Turkey Day Traveling: Are You Ready for The Road?

Whether your going “over the river and through the woods” on a multi-state trek to see family for Thanksgiving, or simply heading across town, your vehicle is a key part of your Thanksgiving holiday since it gets you where you need to go! Traveling for holidays is a little different than a typical road trip though, and there is special preparation required to make it smooth and successful. Our goal is for traveling to be as easy as possible, so here are some handy tricks and tips to make your Thanksgiving trip as easy as possible this holiday, no matter how far you have to go…

Be Prepared! Even for a trip only a few miles away, forgetting things you need is a guaranteed way to add stress to a holiday! When tension can already be high thanks to the preparation of a large meal, having more family/friends than usual crowded into one space, etc., you don’t want to add to it by having to make multiple trips because of forgotten items! Prepare what you know you’ll need for the day the night before, so you know you’re covered. For those with children, this could mean packing up your bag with all of their needs for the day, or for adults, making sure you have needed serving utensils for any food being taken to the meal, a jacket or sweater for chilly evenings, etc. As long as you have everything you need, you won’t have to bother your host with asking for necessities, and you won’t end up making the meal late due to you running back and forth grabbing forgotten items. Traveling a bit farther for the holiday? Make a list of items needed for overnight trips for each member in your family, and keep them stored in the suitcase. This makes packing go much quicker and you’re a lot less likely to forget something!

Cover Up! While most people traveling long distances don’t take their food for the holiday along for the ride, those of us who travel short distances for the Thanksgiving meal will likely be stowing mashed potatoes, green beans, pies, or even the main bird (turkey) in our vehicle when we head out for the feast. Don’t let your car end up being the serving platter after taking a curve too sharply, or end up with burns from scalding gravy landing in your lap. Use “press and seal” style plastic wrapping, or well-fitting lids, to carry food from one location to another, so the food ends up on the dining table and not in your trunk! Don’t forget hot pads to make transporting the food from the car to the table easier (and safer!).

Car Care. Your car needs to be ready for the big day just as much as you do. After all, you won’t even make it to Thanksgiving dinner without your ride. Small ways to make your holiday go off without a hitch is filing up with gas a day or two before, regardless of how far you’re traveling for the big day. Gas stations will be crowded on the actual holiday and you don’t want to be late for lunch from waiting in line. Additionally, if you’re heading out of town for the holiday, check your tires’ air pressure, look for any burned out lights (including brake lights!) and double check your registration and insurance paperwork before you hit the road. Traffic stops are common on holidays, and you don’t want to get caught with expired paperwork!

Another way to make sure you’re covered this holiday season? By doing a check up of your insurance coverage before the big days get here. Holidays mean you’ll have more miles on your car, more people in your home, and expensive gifts under the tree, and that means you could need more coverage. Don’t be left in a bind because you didn’t prepare ahead. Carroll Marshall Insurance is here to offer the protection you need at a price you can afford. Stop by our Winter Haven office or give us a call with any questions or to discuss your coverage.

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!