27
Aug 2021
Labor Day is anticipated to be a high traffic travel weekend this year. People generally feel more confident traveling with the distribution of the vaccine this past year, and more places in the U.S. are open and ready for fun. Here on Delmarva, we are in a prime location for short day trip or even long weekend travel, and many of us are planning to take advantage of that for the upcoming holiday. Before you hit the road, check out these travel tips to ensure that you have a safe and healthy Labor Day weekend.
Prepare your vehicle for long distance travel. The last thing you want on your vacation is to be stuck on the side of the road. The week before you hit the road, make sure you do the following: Check your wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Get an oil change if your vehicle is due, and make sure that your oil levels are where they should be. Ensure that your tires (including your spare) are at the manufacturer recommended pressure. Simple maintenance can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road and cut into valuable vacation time.
Pack for Covid prevention. While more people are getting vaccinated every day and the U.S. is more open and active as a result than it was this time last year, Covid is still a risk that must be accounted for when traveling. Be sure that everyone in your travel party has enough face masks and hand sanitizer to get them through the trip. Be mindful to wash hands thoroughly and sanitize after each stop at a gas station or any other high traffic area.
Time it right. Research your route and when heavy traffic occurs so that you can avoid congested roadways. Less time spent on the road means more time relaxing and unwinding. Plus, being on the road when there is less traffic decreases the likelihood of being involved in a collision. Google Maps offers the option of viewing both current and past traffic patterns to help you plan your trip accordingly.
Stock up on snacks. If you're planning on being in the car for several hours, pack some snacks for the road. Frequent stops at convenience stores will add to your travel time, not to mention that the offerings at these roadside stores are often unhealthy and expensive. Stock up on fruits that travel well, such as apples & bananas, and healthy snack options like dried fruits, nuts, popcorn, etc. And don't forget the cooler so you have cold beverages available when you want them.
Know your route ahead of time. We are reliant on GPS to travel these days, and while that gets us around just fine, it's important to know the basics of your route before you get on the road. You might get into an area with bad reception on your trip and lose your GPS signal long enough to miss an exit. Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs as you near the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.
Just a little preparation can go a long way to ensuring that your vacation is a success and leaves you with only happy memories for years to come. Follow these tips for a safe and healthy Labor Day Weekend.
