Countless military families are on the move every year. Whether they are heading to their next duty station or taking some well-deserved time off, military families know all too well about the challenges of travel. Traveling at any time of the year can be stressful, but it often becomes even more difficult during the winter season.
Even seasoned travelers find it daunting to deal with icy roads, dropping temperatures, whiteout conditions, limited daylight, and the unpredictability in general. Wherever you are traveling during the winter, your best defense against Mother Nature is to plan ahead and prepare for the unexpected.
At IHG® Army Hotels, we know the winter travel season can be a busy one. From Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves to visiting friends and family, battling winter conditions is often unavoidable. So, to help you, our valued guests, brave the season, here are some of our best tips and advice for keeping your winter travels stress-free.
Planning Ahead: Preparing for Winter Travel
As the saying goes, those who fail to plan, plan to fail. When winter travels are on your calendar, taking some time to plan ahead before you leave is always a good idea. The best place to start is with weather forecasts and travel advisories. Checking the weather gives you a heads up on what to expect along the way. Reliable forecasts can be several weeks out and help you decide on the best day to begin your journey. The same is true for travel advisories, which can help you avoid road closures and things of that nature.
Next, you want to make sure you and your family create a readiness checklist. Having the proper clothes, snacks, printed maps in case you lose cell coverage, and a small first aid kit are must-haves for winter travel. If you are traveling internationally, make sure you also add travel documents to your checklist.
If you are traveling by car, inspect your vehicle as soon as possible to identify any issues that need to be addressed before the trip. Oil changes, new brake pads, and quality tires will make the journey much safer. Don't forget, some areas will require snow chains during the winter. Make sure to top off fluids and check with your auto insurance carrier to see if they cover roadside assistance where you are going.
Even with the best preparation, winter weather can hit you hard and force you to take a break from your travels. Spend some time before you leave looking at what IHG Army Hotels are along the route. With properties located on 40 installations around the country, you're never too far from one of our safe and warm rooms.
Vehicle Safety and Cold-Weather Preparedness
In addition to planning ahead, here are some more specific tips for once you are on the road. When it comes to winter travel safety, having a reliable vehicle is key. A quick pop of the hood and some visual inspections around your car each time you get into it can save you a lot of heartache on the road.
When looking under the hood, check to see that all fluids are at acceptable levels. Oil, transmission, coolant, and even windshield wiper fluids should all be at their appropriate levels to ensure the vehicle is working well. For electric and hybrid vehicles, refer to the user manual for recommended preventive maintenance before you hit the road.
Include a car safety kit with you before driving off. The kit should have flares or reflective cones, jumper cables, a flashlight, a small shovel, basic tools, and perhaps a small air compressor for flats. A basic kit like this can help get you out of a bad situation. Issues like flat tires are bad enough during normal conditions, let alone during the winter.
If you encounter ice and snow along the way, remember it is best to drive more slowly and increase the following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Careful steering and acceleration will help to minimize the effects of ice and snow on controlling the vehicle.
Our properties offer convenient stops along the way with parking close to rooms and near facilities such as the PX and the Commissary. If you get into trouble, look for one of our hotels to relax in while you address any issues the vehicle is having. While we can't fix your car for you, we can provide you with a safe, comfortable room and a complimentary breakfast while vehicle repairs are being taken care of. We love to serve those who serve; it’s what we are all about.
Staying Healthy and Warm During Travel
Traveling during the winter isn't just about taking care of your vehicle. Your most precious cargo, your family, also needs to be ready for the trip. The cold, dry air of winter, coupled with long car rides, can lead to fatigue and dehydration. Make sure everyone is drinking plenty of water along the way. It's also a good idea to plan for frequent short stops where everyone can get out and stretch for a minute or two.
Winter temperatures can quickly shift from a little chilly to dangerously cold. This is especially true when you travel long distances. Dressing in layers is your best defense against changing temperatures. Kids are especially prone to feeling the effects of changing weather. Clothing layers give everyone options that help regulate body temperatures and keep everyone smiling.
As the day comes to an end, make sure you have lodging accommodations planned in advance. All IHG Army Hotelsprovide rooms that are clean and climate-controlled. The last thing you want is to be forced to sleep in less than acceptable accommodations because you were too focused on the road and forgot to get rooms ahead of time.
Winter Air Travel Tips
For those traveling by air, there are still a few things to keep in mind when flying during this season. Climate control might not be your biggest concern, but you still need to be ready for other challenges, such as delays, cancellations, and unpredictable weather prolonging your time in airports. These unexpected problems can turn a quick flight into a nightmare stay in an airport terminal.
One of the best things to do when traveling by air during the winter is to keep essentials in your carry-on. Medications, toiletries, an outfit or two, and anything kids will need to keep them occupied are a must. You might also consider important documents and uniform items depending on your situation. If there is a delay or cancellation, you don't want important items trapped under the plane where you can't get them.
It's better to book early morning flights than those later in the day. Morning departures are less likely to be affected by cascading delays. And remember, if there are cancellations, you're never too far from one of our hotels.
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