Tips for Seasonal Travel
Going home for the holidays is a special tradition for many students, but it can bring some challenges, especially when winter weather is involved. Icy roads and delayed flights can make travel stressful. Luckily, with some practical tips and attention to the weather, students can handle holiday travel more confidently.
It’s important to book a form of transportation early during busy travel weeks, whether taking a flight, bus, or train. Prices go up fast and seats fill quickly as the holidays get closer. Try using student-friendly sites like StudentUniverse or Google Flights to compare prices. If able, be flexible with travel dates; going a day before or after the main holidays can save money and help you avoid crowds.
Packing light is helpful, but it’s even more essential to pack for winter weather. Bring layers, gloves, a hat, and waterproof shoes. If driving, keep an emergency kit in the car with blankets, snacks, water, jumper cables and a flashlight. According to Ready.gov, every car should have a winter kit in case of a breakdown or delay.
Before starting the trip, check the car’s tires, battery, antifreeze and brakes. Keep the gas tank at least half full to help prevent the fuel line from freezing. If driving through snowy areas, use winter tires or bring chains. The National Weather Service says that 24% of weather-related crashes happen on snowy or icy roads.
Winter weather can change quickly. Check the forecast and road advisories before you leave by using apps like Weather.gov or your state’s travel map. Save mobile.weather.gov for hourly updates. If the weather gets worse, wait to travel until the roads are safe.
If driving on icy roads, there should be more than the usual amount of space between each car—about 5 to 6 seconds. Slow down and try not to brake suddenly. Keep the headlights on and watch out for black ice. If snow or fog makes it hard to see, pull over safely and wait until it clears. Indiana’s Department of Homeland Security suggests checking local advisories and driving slower in dangerous conditions.
If staying with family or friends, check that their home is ready for winter. Storms can cause power outages, so bring backup chargers, extra food and warm clothes. Never use ovens or grills to heat inside, since this can cause dangerous carbon monoxide. Make sure there are CO detectors and follow safety tips for heating.
Always bring a student ID, since many transit systems, museums and other places offer student discounts. Use apps like Rome2Rio or Transit to find cheaper routes. Splitting travel costs with friends using Venmo or Cashapp can help lower costs and it is a good idea to download offline maps in case you lose signal.
If flying, get to the airport early and check the flight status often. Winter storms can cause lots of delays. Pack important items in a carry-on, like medications, chargers, snacks and a change of clothes. If the flight does get cancelled, ask the airline about vouchers or rebooking options.
Traveling for the holidays does not have to be stressful. With some early planning, attention to the weather, and a few helpful tools, students can get home safely and enjoy the season.
Whether driving on snowy roads or moving through busy airports, being prepared is the best way to travel.
