver a wildly funny toast after indulging in the evening’s spirits.
Please let us know in the comments section if you have any tricks for avoiding traffic, or making holiday travel smoother.
(h/t Proud American Traveler)