It can be hard making holiday air travel go as smoothly as possible, right? For the most part, holiday driving sounds like the easier option, doesn’t it? There are no airport security lines, no canceled flights, and no gate changes announced after you’ve sprinted halfway across the terminal. But anyone who’s braved the roads around the holidays knows the truth: driving comes with its own set of headaches.

Just think about it; there’s traffic that makes you question humanity, unpredictable winter weather, and hours spent trying to keep everyone entertained can turn a cheerful road trip into something more Grinch-like. But what can you do to remove as much stress as possible during this time? Well, there are a few things you can look into!

Pack a Winter-Ready Safety Kit

This needs to be one of the very first things you do. So, winter travel and surprises go hand in hand, and not the good kind. Just think about it; there are snowstorms, icy patches, or unexpected delays that can throw a wrench into your plans, but having a well-stocked safety kit can make all the difference. This isn’t just your basic jumper cables and flashlight situation (though those are essential); think bigger.

For starters, look into adding an ice scraper, de-icer, and a bag of kitty litter or sand to help you get out of slippery spots. Ideally, you should also toss in extra blankets (a lot of people look into space blankets), hand warmers, and non-perishable snacks in case you’re stuck longer than planned.

Now, this one might be a bit more on the pricey side, but a foldable shovel can save the day if your car gets snowed in, and a portable phone charger ensures you’re never stranded without a way to call for help. You need peace of mind in order to not have a stressful drive.

Research the Route for Snow and Ice

Nowadays, there really isn’t an excuse to be surprised by bad weather and bad conditions. For the most part, driving around the holidays means you’re at the mercy of the weather, and in all honesty, Mother Nature can be dramatic this time of year. One minute you’re cruising along, and the next you’re in the middle of a snowstorm wondering what on earth happened.

Ideally, before you hit the road, check the forecast for your entire route, not just your starting point. You can even look into downloading some apps for example, there’s Drive Weather, which can help you see potential hazards ahead, like icy roads or heavy snow.

If part of your route looks dicey, then you might want to consider taking an alternative path or adjusting your travel time. But overall, arriving late is infinitely better than not arriving at all.

Turn Your Car Into a Cute Little Getaway

Yes, really! So, if you’re going to spend hours in the car, it might as well be an inviting space. For example, a little effort can turn your vehicle into a mobile retreat that makes the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.

Start with the atmosphere. This can include a new little air fresher to hang on your rearview window, but you could even look into those car diffusers. If your car has heated seats, well, that alone makes a massive difference, right?

If you’re really adamant about having that holiday magic, you could consider packing a thermos (or multiple) with some hot cocoa in it, and maybe a few gingerbread cookies. It’s the little small things like these that make being in a cramped car feel less, well “blah.”

Try and Plan for Festive Pit Stops

So here’s something that you should really think about! So, pit stops don’t have to be boring bathroom breaks at gas stations with questionable coffee. Depending on the pit stop itself, it can be fairly nice. For example, make it an actual experience! You should look for local holiday markets, roadside light displays, or charming diners serving festive treats.

Depending on where you’re going, you could even look into apps like Roadtrippers since this can help you find unique stops along your route (such as suggestions for quirky landmarks and even scenic detours). But even a quick visit to see a small-town holiday parade or a beautifully decorated downtown can turn a monotonous drive into something memorable.

Plus, if the weather’s decent, stretch your legs at a park or walking trail. A little fresh air and movement can do wonders for shaking off the stress of being in the car.

Beat Traffic With a Smarter Schedule

Now, it can 100% be agreed that everyone seems to hit the road at the same time during the holidays, and the result is pure chaos. But how can you even avoid this? Well, you might not like it, but try and consider traveling during less conventional hours.

For example, early mornings or late evenings are often quieter, giving you a smoother and less stressful drive. Just be cautious if it's at night because fewer businesses are open, there are more shady people out and about, and there are even more drunk drivers too.

Entertainment for Everyone

Okay, so needless to say, the long drives have a way of stretching time, right? So that’s why keeping everyone entertained is a must. So, who’s in the car? If your spouse is the one who’s driving, then that gives you the chance to look at apps to help make the experience better, but of course, you deserve to indulge in something nice on your phone too like playing a game of Solitaire (this can be oddly therapeutic).

If you have younger kids, you could play some upbeat (and classic) holiday music and do some sing-alongs (but depending on the age of your kid, they’ll most likely want to play with a device or a toy).

Think About Your Food

So earlier, some holiday cheer through hot cocoa was mentioned, but not everyone likes hot drinks. So in that case, just be sure to pack snacks that people actually like. For example, just pack some fruit, trail mix, crisps, and even healthier options like carrot sticks. Just be cautious about packing candy since that makes cars sticky (and ideally should be avoided if you’re renting a car).