Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means many of us will hit the road or use air travel to visit family and friends.

Travel can be fun, but it can also be dangerous. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe when traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Safety Tips Before You Go

Before you embark on your journey, there are a few things you should do to prepare. First, make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. This means getting an oil change, checking your tires, and topping off your fluids before hitting the road. You also should pack an emergency kit for your car that includes things like a first-aid kit, a flashlight, jumper cables, snacks, water, and a blanket.

If you have small children, don’t forget diapers, wipes, and changes of clothes in case you find yourself stranded or caught in bad weather. By preparing yourself and your car before you go, you can help ensure a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday trip.

Check For Inclement Weather Warnings

Weather can be unpredictable with serious consequences if you’re not prepared. To stay safe while on the road, check the forecast ahead of time and pay close attention to any warnings issued by local authorities.

You should also adjust your route based on expected conditions.  For example, if rain or high winds are predicted, you might avoid certain roads prone to flooding or tree debris. A little preparation is a simple way to ensure safer travel on Thanksgiving.

Safety Tips for the Road

When traveling this Thanksgiving, it’s essential to stay safe and focused on the road. When driving long distances, it’s easy to get distracted by the sights and sounds of your surroundings, leading to careless mistakes and dangerous situations.

To avoid these hazards, it’s best to eliminate as many distractions as possible. For example, you can make sure that you’ve buckled all your passengers in and that they have plenty of entertainment options. This could mean bringing along books, games, or even movies for the kids to watch.

In addition, minimize the time spent looking at or using your phone while on the road. This means avoiding calls, texts, or web browsing. By keeping these tips in mind, you can have a safe and enjoyable holiday travel experience this Thanksgiving.

Arriving Safely for Thanksgiving

Safe travel doesn’t end when you’ve reached your destination. Follow these helpful arrival tips to have an enjoyable (and safe!) Thanksgiving trip:

• When you arrive at your destination, take a few minutes to check in with your host or hostess and let them know you’ve arrived safely.
• If you’re staying in a hotel, be sure to keep your belongings close by and never leave them unattended in public areas.
• When out and about exploring, stick to well-lit areas and don’t wander off alone.
• And finally, if you’re drinking alcohol this holiday season, always do so responsibly and never get behind the wheel after having too much to drink.

Safety Tips for Air Travel

We’ve covered road travel safety tips, but what if you choose to fly this Thanksgiving? If flying to visit friends and family is more your thing, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved in flying.

While flying is very safe, several factors can pose a threat to your travel plans, including changes in weather and mechanical issues with planes. Also consider safety concerns outside of our control, such as possible security breaches and threats from other passengers.

There are plenty of precautions and protocols in place at airports and airlines to ensure passenger safety, but it’s always important to be prepared. Here are a few tips for your air travel:

• Download your airlines app ahead of your trip so you can easily check your flight status and other notices.
• Check airline guidance to make sure you’re prepared for restrictions on luggage, liquids, and other items.
• Eat a meal before your flight or carry food items with you in case there is a prolonged take-off or extended flight duration.
• Dress for comfort but also consider avoiding synthetic materials, which may not survive use of a safety slide in an emergency.
• Wear close-toed shoes, which are more secure in case of an evacuation.
• Pay attention to all preflight safety instructions and read safety cards.

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and food — not accidents or injuries. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your holiday travel is safe and fun for everyone involved.

Travel this Thanksgiving with confidence, knowing you’ve done everything you can to stay safe. Happy holidays!

Staying safe doesn’t just apply to driving and traveling by air. It also means you’re properly insured for all your needs. For help finding the best insurance coverage for you, request a quote here.