Making the Most of Your Winter Road Trip

While many people enjoy the sunny days of a summer vacation, others like the adventure and incredible experiences that can be enjoyed during a winter road trip. There is something about driving through a snowy landscape or taking on the brisk temperatures of the winter tundra that can give you the thrill of a lifetime. However, while there is a ton of fun to be had, the winter brings a fair share of challenges, and you need to prepare accordingly, so you can make the most out of your trip and stay safe along the ride.

Today, we will discuss the preparations and strategies you can take to ensure a successful road trip and some exciting destinations to consider this winter.

Guest post by Katie Brenneman

Get Your Car Ready For The Trek

If you plan on taking your car or truck for a long-distance road trip, then proper preparation is key. The first thing that you should do is bring your car to a mechanic and have them perform any necessary maintenance that can ensure that it will hold up during your extended journey. They will want to check the fluids, including the oil, check the brakes, and ensure that the heater is in good working order. If the mechanic is concerned about any potential issues that could develop during a long trip, then have them addressed at that time.

When it comes to winter travel, your vehicle is only as good as the tires that carry it. If you know that you will be driving through snow, ice, and adverse weather conditions, then you need to look into winter tires. When you are looking at winter tires, you want to find those that have thick tread so they can maintain traction when driving uphill and through the snow. You need to know that you will have full control, so if you don’t have confidence in your tires, then get an upgrade before you think about taking a long trip. When you stop at gas stations during your trip, check the air pressure to ensure that your tires are filled enough to retain that traction.

An important step that you must not forget is to check your headlights, taillights, turn signals, brake lights, and emergency flashers and ensure that they are all in good working order. You will need your brights if you find yourself in the middle of a snowstorm, and you’ll need emergency flashers if you need to pull over to the side of the road. Also, bring a flashlight and batteries, just in case.

Prepare For Emergencies

Although you may not want to think about it, you should also spend some time planning for what you will do if your car breaks down or you get stranded while in the frozen tundra. Start by packing a first aid kit, which should include a first aid manual, gloves, bandages, ointments, and any necessary medications that you use on a regular basis.

It is also important that you have the tools in your car that you may need to temporarily fix a car issue until you can get to a mechanic. You should have a spare tire, a jack for replacing the tire, extra fluids, and jumper cables. Also, take several extra blankets, long pants, and sweaters so your family can stay warm while the car is being fixed.

Consider Taking An RV

When many people think about taking a winter road trip, they imagine packing their family into an RV. There is just something about having everything you need in one vehicle while your family is safe and sound by your side. The fact is that an RV makes a great base of operations for travellers because you can save on the largest expenses, including the hotel room. Plus, an RV allows you to be more spontaneous. If you suddenly decide to drive to a different city or visit a friend, you don’t need to worry about the logistics of finding a new hotel or a place to eat.

There are certain precautions that you should consider in order to make your RV trip as fun and comfortable as possible. Consider investing in an RV skirt, which will provide insulation for your

RV, and stock up on plenty of electric blankets and space heaters for the interior. Also, make it a point to always try to park in the sun so your RV can retain heat. Just like with your car, you will want to ensure that you bring snow shovels and ice scrapers so you can dig yourself out during a winter storm. Also, just like your car, you will need to ensure that you have the proper tires.

Perhaps the most important step is to do your research and check ahead of time to ensure that any campsites or RV parks that you hope to stop at are open for business. Many of these locations tend to close up for the winter, and the last thing you want is to drive all the way there just to find out that you can’t enter the park.

The fact is that regardless of if you are driving an RV, a truck, or a car, it is a wise idea to plan your route before you depart. Know exactly where you plan to eat and spend the night and make sure that you know the distance between each place. It is important because you need to know where you are going and how far you have to drive if you find yourself in a winter storm. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of a blizzard and have no idea where you are.

Essential Destinations

Now that you know how to be safe during your travels, let’s talk about some of the awesome winter road trip destinations that you should consider this year. If you plan to stay within the U.S., then you have many great options. For instance, the Grand Canyon is particularly beautiful during the winter, especially after a fresh snowfall. If it does snow, then you will have countless photo opportunities. Many people also use this opportunity to head to Colorado, where you can visit Aspen or Vail. The city of Vail has many noteworthy yearly events, including the Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo and the free concerts in Vail Village.

Many people also like to take their winter road trip to the next level by travelling to Canada. There is nothing quite like a Canadian winter, and there is a ton of fun stuff to do across the country, including sightseeing in the mountains, having a ball at the many ice skating rinks, and you can also take the chance to try ice fishing. One of the most beautiful destinations in Canada is Toronto, which is the go-to place when it comes to winter magic. During a trip to Toronto, you can see the famous winter village, visit Evergreen’s Winter Market, and see the larger-than-life ice sculptures.

Although you may not be able to get there in a car, there are many gorgeous destinations around the world that offer the winter wonderland for which you’ve been searching. One of the best locations in this regard is Norway. Known for its epic annual snowfall, Norway offers the ultimate winter getaway with standout activities that include the northern lights and a train ride through the mountains, and you can top off your stay with a night in the hotel in Kirkenes that is made entirely out of snow!

As you can see, there are many ways that you can enjoy an epic winter road trip while staying safe and secure. Whether you are driving to Canada or camping in your own state, consider these tips, and make it a season to remember.