3. Prepare a Safety Kit Any time of year, you should keep some emergency essentials in your vehicle. During the winter this includes warm clothing and blankets, food and water, a flashlight, flares, a phone charger, jumper cables or jump-start device, and a first aid kit. Also, check your spare tire and make sure you have a jack, a lug wrench, and the key/socket required for any locking lug nuts. You may also want to include a paper map in case your GPS doesn’t work, a small shovel, ice scraper, hand warmers, and a can of tire repair. 4. Car Rental Tips If you’re renting a car before or during your trip, make sure you understand the damage and theft coverage. Premium travel cards will often cover damage to a rental vehicle, but only if the name on the card matches the primary driver on the rental and you refuse coverage by the rental company. In short, review coverages with your credit cards, personal car insurance, and the rental company before signing any contracts. The best way to get a low rate on rental cars is to begin your hunt early. Look for aggregate sites online to compare prices. Once you find a deal, book the car, but make sure it offers free cancellation. It’s better if it doesn’t require you to enter a credit card to make the reservation. Then check rates weekly as your travel day approaches. Often, rental rates fluctuate and special deals pop up. Since you’re not locked into the first reservation you can make changes every time you see a better deal. Check right up until the day you leave, and you can save hundreds of dollars on your rental.
TRAVELING BY CAR
If your holiday plans include a road trip, get your travels in gear with a bit of organization.
1. Prepare Documentation Start by making sure your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance are all up-to-date and accessible. Also, grab your AAA membership card if you have one, and review your roadside coverage. 2. Check Road Conditions Winter can be a treacherous time to travel, so make sure you know what you’re in for. Look at online road maps by the Department of Transportation for your state or other source. If there is any chance you will encounter snow or are traveling through areas where it’s required to carry traction devices, be sure to have the correct size of tire chains and know how to put them on.
TRAIN AND BUS TRAVEL
If you’re headed between cities via the train or bus, much of the advice is the same—pack light, verify your reservations, carry extra food, bring water, don’t forget medications, understand the transport companies' policies, and be flexible.
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