Thanksgiving Travel Survival Guide

Posted September 29, 2016

Thanksgiving Day is on Monday, Oct. 10 and it can be one of the busiest weekends on the road out of the entire year. Everyone is rushed, the kids are cranky, you’re worried about family drama, you’re trying to prepare a huge meal, and you’re trying to navigate traffic. It can be a headache so we’ve compiled some tips on how to have a relaxed (or as relaxed as it can possibly be) roadtrip.

1. Plan Ahead

Decide what groceries you need and buy them in advance. Don’t leave your grocery shopping until you’re ten minutes away from packing the kids in the car to start your commute. Start your grocery list at least a week in advance and buy any non-perishables then. Buy your perishables a couple days in advance so they stay fresh.
Scope out construction zones. Watch your local news or roads report apps to see where the major construction zones are and avoid those areas.
Pack the day before. Make a list of everything you need to bring to your family’s house and gather it together the day before so you don’t forget anything.

2. Get Your Car Ready

Get your winter tires put on well before the weekend in case you hit poor weather.
Have your battery inspected to ensure it won’t die while you’re away.
Change your windshield wipers to ensure they clear away any bad weather and debris.
Inspect all your lights (headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and signal lights) to ensure none of them are burnt out.
Check your tire pressure to ensure all four tires are optimal.
Make sure your registration is up-to-date. In Alberta the government no longer contacts you to let you know when your registration expires so check your license plate to ensure you’re up-to-date!

3. Drive with Caution

Always buckle up and ensure that everyone else in the car has a seatbelt on.
Drive the speed limit.
Turn on your headlights at dawn and dusk.
Never drive under the influence.
Be cautious of everyone on the road – you never know if someone else might be driving under the influence.

4. Remember to Breath

If you’re feeling stressed out over the holidays, sit and take three deep breaths in and out. Remember that Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate and be thankful for all you have in life!

At Integra Tire we are thankful for our customers and we hope that this guide helps you. Remember that you can visit any Integra Tire and Auto Centre across Canada for all your tire and automotive service needs!

Questions? Our Advisors are Happy to Help!

If you have questions about anything you've read in this resource page, contact your nearest dealer for more information. We are passionate in assisting our customers make the best choices to keep their vehicles in tip-top shape and keep their families safe.