By: A.Noton
Submitted: 2010-04-12 03:16:32 | Word Count: 516
Winter can be a great time to take a vacation. In fact, between snowbirds, sports enthusiasts and students the roads get pretty busy with people trying to get from one part of the country to another. If you are going to be doing some traveling this winter, consider these tips for staying safe during winter travel.
If you will be driving, get your car checked out. The last thing you want to have happen is to have your car break down and to get stranded in the middle of a snowstorm. Make sure all the fluid levels are at manufacturer s specifications, inspect the tires for proper inflation and tread depth, and have the battery checked. If it s been awhile since your last tune up, have that done before you hit the road.
[ advertisement ]
Although most towns work hard to keep the roads clear, it is important that you learn how to drive in snow. You just never know when you might get caught in a storm. Particularly important is knowing how to recover from a skid. If your car is going one way, you want to gently turn in the opposite direction until the car straightens out. Avoid using your brake as this could make the skid worse.
You want to keep a close eye on the weather both on the home front and your destination. For drivers, plan the route you are going to take and use online tools to try to find out as much about the weather conditions as you can. Leave your planned travel route with a friend just in case you do not make it to your destination and a search team must come looking for you.
A travel kit is a must when on the roads. Your travel pack should have a basic first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, a knife, a compass, a tow rope, jumper cables, kitty litter to help aid traction, ice scraper, water, extra blankets, non perishable food, matches, portable radio and de icer. These can be put in an emergency bag in the trunk of the car. Make sure you have a car charger for your cell phone in addition to a regular wall charger.
It is important to carry enough food and water with you just in case you get stranded. Your body needs more nourishment in cold weather than it does in summer, so always travel on a full stomach. Take about 6 bottles of water and a days worth of food or assorted healthy snack items in the car with you as they might freeze if stored in the trunk.
You are working harder to get through the snow so take frequent breaks. Try to stop at least once per hour to hour and half so you can stretch your legs and clear your mind. Even a five minute break is enough to refresh you to continue the journey.
Winter travel can be a fun experience as long as you take the proper precautions. Be prepared for the worst but don t let that detract you from enjoying the journey.
Author Resource:-
CAA Travel Discounts offered by a respectable auto club in Canada. Find out how to obtain a CAA insurance in order to enjoy the benefits. Find New York City vacation packages today! http://caaneo.ca/
