December is one of the busiest months for holiday travel as families hit the road to visit loved ones near and far. While holiday road trips can be fun and exciting, they can also be stressful without proper planning. At Vaughn Automotive Alexandria, we want our customers around Alexandria, LA, to have a safe and enjoyable holiday season. That's why we've put together our top five tips for a stress-free holiday road trip.
1. Get Your Vehicle Road Trip Ready
Before heading out on your holiday journey, it's crucial to make sure your vehicle is in top shape. Vaughn Automotive Alexandria offers comprehensive inspections to check key components, including your brakes, battery, fluids, and tires.
If you need an upgrade, check out our bargain used inventory, including a great selection of reliable used Ford cars and used SUVs for road trips. With our convenient financing options, driving off in a nicer, safer ride could be more affordable than you think.
If you're in Pineville, LA, now is a great time to take advantage of our tire sale to ensure your vehicle has proper traction for wintery conditions. Worn-out tires are not only a safety hazard but can also negatively impact your fuel efficiency, which brings us to our next tip.
2. Plan Your Route to Maximize Efficiency
With today's high gas prices, fuel costs can add up quickly on a road trip. Take some time to map out your route in advance, opting for the most efficient path. If you're traveling to Ball, LA or making your way up to Boyce, LA, consider alternate routes that may have less traffic, even if they are a few miles longer. Idling in traffic burns through gas unnecessarily.
It's also a good idea to build in extra time in your schedule for unexpected delays. Busy holiday travel times often mean crowded roads, so avoid putting yourself in a situation where you feel rushed. Aggressive driving with quick accelerations and last-minute braking wastes gas.
3. Keep Kids Entertained
Bored, restless children can turn a holiday road trip sour fast. If you're driving to Dry Prong, LA, or heading east toward Marksville, LA, be sure to have plenty to keep young passengers occupied. Load up tablets with their favorite movies and games. Pack coloring books, small toys, and puzzle books.
Create a family-friendly music playlist that everyone can sing along to. Audiobooks are also a great way to pass the time. Consider wrapping up new books or activities as surprises to be opened along the way, keeping the excitement going.
4. Pack Healthy Snacks and Drinks
Frequent stops for fast food can really derail your travel schedule, not to mention your diet. Pack a cooler with nutritious snacks, such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, and granola bars. Choose water and natural juices over sugary sodas to keep everyone hydrated.
If you are leaving from Alexandria, LA, stock up on easy-to-pack munchies that won't make a huge mess in the car. Treats are fine in moderation, but too much junk food can lead to upset tummies and sluggishness.
5. Make Safety a Top Priority
Most importantly, always put safety first on your holiday road trip. Never drive tired - switch off with another driver or take frequent rest stops to stretch and reenergize. Be prepared for winter weather by packing an emergency kit with blankets, flashlights, and jumper cables.
Following these tips will help you and your loved ones have a safe, memorable holiday road trip this season. If you need any assistance preparing your vehicle for travel, the experts at Vaughn Automotive Alexandria are here to help. From our family to yours, we wish you very happy holidays!