Holiday Travel: Tips To Consider Before You Hit The Highway

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

30 Nov 2006 12:59 AM

As we continue with our ongoing "Holiday Travel" series we turn our attention to the highways and bi-ways that you may be hitting on your way to spend Christmas at grandma's house, or Hanukkah with Uncle Mel, or Kwanzaa with cousin Alicia. It goes without saying that the holidays are stressful enough without having to deal with travel disasters. So with that in mind before you buckle up and hit the road consider these tips designed to keep you safe this busy holiday travel season:

1. Know where you're going. If you are flying to your aunt's new home in Alpena, Michigan and have no idea which road will take you there-ask for help. Get a map from the rental car counter and directions on the best route from the car rental representative. Take a few minutes to look at your map before you pull out of the parking lot -- this is especially important if you're planning to drive at night. Also, think about where you might stop if you get lost.

2. Always keep your car windows rolled up and your doors locked when you're driving... or when parked.

3. Do not pick up hitchhikers.

4. If you are renting a vehicle familiarize yourself with the car's equipment before leaving the parking lot. Find out how to work the wiper blades, headlights, door locks, and radio. Also, make sure your car has a spare tire and look to see which side the gasoline door is on.

5. Hide all your valuables. Lock purses, wallets, luggage and other valuables in the trunk, or take them with you when you leave the car. I'm sure you have heard holiday horror stories of people who leave presents in full view only to find them gone when they return to their car.

6. If you do become lost, don't pull over on a dark road to read your map. Drive to the nearest well-lit, populated public place such as a restaurant or gas station.

7. If you do need to make a pit stop always park in a well-lighted area and make sure you have your keys in hand when you approach your vehicle.

8. If you think you are being followed, call 911 from your cell phone or proceed to a well-lit, populated area to call police.

Related Articles:

Holiday Travel: 10 Hotel Safety Tips

Rental Car Checklist

Protecting Your Vehicle From Thieves

Preparing For Your Road Trip: Part 1

Preparing For Your Road Trip: Part 2

Preparing For Your Road Trip: Part 3

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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drdad (503) 30 Nov 2006 11:38 AM

What about the mapquest.com directions? or the GPS?

Michele Cheplic (37339) 30 Nov 2006 12:35 PM

Great ideas--though sometimes locals and those familiar with the area can provide helpful shortcuts and advice on areas to avoid, which mapquest doesn't. Also, most if not all economy rental cars aren't equipped with a GPS navigational system. Thanks for the comment!