As the song says, “Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother’s house we go.” It just proves how classic a holiday road trip is (although I was today years old when I found out the song is about a Thanksgiving trip). Many of us take to the roads during winter to celebrate various holidays with family and friends, or to simply enjoy the season in a new locale.
For some, holiday road trips are a tradition. “It became the norm for me and my sisters,” said Seven Corners writer Ashley Fritz, who would often spend Thanksgiving in Chicago, Christmas in St. Louis, and New Year’s in Iowa visiting family. “It was so customary to us that as we got older and our parents considered just staying home for the holidays, we argued that a holiday season without road trips would not be a holiday season at all.”
When you’re traveling this winter, knowing how to make a road trip with kids easier can be the difference between an enjoyable outing and wishing you’d just stayed home. So let’s get started with some road trip tips for the winter.
Here’s what to expect in the guide below:
- Can You Road Trip in the Winter?
- Winter Road Trip Tips for Families
- Winter Road Trip Checklist
- Holiday Road Trip Ideas
Can You Road Trip in the Winter?
Absolutely! Taking a road trip in the winter reveals beautiful sights you can't experience any other time of year, whether that’s natural landscapes in the Western U.S. or small towns festooned for the holidays in the Northeast. A winter road trip can also let you beat the airport madness that’s so common around the holidays. Skip the crowded TSA line and delays, and enjoy the drive instead.
Of course, a winter road trip also requires that you take a few extra precautions. Remember that road conditions can be snowy or icy, and they can change rapidly. There are also fewer hours of daylight in winter, meaning you may have less time to drive safely before it gets dark.
These aren’t reasons to avoid taking a road trip during the winter, but they do mean that you need to be prepared for weather-related emergencies. Before you leave home, be prepared to keep you, your family, other drivers, and your car safe.
Winter Road Trip Tips for Families
Your kids want to have fun, you want to avoid as much stress as possible, and the driver wants to stay awake at the wheel. There’s a lot to manage during a family getaway. These seven tips will have you feeling like an expert winter road trip planner.
1. Stock a backseat organizer.
A car organizer can make your life easier by containing clutter and help your kids take care of themselves while you focus on driving. The organizer should include items for cleanliness as well as entertainment, hopefully reducing the cries of “Are we there yet?”
Don’t think that your organizer has to be fancy. You could buy something online designed specifically for your car. But it could also be a couple of small baskets repurposed from the closet, one for each kid to stash their own car trip goodies.
Here’s a list of ideas for what to pack in your car organizer:
- Trash bag: Big ones will make the car smell before you’re ready to empty it, so go with a smaller bag designed for bathroom trash cans or a plastic grocery bag instead.
- Zipper sandwich bags: Great for bagging that half-eaten snack, crayon pieces, the new rock collection started at the roadside rest stop, and anything else that “needs” to be saved.
- Napkins/tissues: Runny noses and spilled or sweaty drink cups. Need we say more?
- Upholstery-friendly writing utensils: For the littlest of travelers, this could be crayons or water-activated markers that only color when used with the special book.
- Headphones and chargers: Stock up on headphones so you don’t have to listen to eight straight hours of Coco Melon (unless you want to) and chargers with extra-long cords if you need them to reach outlets by the front seat.
- Books: Perfect for when you’re not doing screentime. Books are a great distraction when you’re “playing” the quiet game, or if you want your younger ones to practice reading aloud to you while you drive. Think of it as a live-action audiobook.
- Carsick bags: Family vacations on the winding roads of the Smoky Mountains always left me queasy as a kid when I was too short to see out the windows. If it’s your first long family road trip, pack bags just in case, even if your little one is usually okay on shorter outings.
- Self-serve snacks: Stock a few non-messy snacks — animal crackers, baby carrots, dry cereal — in your backseat car organizer so your kids can reach them easily without you having to pull over and serve them every time they get bored or hungry.
