smiling boy looking out car window in winter

12 Secrets to Planning a Low-Stress Family Road Trip This Winter

Are you dreading the thought of endless hours on the road with your family this winter? The idea of a holiday road trip can be both exciting and daunting, especially if it's your first time.

Poor weather, long distances, and high expectations can put a real downer on holiday road trips. Add in fractious kids, and you might have a recipe for disaster!

But you're in the right place. I've road-tripped over 30 countries in the past five years and have just the tips you need to plan a stress-free family road trip this winter.

1. Map Out the Route

Travelers are planning a trip by searching the route on the map and searching for information on the internet.
Image Credit: YAY Images.

The first step is to plan your route so you have a clear direction and time frame for your trip. This is easy if you're off to visit relatives on a journey you've done before, but a little more challenging if you're heading for a new destination or taking a multi-day trip.

Use a tool like Google Maps to plan the route, check stops along the way, and maybe find a few attractions to visit, too. All satellite navigation apps for your phone will also provide information about gas stations, rest areas, and places to stay overnight if the route is long-distance, meaning you can stick to a schedule.

2. Book Ahead

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If this is a multi-day trip, make sure to plan and book your accommodation well in advance. Popular stop-overs on interstate routes get busy fast, and if you arrive without anything booked, you may wind up sleeping in the car (yep, I've done that and learned my lesson!).

Not only does booking in advance secure your room, it means you'll get the best deals, too. Plan to arrive at your stop-over destination by mid-afternoon, so you have a little time to explore and relax.

3. Pick the Designated Drivers

Attractive Caucasian man stands winter forest near car drink hot beverage thermos. Winter holiday road trip. Cold season. Portrait young handsome unshaved driver dressed red checkered shirt vest
Image Credit: YAY Images.

Agree on who is going to drive which section of the route. It's a good idea to break up the driving, as any distance, especially in challenging winter weather, can be tiring.

If there is only one driver, aim to stop for 30 minutes every three hours or so, to combat the risk of fatigue. Don't be lulled into thinking loud music, fresh air, or sugary sweets will help keep you awake. They won't, and you risk falling asleep at the wheel if you drive for too long without a break.

4. Have Your Car Serviced

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Don't start a winter road trip without giving your car a basic service and check-over. You want the peace of mind of knowing your vehicle is capable of making the journey and getting your family to your destination safely.

A basic service will include a check of all fluids and filters, topping up on anti-freeze where needed, a wiper check, and a tire assessment for condition, pressure, and depth of tread.

5. Get Breakdown Cover

couple with car troubles at the side of the road
Image Credit: Bobex-73/Shutterstock.

I never drive anywhere without roadside assistance coverage. Easily organized and not especially costly, breakdown coverage helps you enjoy a stress-free journey, knowing that you'll get help at the roadside if the worst happens.

I have an annual policy which covers me for all my trips and is much more cost-effective than booking single trip cover. I have used AAA several times over the past decade, and they have become my go-to breakdown insurer for the best value and service.

6. Get Safety Gear on Board

Emergency Triangle Mounted to Warn About Car Breakdown
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Carrying the proper safety gear will make a massive difference if you break down or have an accident. None of us wants to think about such an event on our trip, but it is better to be prepared, just in case.

As a minimum, you should carry a warning triangle, high-visibility vest, first aid kit, flashlight, means to change or repair a tire, jumper cables, spare clothing, thermal blanket, snow shovel, and spare fuses and bulbs.

7. Pack Road Trip Essentials

Hands holding a plastic tray of sandwiches a a drink in a car
Image Credit: YAY Images.

Having the right gear and gadgets can make or break your trip, especially if you have little ones, seniors, or furry friends on board. There is nothing worse than traveling boring roads without any distractions!

Snacks and drinks are essential for keeping your energy up during a long trip, and they can also help you stave off hunger when you're stuck in traffic.

You'll also want chargers and devices for navigation, podcasts, and singalongs, and sunglasses to help with glare.

8. Plan Road Trip Entertainment

Mother and her son are reading a comic book on a backseat of a car on road trip
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

I have very happy memories of playing simple ‘Eye Spy' and car color games on long trips with my mom, dad, and siblings. Games are a great way to pass the time on long trips and entertain bored kids.

Many simple word games don't need anything to play them, just a bit of forethought. You could also load up games onto tablets for the kids, or download their favorite shows, which they can watch on a tablet strapped to the back of the front seats.

9. Dress for Comfort

Portrait, woman or car window on adventure as exploration, travel or sightseeing in South Africa. Confident, female person or driver in motor transport for road trip as leisure, recreation or tourism.
Image Credit: YAY Images.

Tight waistbands, high heels, and skimpy clothing are not the best look for a road trip. You want to aim for maximum flexibility with your clothing to help you stay comfortable for the journey.

Dress in layers so you can adjust your temperature. Remember that others in the car will have different levels of comfort than you, and nothing is worse than being too hot or cold.

Elastic waistbands help you find a comfy position, and trainers with socks mean you can release your feet if they start to swell.

10. Check the Weather

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Whenever and wherever you drive during winter, always check the weather before setting off. What can start as a gorgeous clear and crisp winter's day can quickly turn into a snowstorm that will ruin your trip.

If extreme weather is forecast, change your plans and delay your journey. This may be incredibly inconvenient, but being stuck in a car when the weather is out of control is dangerous and a sure way to really derail your road trip.

11. Take Regular Breaks

Smiling woman eating biscuits with kid girl sitting in car body with blanket and decoration outdoor. Motherhood.
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When you're planning your route, be sure to factor in rest stops so you can avoid making everyone feel cramped and uncomfortable. Take breaks every few hours so everyone can stretch their legs and back, and use the bathroom.

And if someone does need to use the restroom, don't hesitate to pull over at the next available opportunity. Taking a few short breaks can make a long car trip much more bearable for everyone involved.

12. Be Patient

senior-couple-driving
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Road trips are a fantastic way to explore different parts of America, but they can also be frustrating. Traffic jams, getting lost, delays, and inclement weather can all make for a long journey.

Being patient is key to staying stress-free and making the most of your road trip. Accept that there will be setbacks, enjoy the scenery along the way, and enjoy the company of your fellow travelers.

Author: Izzy Nicholls

Writer for The Gap Decaders. Expert in European travel, road trips, motorhome & RV travel, overland travel, van life, adult gap years and how to live the dream!

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