It’s time to pack!
Who says road trips are only for when it’s warm outside? Winter can be an ideal time to drive to landscapes blanketed in snow. It’s a different wonderland out there, peaceful and idyllic—the perfect background for some musing and introspection.
So it’s time to pack your gear and get ready for your winter trip. Aside from your personal essentials, you might want to check with your car and bring the necessary supplies so you remain warm and cozy while on the road. Be on your way, and embark on the best winter road trip ever.
The Winter Road Trip Essentials
There are three main reasons road trips in the winter are perfect:
- To escape the cold. It’s an opportune time to go somewhere warmer like California, Florida, and Arizona.
- To enjoy the breathtaking scenery. At least twenty national parks in the US look their best during the winter, according to the Wilderness Society. Examples of this “winter paradise” are the Arches National Park in Utah, Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park, and Bryce Canyon National Park also in Utah.
- To escape the crowd. National parks and other destinations attract the usual hordes of tourists every year—something that is unlikely when you put up camp or go hiking in the thick of winter.
With the prospect of a wonderful winter trip looming, packing your car is imperative. The following are things you shouldn’t leave home without.
Pack Your Personal Survival Kit
In addition to your camera, clothing, and gear, always bring a personal emergency kit in case something goes awry while out on the road, factoring in the snow, wind, and even freezing rain.
The items to pack are flashlights, batteries, mobile charger, snacks, water, medicine, map, and list of emergency numbers / roadside assistance. You can pack these items in your backpack so it’s easy to carry around lest you have to go out. Don’t forget to bring blankets and an extra change of winter clothing such as gloves, hats, and boots that can be stowed in the trunk.
Bring Your Car Emergency Kit Too
If you have your own emergency kit, your car should also have one. It contains tools, supplies, and equipment required to get it moving amid challenges down the road. You might have to clear the windshield for better visibility or the path itself laden with snow.
Bring a shovel, tire chains, windshield-washer fluid, road salt, ice scraper, tow rope, and jumper cables. If your car won’t start, you might have to call roadside assistance. In case of severe snowstorms or blizzards, stay inside and wait for things to clear out.
Prepare Your Car for the Trip
Prevention is always better than cure. Preventive maintenance is particularly important when you are driving for an indefinite number of miles given the snow and ice. Run a routine checkup to ensure your car is in good working order to withstand the conditions outside. Do it yourself, or hire a mechanic to check on your tires, battery, fluids, hoses, and belts. Lastly, determine if it’s the best time to replace or change any of them.
Fill your tank full as gas-filling stations might be far apart—look up the specifics of your routes to know this. Bring spare antifreeze or coolant to keep your engine from freezing. It also matters to protect your car’s interiors, especially floors where snow and ice might seep into. WeatherTech mats keep your car flooring dry and protected from harsh elements, and they’re easy to clean too.
Your Winter Adventure Has Just Begun
The weather outside is not an excuse to skip camping, hiking, or simply enjoying nature in its winter glory. Before you embark on this winter trip by yourself or with friends, do your homework on the local weather conditions and the specifics of the routes you’ll be traversing. This can very well set what you need to bring for the journey.
Combine this knowledge with the supplies and tools needed to survive any unexpected turn of events. Above all else, ensure your car is in its best form to take you to and from your destination safely. Remain safe and dry for your winter road trip!
