The holiday season brings joy, family gatherings, and travel plans. Whether you’re heading out from the Grosse Pointes or welcoming guests, planning makes all the difference. From handling Michigan’s winter weather to packing smart and keeping everyone comfortable, these tips will help you reach your destination safely.
Pick the Right Time to Hit the Road
Timing matters when planning holiday travel. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving sees traffic about 14% heavier than usual between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with the worst congestion from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. If you can, leave early in the morning or after 7 p.m. to avoid the rush.
Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Roads
Michigan winters demand respect. Between 2015 and 2019, the state recorded 220,526 weather-related crashes, resulting in thousands of serious injuries. Before you travel, check your tire pressure and tread depth, as cold temperatures cause air pressure to drop. Winter tires provide better grip in low temperatures.
Clear all snow and ice from your windows, mirrors, roof, and lights before driving. Stopping on icy roads takes up to 10 times longer than on dry pavement, so reduce your speed and increase your following distance to 5 or 6 seconds. Watch for black ice on bridges, ramps, and shaded areas, where surfaces may look wet but are actually frozen.
Major interchanges at I-75/I-696 and I-94/M-39 can experience significant delays during winter weather, so plan extra time. If you’re looking for a home near major highways and transport hubs for easier holiday travel access, explore properties in the Grosse Pointes area.
Pack Smart for Cold Weather Travel
A well-planned winter packing list keeps everyone comfortable. Layer your clothing with thermal underwear, cozy sweaters, and a weather-resistant jacket. Pack waterproof insulated boots with non-slip soles, along with extra warm socks, gloves, and hats. Don’t forget scarves to protect against cold winds.
Keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, a flashlight, water, snacks, and any necessary medications. A thermal flask for hot beverages and hand warmers can be lifesavers during unexpected delays. Baby wipes and hand sanitizer let you avoid washing hands in freezing temperatures at rest stops.
Travel Stress-Free With Kids and Pets
Long car rides with family require extra planning. Schedule regular breaks every two to three hours so kids can stretch and pets can relieve themselves. Bring a litter box for cats and plenty of waste bags for dogs.
Leave very early in the morning so the kids can sleep through the first few hours of driving. Pack healthy snacks, download offline maps, and prepare playlists or audiobooks for entertainment. Give each child as much personal space as possible to prevent conflicts during long trips. For pets, secure them with a quality harness or in a crash-tested carrier.
Try to maintain regular meal and rest schedules, even when traveling. Pack extra pet food, medications, and their vaccination records. If flying, contact your airline well in advance to confirm pet policies, as there are limits on cabin space.
Living closer to transportation hubs can make holiday travel much easier. Connect with David Petrouleas, a trusted real estate agent who can help you find the perfect home in the Grosse Pointes area that fits your lifestyle and travel needs.
Ready to make your next holiday trip the smoothest yet? Start planning early, pack the essentials, and give yourself plenty of time. Safe travels from all five Grosse Pointes communities!
Sources: michigan.gov, freep.com, natlawreview.com, westernrise.com, backpacknxplore.com, davepetrouleasrealestategroup.com
Header Image Source: Grish Petrosyan