2. Leave at the right time.
The “right time” could be different for every family. Some prefer to drive at night when the kids will sleep. Others vote to leave early in the day when everyone is feeling fresh and energized. Either way, prepare and pack as much as possible the night before. It’ll make those last-minute tasks easier as you’re trying to get everyone out the door.
When it comes to winter travel, factor the weather into your decisions about when to leave. Will colder temperatures at night bring icy roads? Will overnight snowfall make early-morning drives more difficult? You might make your itinerary extra flexible and choose your departure time based on road conditions.
3. Pack festive in-car entertainment.
Help everyone get in the holiday mood and fend off boredom with holiday-themed entertainment. Load up iPads with the kids’ favorite holiday movies. Look for kid-friendly podcasts everyone will enjoy. Treat them to holiday-themed coloring books for when you want them to turn the screen off for a while.
You can also play classic car games and add a holiday twist. If you’re a Christmas family, see who can find the most red and green cars. Play a game of “I Spy” where the items you’re looking for match the season. It could be a snowman with a scarf or inflatable snow globe in someone’s yard. Find more family road trip games to play.
4. Give a special road trip gift.
Gift giving is part of many winter holidays, and you can make it part of your road trip, too. There are two ways to approach this. One, treat your kids to a gift that will keep them occupied during the drive. This could be a new book, a new app for their phone, or an extra-cozy blanket to snuggle with in the backseat.
The second option is to create a road trip-specific gift. Ashley, who traveled the Midwest every winter as a kid, remembers Bug Juice as a highlight from her own family holiday road trips.
“My sisters and I looked forward to our Bug Juice each trip. I can’t say I’ve seen it sold anywhere recently, but Bug Juice (glorified sugar water) was our favorite drink that our dad would never fail to pick up when we refilled on gas on our road trips,” she said. “I remember exclusively drinking Bug Juice on our road trips as a kid and thinking you could only buy it at certain places. It made using up our gas worth it in my eyes!”
5. Shake up your seating arrangement.
If you typically ride with two adults up front, switch things up occasionally and put one adult in the backseat. This gives them a chance to ride with the driver, which could be a treat. It also opens up the chance for a child in back to have some one-on-one time with a parent. And, if we’re being honest, it also splits up the bickering if you’ve been in the car a bit too long.
6. Plan detours along the way.
One tip for surviving a long road trip is to break it into smaller stretches and give the kids a chance to burn off some energy along the way. Look for tourist destinations or roadside attractions en route, or simply stop at a playground or park.
You might think of it as just another jungle gym, but they’ll still love it, especially if they can make snow angels or have an impromptu snowball fight. Pack extra clothes if it’s cold or wet.
7. Prepare your pets.
If you have some furry family members, the steps below will help keep them comfortable and safe during your winter road trip, too.
- Tag and chip them: Even well-trained pets can get spooked. If they run away during the drive or at your destination, a microchip greatly increases the chances you’ll be reunited. Make sure your contact info on the chip and collar is up to date.
- Get them their own organizer: Just as you would for humans, pack a car organizer with trash bags and napkins for messes. A leash and waste bags are must-haves, as are towels for wiping muddy and snowy paws before getting back in the car.
- Prepare for potty breaks: Bring more poop bags than you think are necessary, plus an airtight container to store the waste if there’s nowhere to dispose of it at the roadside stop. For cats, try a portable litter box and use their regular litter. You can also line carriers with pee pads as a backup.
- Limit their food and water: Car rides can upset some pets’ stomachs, and if stopping to relieve themselves is difficult in the cold and snow, the less they have to eat or drink, the better.
- Crate them: Even if a pet is super calm in the car, crates act like seatbelts in that they secure your animal in the event of an accident. If your pet is a nervous or high-energy passenger, crating them can keep them from distracting the driver and causing an accident.
- Break up the journey: A high-energy pup can benefit from some planned detours to burn off some energy along the route. For other animals such as cats, birds, and rodents that are more stressed during drives, though, it’s probably best to make as few stops as possible and get to your destination quickly.
