I love a good road trip, but there are some big differences in planning for a winter road trip vs. a summer road trip. Shorter days, unpredictable weather, slower travel, and holiday traffic are all important considerations. Bringing a dog along for the holidays adds more logistics to consider, but you can plan ahead to have a wonderful winter road trip. The holidays are approaching fast, and if you are planning a Christmas road trip (like me!) read on for some important considerations for your winter road trip.
Why Chose to Drive vs. Fly for Holiday Travel?
Flying might get you there faster, but there are some reasons why driving can be better.
- Bringing a pet – my dog gets to come with me so we can celebrate Christmas together!
- Family doesn’t always live near an airport, sometimes driving might actually be more convenient
- Flexibility in plans – leave when you want when you have your car!
- The experience of a winter road trip!
- Slower travel means more time to experience your destination, and possibly a few new places along the way.
How Winter Road Trips Are Different From Summer Travel
There are some big differences that make planning a winter road trip more challenging – like winter weather! Here are the things to consider before taking off.
Reduce Driving Time and Distance
In summer, I like to keep my driving days to under 8 hours with a 10-hour max on the longest days, but with less hours of sunlight, I am reducing that for winter. I am planning on a maximum of 8 hours on my first long day which will have a low risk of snow. Once I get into Oregon and Idaho, I am planning to keep my max driving time to under 6 hours per day.
Driving Start Time
In the summer, I like to get on the road as early as possible on long driving days, before the sun comes up if possible, to make the most of daylight hours once I reach my destination. In winter, I am not planning to start driving until the sun is out. I want to minimize the risk of icy roads and low visibility in areas where ice and wildlife are a concern, which is where I plan to be.
Be Flexible with Plans
With unpredictable winter weather, you will may need to be flexible with driving days and times, and even your route. In case of a winter storm, you may need to leave later in the day than planned, or even a day later. Leave some room for change, and make sure your accommodations can be flexible. I love to stay in an Airbnb or Home Exchange, but they don’t allow as much flexibility as hotels or staying with friends and family.
What to Pack for a Winter Road Trip
Make sure to research your destinations and plan on having extra layers, boots, gloves, and waterproof outerwear if needed. For travelling with a dog, I am bringing her usual supplies plus a light up collar for walks in the dark and paw balm to protect her paws.
Car and Safety Winter Road Trip Prep
Before taking off on any road trip, always check the basics including tires and fluids. In the winter, you will want to fill up your gas tank more often and make sure you have an emergency kit in your car. Remember to download offline maps and/or travel with paper maps in case you are out of service or your phone dies. For more information on winter driving safety, check out this link from AAA.
Share Your Plan With Someone
This is important for any road trip, but always a good reminder. I like to turn on sharing my location from my phone with people I trust so someone always knows where I am in case of emergency.
Expect a Different Kind of Road Trip Experience
In winter, fewer roadside attractions and scenic trails will be available. The trade off is more cozy indoor time, holiday decorations, snowy landscapes, and quieter towns. If you can work remote for your time away, you can stretch your time even more. If you plan on bringing your dog along for the trip, it can make the experience feel even slower and more intentional, in a good way. More breaks means more moments to slow down and enjoy the season.
Conclusion
Winter road trips may require extra planning and flexibility, but they’re also a wonderful way to slow down during the busiest time of year. With shorter days, snowy landscapes, and a chance to enjoy the holidays at your own pace, the journey becomes part of the experience. And if you’re bringing your dog along, even better—you get the gift of spending the season together. Pack smart, stay flexible, and enjoy the cozy adventure of a Christmas road trip.
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