Just because the weather’s colder, doesn’t mean all vacations need to stop. Winter can be a really fun time to take a family trip or a trip with friends. You can rent a cabin somewhere, take plenty of hot chocolate to make and enjoy cozy nights by the log fire. Traveling during the thick of winter, especially if there’s going to be snow on the ground, does require a little extra planning, but don’t let it stop you from taking that special trip. Here are my top 4 tips for road tripping in the snow.
Travel During the Day
Visibility is challenging enough if there’s snowfall happening, but by traveling in the day you can ensure that the visibility is going to be the best it will be. It will also allow you to see the roads more clearly, so you can keep an eye out for any black ice. If you’re planning to travel quite a long distance, this may mean that you need to either leave very early, or split your traveling over two days to ensure that you’re driving during daylight hours. This is especially important if you’re traveling on unfamiliar roads. If you’re thinking to road trip in order to move your furniture, why not consider working with phoenix moving companies so that you can fly instead?
Check On Your Car
While your car’s maintenance is always important, it becomes even more important when you’re considering a lot trip in harsher weather conditions. You’ll want to pay close attention to your tyres – are they appropriate for harsh weather like snow. Do you need to consider carrying chains for your tyres if you’ll be passing any heavily snowed areas? When was the last time you had an oil change or a general service. It may be harder to get car care in the thick of winter too, especially if you’re traveling to a remote area, so it’s even more important to properly check on your car. You can click here to read some more tips about road tripping in the snow.
Don’t Forget Sunglasses
Driving in the snow can be challenging, but once it’s settled and if it’s a sunny day, it can be a downright hazard. The sun can glare a lot and make it hard for you to focus on the road. For that reason I always suggest carrying a pair of sunglasses, even if you wouldn’t think you’d need them you may be surprised by how challenging it can be to drive in the snow. You may also find that you need more rests than you usually do when driving in the snow, as the glare even with sunglasses on can tire you out.
Allow For Extra Time
Roads might be closed, others might be ploughed, and you may have to drive much slower than you normally would, especially if the roads are covered in snow and ice. For that reason I always suggest budgeting a lot more time than you would during the summer months. As a general rule, I add 25% longer when I’m traveling in the thick of winter to make up for the reduced visibility and more challenging road conditions. So if your road trip is going to take three hours according to Google Maps, mentally plan for it to take at least four. It’s always better to have extra time, than to find yourself feeling stressed about arriving on time or before it gets dark.
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There’s something special about a fun winter escape, whether you’re headed to a cabin for a cozy winter break, or you’re off to the mountains to ski. Hopefully these winter road trip tips will help ensure you have a safe and stress free journey!
