‘Tis the season for winter travel warriors. You’re sharing the road with snowplows and salt trucks, escaping your local tundra on the way to ski slopes and cabins in the woods. Icy roads and runways may slow your journey, but these tips will help you make It safely to your destination.
The most important thing you need: travel insurance.
(Coverage and exclusions vary. Always read your policy documents carefully, and contact Allianz Partners if you have any questions.)
If you’re traveling soon, don’t delay! It’s best to buy travel insurance within 14 days of paying your initial trip deposit. Get a quote right now.
Tips for winter road travel
Do you know the 3 Ps of safe winter driving?
- Prepare. Check your car battery, the tread on your tires, your windshield wipers, and your headlights/taillights. Check the fluids, too: antifreeze, oil, and gas.
In addition to the normal supplies you’d need for a road trip, you’ll want to pack a winter travel emergency kit (see details in our winter travel packing list below). Preparing also means researching your winter road trip route. In some parts of the country, like Colorado, certain roads and mountain passes are closed for the winter. If a winter storm warning has been issued for the area, it’s smart to postpone your trip. And always share your travel plans with a friend or family member. - Prevent. Do everything you can to avoid winter weather travel delays and crashes. Drive slowly, with extra distance between you and other vehicles. If you’re not used to driving in the snow, practice in a parking lot (if possible) or review the basic rules for winter driving.
- Protect. Use common-sense precautions to keep yourself and your passengers safe. This means wearing seatbelts, making sure children are in correctly secured car seats, and driving defensively.
Protect your rental car, too! The OneTrip Rental Car Protector provides affordable primary coverage for covered collision, loss and damage up to $75,000, along with 24-hour emergency assistance. (OneTrip Rental Car Protector is available in most states.)
Your winter travel packing list: Road trip essentials
- Flashlight
- Shovel
- Snow brush and ice scraper
- Something to help your tires grip snow or ice if you get stuck (such as sand, kitty litter, or floor mats). In some regions, you may need snow chains for your tires.
- Jumper cables and/or a rechargeable jump starter
- Flares and reflective emergency triangle
- Tire pressure gauge
- Tire repair kit (puncture repair kit, tire sealant, air compressor)
- Rope or bungee cord
- Extra windshield washer fluid (with deicer)
- First aid kit
- Multi-tool or small toolkit
- Warm blanket(s)
- Hand warmers
- Extra gloves/hats/coats
- Rain gear
- Sunglasses
- Extra snacks and water
- Matches
- Phone charger for car and a power bank for backup
- Other road trip essentials for kids and pets
Download this winter travel checklist PDF
Tips for winter air travel
- Do your best to avoid delays. Weather-related flight delays peak in November, according to the FAA, and are also high in March and October.1 Early morning, nonstop flights are your best bet.2 Also, try not to travel through the airports with the worst winter delays, such as Newark, Chicago O’Hare, JFK, Boston Logan, and LaGuardia.3
- Defend yourself against airplane germs. If you’re flying in the winter, it’s wise to get a flu shot before you travel, as well as any other vaccinations recommended for you. Many travelers take immune-boosting supplements, such as vitamins and zinc. Is it a good idea to wear a mask when flying? Doctors’ opinions vary, but a mask may lessen your chance of catching a respiratory illness.4 Read more: Fly Well: How to Avoid Germs on Planes
- Wear your winter gear. Instead of cramming boots and a coat into your suitcase, wear them on the plane. A compressible insulated jacket will be easier to manage than a heavy wool coat. You can even stuff it into a pillowcase on the plane to make yourself a comfy headrest.
- Always protect yourself with travel insurance. A solid travel protection plan is the best defense against winter travel mishaps. Look for a plan with trip delay benefits, baggage protection, trip cancellation/interruption, trip change protection, and emergency medical. Get your quote.
Your winter travel packing list
Whether you’re heading to a ski resort in the French Alps, chasing the northern lights in Iceland, or holing up in a cozy cabin in Vermont, here’s a core packing checklist for cold-weather trips. Remember what your mom always said: Dress in layers! The base layer wicks away moisture, the midlayer insulates you, and the top layer protects you from the elements.
Winter travel clothing and footwear
- Underwear
- Bras
- Thermal underwear and/or fleece-lined tights
- Long-sleeved shirts: Merino wool or synthetics are better than cotton.
- Pants: Look for quick-dry, comfortable pants that you can dress up or down.
- Belts
- Sweaters or fleece
- Insulated vest
- Waterproof, windproof outer shell (jacket and pants)
- Hat
- Neck gaiter/scarf
- Gloves/mittens
- Thin and thick socks for layering
- Waterproof or water-resistant boots
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit
- Pajamas/sleepwear
- Slippers
Comfort and safety
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Sunblock and sunburn treatment
- Hand and body lotion
- Thermal travel mug
- Tea bags/instant coffee/hot cocoa mix
- Electrolyte packets for hydration
- Hand warmers (disposable or rechargeable)
- Hiking stick or ski poles (to help you keep your footing on ice)
- Ice cleats/traction device for your boots (like Yaktrax)
Winter sports gear
- Ski gloves
- Glove liners
- Ski goggles
- Face mask
- Skis with boots, bindings, and poles
- Snowboard with boots and bindings
- Ski/snowboard lock
- Passport or driver’s license
- Travel insurance documents
- Travel itinerary and boarding passes/tickets
- Required immunization documents and/or visas
- Cash, credit cards and copies/photos of credit cards
- Money belt
- Backpack and/or bag
- Watch and/or jewelry
- Keys
- Prescription medications and copies of prescriptions
- Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses
- Hearing aids and batteries
- Cell phone and charger. Before you leave, download the free Allyz®app from Allianz Partners to manage your policy, find a local or virtual healthcare provider while traveling, and contact 24-hour assistance.
- Laptop or tablet and charger
- Camera and charger/accessories
- Power adapters, if you’re traveling overseas
- Water bottle
- Hand sanitizer/sanitizing wipes
- Books, e-reader and charger, and other entertainment
- Neck pillow and/or blanket
- Ear plugs
- Eye mask
- Headphones
- Laundry soap and clothesline
- Laundry bag
- Travel sewing kit
- Deodorant
- Perfume
- Comb and brush
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Hair products
- Hair accessories
- Shower cap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss
- Mouthwash
- Contact lens solution and case
- Eyedrops
- Makeup
- Menstruation products
- Razor
- Nail file and clippers
- Tweezers
- Small first aid kit
- Baby wipes
- Travel packs of tissues
- Cotton swabs and cotton balls
- Over-the-counter medication for headache, pain, fever, congestion and indigestion/heartburn
- Vitamins
- Small flashlight
- Duct tape
Download this winter travel checklist PDF
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