| Winter Travel is a good time to learn how to "go | | | | stuck in your car for 8 hours or more. |
| with the flow" because even though you have to | | | | * ALWAYS keep your gas tank at least 1/2 full. |
| do additional ROAD TRIP PLANNING to have the | | | | Do not drive that last quarter tank assuming you |
| extras on hand before you embark on the trip, | | | | will get to the next service station. |
| traffic delays may require you to "stop and smell | | | | And now, putting the above precautions aside, |
| the roses" even when those roses have you | | | | and the reason you're doing all this planning |
| stalled in bumper-to-bumper traffic waiting for the | | | | is...WINTER ROAD TRIPS ARE FUN! Just getting |
| road to clear up ahead. | | | | to your destination is more exciting because snow |
| This is where your ROAD TRIP PLAN B comes | | | | transforms the landscape from the ordinary to |
| into play. If you're a couple, this is a nice time to | | | | the extraordinary. And once you get to your |
| pull out a CD, kick back and rest your eyes while | | | | destination, there's toasty fireplaces, snow boots |
| enjoying the music. If you're a family, pull out | | | | creating puddles by the front door, and steaming |
| those car games, watch a DVD together, or | | | | mugs of hot chocolate. Not to mention activities |
| simply start a round robin conversation (What I'm | | | | you can only do during Winter like sledding, skiing, |
| most looking forward to on this trip is...?). Keeping | | | | snowboarding, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides! |
| everyone comfortable and in good spirits will be | | | | So what are some PRIME WINTER |
| the order of the day, and if you've planned for | | | | DESTINATIONS? Here are some to get you |
| such things, it can actually be a fun time, albeit | | | | started on your Road Trip Planning. |
| cramped. | | | | FOR THE FULL-ON WINTER WONDERLAND |
| When planning your itinerary, pay extra attention | | | | EXPERIENCE: |
| to towns or cities near roads you think may pose | | | | * Alaska Experience with All Alaska Tours (this |
| traffic delays or closures. Add activities to your | | | | Road Trip can give you the Winter touch even in |
| itinerary that could keep you and your passengers | | | | the Spring) |
| occupied if delayed for more than four hours. | | | | * Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario |
| That way, you can pull off and go shopping, take | | | | * Banff & Jasper National Parks in Canada |
| in a movie, enjoy a long lunch or early dinner, or | | | | * Lake Tahoe in California & on the Nevada side |
| stroll through a museum. Add a couple of nearby | | | | * Mount Rainier in Washington |
| hotels to the unscheduled section of your trip | | | | * Pigeon Forge Winterfest in Tennessee |
| planner just so you'll have the information on hand | | | | * Salt Lake City in Utah |
| should the traffic delay be more than 8 hours. | | | | However, Winter does not always mean |
| ROAD TRIP PLANNING SAFETY TIPS | | | | knee-deep in Snow: Here are some grand Winter |
| * If you are traveling with your family by car, get | | | | Road Trips where you'll be hard-put to find snow |
| your vehicle inspected and check the weather | | | | (other than possibly some frosting atop distant |
| conditions immediately before the trip. | | | | mountains). |
| * Cancel the trip if you are traveling to winter | | | | * Sedona Arizona - Red rocks, jeep tours, hot air |
| destinations and the weather forecast predicts a | | | | balloon tours, shopping, spas, dining, festivals...great |
| snowstorm. | | | | for a couple needing some time away from the |
| * Some roads are not recommended unless you | | | | kids. |
| have a 4x4 vehicle. | | | | * Las Vegas , Nevada - Vegas isn't just about |
| * Carry snow chains | | | | gambling & night-life, though it certainly carries |
| * Include a Delay of Game kit filled with snacks, | | | | both in abundance. Vegas offers winter visitors a |
| car games, energy drinks, portable DVDs, | | | | plethora of daytime activities to enjoy. |
| portable games, blankets. | | | | * Virginia Beach, Virginia - Go whale watching. |
| * Stow an emergency kit in your trunk containing | | | | Winter getaways offer activities you won't get to |
| batteries, blankets, collapsible shovel, flashlights, | | | | experience any other time of the year so |
| food, gloves, ice scraper, rubber boots, ski caps, | | | | maximize your fun by planning a winter road trip |
| and water for those times when you may be | | | | now! |