- Pack something that smells familiar: Let them snuggle their favorite blanket, an article of your clothing, a favorite stuffy, or anything that smells like home to help keep them calm.
Get more tips for traveling with pets.
Winter Road Trip Checklist
Before you even gas up the car, you’re going to want to go through this winter trip checklist to keep you, your family, and your belongings safe.
Preparing your home before vacation
- Adjust your thermostat. In the winter, keep it at 60 degrees or higher to reduce the risk of freezing pipes.
- Remove perishable food from your refrigerator and cabinets. Take out the trash. You don’t want to come home from vacation to a rotten, smelly mess or bugs.
- Pause your mail. We tend to get more mail during the holidays, whether it’s cards, gifts, or junk mail trying to get us to take advantage of seasonal sales. Piled up mail is a sure sign you’re away, making your home a security risk.
- Create smart routines with your Alexa or other home technology to make your house look lived in. Have lights turn on and off at random intervals, maybe even schedule music to play occasionally. Sync video doorbells, smart door locks, and connected garage doors to your phone so you can monitor the goings-on if needed. Then test that technology and remember to actually turn it on.
- Trim trees and bushes. We know it’s probably the last thing you want to do right before a trip, but snow and ice storms can make branches unbelievably heavy. You don’t want to end your trip early if that weight causes a branch to break and fall on your home while you’re away.
- Tell a trusted friend you’ll be out of town. Ask them to keep an eye on the house and pick up any packages that were delivered. And if they’re a really good friend, ask them to shovel the driveway if it snows (again, it’s about security and making it look like someone’s home).
Packing for your road trip
- Prepare an emergency roadside kit with first aid supplies, basic car repair tools, jumper cables, a flashlight and extra batteries, roadside flares or reflective triangles, and sand or kitty litter for traction on ice.
- Put a small shovel or broom in the trunk. This is helpful for quickly getting snow off the top of your car or digging your way out in a storm.
- Pack blankets and extra clothes like gloves, hats, socks, and scarves to stay warm if you get stuck on the side of the road in freezing temperatures.
- Find out if you need tire chains. You most often see this in mountainous areas. If you’ve never used tire chains, practice putting them on and taking them off in your driveway before you leave home.
- Pack a portable cell phone charger in case your car battery dies and you still need to call for help.
- Bring your favorite “stay awake” hacks. It could be one-handed snacks, good music, and other driver-friendly entertainment to keep you from getting sleepy behind the wheel.
Getting your car ready for a road trip
- Perform any regular maintenance you might have been putting off. This includes getting an oil change, replacing or refilling washer fluid and antifreeze, and making sure your tires (including the spare) are in good condition.
- Learn how to do basic repairs. If roadside assistance can’t reach you right away, you’ll be glad you know how to change your own tire, replace a windshield wiper, or add various fluids yourself.
- Make sure floor mats are properly installed. Heavy-duty mats are great for protecting your car’s interior from snow and slush, but you don’t want them getting in the way of the brake or accelerator.
- Know how your electric car will react to extreme temperatures. Batteries often lose their charge faster in the cold.
- Get a full tank of gas (or a full charge if you have an electric vehicle) before leaving town.
Getting travel insurance for road trips
- Look for a plan that includes coverage for rental cars or RV rentals if you aren’t taking your own vehicle.
- Consider coverage with trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits. These can be used on any kind of trip, not just ones where you’re flying. You might have nonrefundable expenses you’ve already paid for, such as a hotel or entertainment. If you have to cancel your road trip or come home early for a covered reason, you want to be able to get a refund on those nonrefundable trip expenses.
- Understand how natural disasters and extreme weather are covered. You can find this information in your plan document. Talk to a licensed agent if you have any questions.
- Ask an agent about coverage if you plan to ski or participate in other similar activities. Some plans have exclusions or different definitions of what they consider “adventure activities.”
