Plymouth Pulse

Plymouth, MI Community

Smart Holiday Travel: Avoid Delays, Stress & Winter Hazards

by Lee Moraitis on January 2, 2026

Plymouth, Michigan – The holiday travel rush just wrapped up, and if you made it to your destination and back, you know how challenging winter trips can be. But winter is far from over in Michigan, and there are plenty of travel opportunities ahead. Whether you’re planning a winter getaway, visiting family, or already thinking about next year’s holiday season, these tips will help you travel safer and smarter through the cold months.

Pick the Right Time to Hit the Road

Timing your trip can make all the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful one. The busiest travel days during major holidays typically include the days right after Christmas and the weekend before. If you have flexibility next season, traveling on the actual holiday like Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Eve means quieter airports and less traffic.

For everyday winter trips, leaving before noon on weekdays helps you avoid rush hour and get ahead of weather changes. Flying early in the week, especially Tuesday or Wednesday, typically offers better prices and fewer crowds.

Navigate Winter Weather Like a Pro

Michigan roads stay dangerous well into March, so winter driving skills remain critical. Slow down and increase your following distance to at least 8 to 10 seconds on slick roads, since stopping on snow or ice can take up to ten times longer than on dry pavement.

Watch for black ice on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas where surfaces freeze first, even when temperatures hover around 40 degrees. Make all your movements smooth and gradual to maintain control. Before starting your car, do a quick walk around and check that your exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

Pack Smart for Winter Trips

A well-thought-out packing list prevents headaches and keeps you prepared for delays. Start with the basics: travel documents, medications, phone chargers, and a power bank for unexpected waits. Keep a winter survival kit in your car with blankets, water, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight with batteries, and a first aid kit in case you get stranded.

For flights, pack snacks, an empty water bottle to refill after security, noise-reducing headphones, and a travel pillow. Always keep toiletries, hand sanitizer, pain relievers, and prescription medications in your carry-on where you can reach them easily.

Travel With Kids Without Losing Your Mind

Long winter trips with children take planning and patience. Time your travel around nap schedules when you can, and create a cozy space with blankets and neck pillows so kids can sleep through portions of the drive. Load up on entertainment like magnetic games, coloring books, audiobooks, and downloaded shows or apps.

Plan regular breaks at rest stops with indoor play areas where kids can burn energy and warm up. Pack more snacks and drinks than you think you need, and try to stick to familiar meal and bedtime routines to minimize meltdowns.

Make Pet Travel Safer and Easier

Bringing your pet on winter trips requires extra preparation. Secure pets properly in crash-tested crates or quality harnesses to keep everyone safe and prevent distractions. Build in extra time for regular breaks so dogs can stretch and relieve themselves. Pack waste bags, collapsible water bowls, extra food, any medications, and health certificates if crossing state lines.

Double-check that ID tags and microchip information are up to date before leaving home, in case your pet gets lost somewhere unfamiliar. For cats traveling in carriers, make sure there’s room for a small litter box.

Your Plymouth Connection

Smart travel starts with knowing your destination and staying informed about conditions along your route. For more helpful guides and local insights about Plymouth and surrounding communities, discover more articles that make your winter travels easier. Are you a real estate agent looking to grow your business? TownSites is the platform that connects you deeply with your community, helping people find your listings and local expertise. Learn more about how we can help. Stay safe out there this winter from all of us here in Plymouth!