Getting ready for the holidays, especially when you know you’ll be traveling, is stressful enough. Which means the last thing you want is a stressful drive, too. Before you get on the road this holiday season, do a few things to make the entire trip easier on you and your family.
Try our tips to reduce your holiday stress.
Get Your Home Ready
The holidays are a time when home break-ins increase which can be a source of worry while you’re traveling. Before you leave, make sure all of your alarms are working. If you have a home security system, make sure you have access through your phone or a web browser. Ask a friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home and to pick up your mail or newspaper. A pile of mail is a tell-tale sign that your home is empty.
Service Your Car
Before you get on the road, make sure your vehicle is ready to go. Get an oil change, check your fluids, and if you’re driving through cold, icy weather, make sure your vehicle is ready for it. Also make sure you have an emergency kit in your trunk: a spare tire, carjack, jumper cables, and a first aid kit.
Plan Your Route Before You Leave
Of course, GPS may be your go-to when you drive to see family, but before you go, you should have an idea about the route you’re going to take. Knowing ahead of time can make it easier to follow the GPS instructions. You’ll also want to know what possible alternate routes you may need to use if traffic, weather, or construction slows you down.
Be Prepared for the Ride
When you get in the car, make sure you have at least one phone charger. If you get lost or break down, you want to be able to make a call and get help. Also make sure you have the number of your preferred roadside assistance company saved in your phone. If you have comprehensive auto insurance, your insurance provider may offer it as part of your coverage.
Make Plans to Stop
Ideally you’ll want to stop every two hours or every 100 miles. This helps you stay alert and gives you a chance to stretch your legs. It’s also a good idea to give the kids a way to break-up the ride and let your furbaby stretch their legs, too. Each stop doesn’t have to be very long, but give yourself a moment to rest your eyes or switch drivers before continuing down the road.
Check Your Auto Insurance Before You Travel
Even if you do everything right before you leave and while you’re on the road, accidents happen. Before you travel, check your coverage limits for your auto insurance. If the worst happens, and you cause a big accident, you need to know that you have enough liability coverage.
Contact Charlotte Insurance before the holidays arrive. Keep your stress down and make sure your auto insurance will protect you.