Holiday Road Trip Ideas
1. Carlsbad, California
North of San Diego, Carlsbad offers miles of coastline for when you want to escape the cold or return from your holidays with a healthy glow. November and December temperatures hover in the 60s during the day with just a few days of rain, perfect when the purpose of your road trip is to avoid the chill of winter.
If exploring the beach isn’t up the kids’ alley, check out LEGOLAND California. There’s also plenty of golf courses to test out. Some resorts in the area cater to traveling families, offering outdoor movie nights, Christmas crafts, and more.
2. Charleston, South Carolina
Many of us are familiar with the classic Southern charm of Charleston. In the winter, you’ll find Christmas parades, drive-through holiday light displays, and more to give you that festive feeling during your visit, even with daytime temperatures in the 50s and 60s. The King Street shopping district and Holiday Market in Marion Square are ideal for any last-minute gifts.
3. Sea Island, Georgia
One of four barrier islands that make up the Golden Isles, Sea Island has everything from private beaches to luxurious resorts to stunning golf courses. December high temperatures in the Gold Isles average the mid-60s.
Start the holiday season with Thanksgiving celebrations in November — live music, bingo, family activities and, of course, turkey — then carry on through December with a visit to the life-size Gingerbread Cottage and the delightful Reindog Parade. Wrap up with a New Year’s celebration that includes fireworks and even more delectable food.
4. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Nearby Colorado and Utah get most of the attention for skiing, but Jackson Hole has its fair share of snowy slopes. This town is also full of luxurious resorts, perfect for cozy family holiday time together.
When you’re ready to venture out from your resort, Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks are a short drive away. Just stay aware of the weather conditions as some parts of the parks may be closed due to snow.
5. Stowe, Vermont
Ski season in Vermont usually starts in mid-November, and Stowe is one of the most popular spots on the East Coast. This is partly because of the great powder and partly because of its location. Stowe is within easy driving distance of many Northeastern cities. There’s a reason the 1954 movie White Christmas was set in Vermont — it's the perfect backdrop for a fun family holiday.
6. New York, New York
Deciding how to spend a holiday in New York City is probably the most difficult aspect of this trip. Try picking one or two activities — a show, ice skating at Rockefeller Center, visiting Santa at Macy’s — and then leave the rest of your itinerary open to simply take in the lights and energy.
Because driving in the city can be a harrowing experience for out-of-town road trippers, look for accommodations with parking included and then walk or take public transit to see the sites. You can also book a rental house outside the city and take the train in if you’re looking for less expensive options, although this might be easier if your children are older.
7. Branson, Missouri
We bet you didn’t know Branson is known as “America’s Christmas Tree City.” That’s because this Midwestern playground city has more than 1,000 trees covered in millions of lights to make the season bright. In a town that’s also known for its shows year-round, you won’t be short on entertainment options, either.
You can find more winter vacation ideas on our blog ranking some of the best holiday destinations in the world.
Travel Insurance for Winter Road Trips
Anything can happen on a road trip, from minor cuts and bruises to a car accident on an icy road or catching the flu. Planning for an emergency doesn’t mean you’ll avoid it, but it can make it easier to deal with the consequences.
In addition to stocking your car with emergency supplies, travel insurance is a great way to prepare for the unexpected during a winter road trip.
Look for a plan that includes rental car coverage if you’re renting a vehicle. If you’ve planned excursions at your destination, such as a family outing at an amusement park’s holiday extravaganza, trip protection can also reimburse you for that prepaid expense should you have to cancel your trip or a delay causes you to miss the outing for a covered reason.
Finally, look for a plan with 24/7 emergency travel assistance. All our plans come with services from Seven Corners Assist, which can help in a number of predicaments like when you need to find medical care if you get sick or hurt while traveling.
Find the right plan for your winter road trip and get a quick quote online. You might be surprised by how affordable it is. You can also talk to a licensed agent to make sure you get the best coverage that fits your budget.
