Travel - Winter Holiday Road Trip Must-Haves

Winter Holiday Road Trip Must-Haves

Holidays beckon us to gather with family and friends for memorable merrymaking. Whether we’re aiming to cozy up by the hearth of loved ones for games and giftgiving, or to hit the freshly-powered slopes, road trips in winter can be an adventure in and of themselves. Winter beauty often comes with a bite that is difficult to forecast.

It is always wise to expect some degree of travel delays, both in your timing, and in your packing. You never know when you’ll get to spend extra time becoming unexpectedly familiarized with winter’s elements. Give yourself peace of mind by checking off these holiday road trip essentials before you embark on your merry-making travels this winter:

ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR VEHICLE:

Ice Scraper - We don’t need to explain why this is needed.

Extra De-icing Windshield Wiper Fluid - The salty spray and splatter from traveling on salted asphalt will leave you cleaning your windshield more often.

Snow Chains - Some mountain states actually have “chain carry” laws requiring drivers to have these in the vehicle during wintertime for better traction. Remember, snow chains reduce gas mileage, so plan accordingly.

Jumper Cables and/or Battery Jump Starter - What if you’re in the middle of snowman’s land, and your car’s battery is dead? And your phone’s too? Can’t call for help.

Extra Gas Can - If you get stranded for any reason when it’s cold, the extra fuel will keep you and your family from running out of heat.

Small Shovel & a Bag of Kitty Litter - Just in case you get stuck in a drift, these will be necessary for getting back out. Kitty litter is good lightweight traction to spread onto your tire’s p ath after you’ve dug yourself free.

Emergency Kit - At a bare minimum, always carry a kit with items such as: a tire pressure gauge, flashlight or a headlamp, utility knife, whistle, triangle flares, duct tape, work gloves, etc.

Charging Cables/USB Plug - Consider a USB plug for your car 12V outlet and a multiport DC plug to keep your multiple devices going.

ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR PASSENGERS:

Extra Blankets - Blankets can be bulky, so consider finding compact, lightweight, emergency mylar thermal blankets which are waterproof, windproof, and retain up to 90% of your body heat.

Warming Packs - Be sure to bring along single-use or rechargeable heating packs that can be slipped into your gloves, pockets, or socks.

Warm Winter Clothing - If you get stuck somewhere, even inside your car, you’ll want a hat for every head in your vehicle and gloves for every set of hands.

First Aid Kit - Include motion sickness remedies.

Lip Balm & Sunscreen - Even though it’s cold, the bright winter sun is still at work. So is the wind. Chapstick can help create a barrier from the numbing wind on your lips.

Kleenex & Wet Wipes - These can definitely come in handy.