I’m a giant fan of highway journeys — it’s a implausible approach to see the nation, discover hidden gems and discover enjoyable pit stops, and you’ve got the liberty of a reasonably versatile journey schedule.
I’m a bit a fan of California highway journeys, however there are such a lot of distinctive areas to see by automotive within the US — from the Pacific Northwest (Leavenworth is a vacation dream!) to the myriad of locations within the South.
With regards to winter highway journeys, there are positively some issues to remember as you intend and prep. Earlier than we dive in, I’d extremely counsel having a look at my information to planning a highway journey.
Listed here are my suggestions for planning a winter highway journey!
Put together Your Automobile
Are you planning to drive your personal automotive or hire a automotive? For winter highway journeys, driving a automotive with four-wheel or all-wheel drive is preferable.
Having snow tires or chains is advisable to have within the automotive, as properly!
One other approach to prep your automotive is to create an emergency equipment match for chilly climate. This consists of issues like emergency blankets, first assist equipment, a flashlight with additional batteries, gloves, and water.

Analysis Your Route
Positively analysis your route forward of time and know that highway situations will be WAY completely different within the winter than at different occasions of the yr.
When Meyer and I flew into Seattle and drove to Leavenworth, we didn’t anticipate being caught in a snowstorm. It might be good to plan forward and have potential pitstops — within the likelihood that we wanted to sit down out the snowstorm.
Take note of components reminiscent of highway closures and snowy situations and plan accordingly. It’s necessary to keep in mind that the journey is simply as necessary because the vacation spot and a part of what makes highway journeys so enjoyable.
Use the “Planning Your Journey” characteristic through the Pilot Flying J myRewards Plus app and plan out relaxation stops and locations to refill (and choose up all the mandatory snacks!)
Utilizing the myRewards Plus app, you’ll be able to benefit from the 10-cent gasoline low cost on each gallon of gasoline (by the top of 2022).
Right here’s tips on how to redeem the low cost and save 10 cents on each gallon of gasoline!

Whereas planning out gasoline stops, do additionally take note of principal roads versus again roads. If potential, attempt to keep on with the primary roads and highways, particularly on the subject of colder areas and people who may have snow or ice.
Whereas again roads can oftentimes be extra scenic (I’m often all for that!), there’s a great likelihood they’re much less maintained throughout the winter.
For roads which are much less traveled, it might be a bit tougher to seek out help in case your automotive ought to run into any points.
Add Stops at Pilot Facilities
It’s necessary to analysis your route, examine on climate situations, and plan for pitstops — breaking apart your driving time with stops at Pilot Flying J is an effective way to refresh and take a break.
Pilot Flying J has greater than 750 journey heart areas throughout the US and Canada.
Yow will discover every thing out of your go-to snacks, to stuffed animals for the little ones, to checking your e-mail through the on-site WiFi, and even trucking gear.
I like that you could at all times rely on discovering clear loos and a family-friendly environment.
Load Up on Recent Meals & Snacks
What’s a highway journey with out good meals and snacks? At Pilot Flying J journey facilities you’ll discover recent meals made every day in-house, scrumptious espresso, and alllllll the snacks.
Listed here are a couple of of their choices:
- Recent Pizza: Handmade and hand-roped. From traditional cheese pizza to these with a number of toppings, you’ll be able to rating a complete pizza or simply a person slice.
- Fountain Drinks: Whether or not you’re keen on a crisp Eating regimen Coke or wish to create your personal concoction with cherry or different candy add-ins, the fountain dispenser is filled with favorites.
- Recent Fruit: Discover seasonal recent fruit, excellent for snacking on the highway.
- Rooster Tenders: Sizzling, traditional, and crunchy!
Pad Your Journey with Further Time
A part of the enjoyable with highway journeys is discovering hidden gems and locations to cease at whilst you drive — whereas we have been driving to Leavenworth, we stumbled throughout the cutest espresso chalets that have been sooo good.
All the time pad your driving time so that you’re not in a rush and may cease and “odor the roses” while you discover these sorts of locations.
Plus, simply in case you get snowed in or have to attend out the climate, it’s greatest to have a little bit of wiggle room while you’re driving from place to position.
Take into account that there are fewer hours of daylight within the winter, and chances are you’ll wish to plan driving stretches throughout sunlight hours.
What to Pack for a Winter Street Journey
- Sun shades: for when the sunshine bounces off the snow
- Cell Telephone and Charger for the Automotive
- Paper Map and GPS: simply in case your cellphone dies otherwise you don’t have service!
- Ice Scraper: once more, a simply in case, however a bank card can work in a pinch
- Windshield Washer Fluid: it could get used up fairly shortly if you happen to hit a storm or hit sleet, so greatest to have some available.
- Jumper Cables: at all times good to have within the automotive in case you unintentionally depart an inside gentle on.
- Kitty Litter or Sand: hear me out on this one, if you happen to’re going someplace the place snow will be actually difficult, placing down a bag of one thing with traction and grip below your wheels (i.e. kitty litter or sand) will provide help to in a slippery spot.
Useful Tip
If you happen to occur to neglect one thing — no worries, Pilot Flying J has you lined! Yow will discover every thing from sun shades to chargers to winter necessities (sure, even coats!)
All of your last-minute wants are lined at Pilot Flying J.

Earlier than You Go
Verify the climate forecast to see if there’s something looming and make any adjustments to your driving schedule.

This put up was sponsored by Pilot Flying J. As at all times, all ideas and opinions expressed on this put up are completely my very own.