If there’s one thing nobody really looks forward to during the holidays—apart from certain relatives’ unwanted dinner table rants—it’s traveling. But by following some helpful tips for safe holiday travel, you can look forward to less stressful driving for Thanksgiving and beyond.
Tips for a Safe, Stress-Free Holiday Travel Season
TAKE YOUR TIME
Driving any distance for Thanksgiving can be a hassle thanks to clogged roadways and heavy traffic, so one of the best tips to follow is to give yourself some extra time to get where you’re going. If it takes you three hours to get to your mom’s house, leave five hours before you’re supposed to be there. This will give you plenty of time to take it easy if things are smooth and will cut down on anxiety about being on time if traffic builds up. Not being in as much of a hurry can make for safer and relatively stress-free holiday travel.
Another great benefit of leaving a bit earlier? It will leave plenty of time to make stops along the way. In addition to gassing up and going to the bathroom, you’ll want to take occasional breaks to stretch out. This can prevent back and neck pain from driving, putting you in a better mood when you get where you need to be. And if you get there earlier than expected, you can always help mom set up the table like old times.
GET READY FOR THE TRIP
The same principle of giving yourself extra time applies to preparing for the trip ahead. If you don’t know exactly where you’re going, map it out using your navigation app to see what routes are available, about how long it will take, and if there are any issues or problem areas you may need to avoid along the way.
You can also take this time to prep for the drive by putting together survival kits. Healthy snacks keep everyone’s energy levels up and prevent crankiness, driving games and playlists can help make the trip more memorable, and natural supplements can keep you calm and focused at the wheel. And if you have time before your trip, one of the best tips we can recommend for making sure that your driving experience goes smoothly this Thanksgiving is getting a chiropractic adjustment or massage beforehand.
Get Ready for Safe Holiday Travel in Rochelle, IL
Chiropractic care and massage therapy can help relieve pain, boost focus, and improve your mood, all of which can contribute to a better Thanksgiving driving experience and safe holiday travel. Treatment can also help you recover from the hectic holidays and get back into a normal schedule once everything settles down. Whatever your needs, schedule an appointment at Wills Chiropractic in Rochelle, IL.