The start of a new year is the perfect time to plan your holiday travel for 2026. Whether you’re preparing for spring break, summer vacations, or next winter’s festivities, smart planning makes every journey safer and more enjoyable. Here are practical tips to help Temecula residents navigate holiday travel with confidence year-round.
Pick the Right Time to Hit the Road
Timing matters when it comes to holiday travel. The actual holiday itself is often one of the quietest travel days, though most families prefer to arrive at their destination beforehand. For major holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, traveling mid-week rather than on weekends can save you hours of traffic frustration.
Plan to depart on Tuesday or Wednesday for the best combination of lighter traffic and reasonable prices. When returning home, wait until Monday or Tuesday after the holiday weekend rather than joining the Sunday rush. For road trips, leaving very early in the morning, before 6 AM, or after 8 PM helps you skip peak traffic hours on highways.
Stay Safe in Winter Weather
Southern California doesn’t see much snow, but if your holiday plans take you to the mountains or northern regions, winter driving requires extra caution. Increase your following distance to ten times what you’d normally use on dry roads. This gives you plenty of room to stop safely on slick surfaces.
Bridges freeze faster than regular roads, so slow down when approaching any overpass. Accelerate and decelerate slowly to maintain traction. If your wheels start spinning, ease off the gas rather than pressing harder. California law requires tire chains in many snowy areas, so keep a set in your trunk along with jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, water, and snacks.
Pack Smart for Holiday Trips
Creating a packing checklist prevents last-minute scrambling. Layer your clothing with thermal underwear as a base, then add sweaters or fleeces, and finish with a weather-resistant jacket for winter destinations. Pack waterproof boots, extra warm socks, gloves, and a hat if you’re heading to colder climates.
Don’t forget the practical items: portable phone chargers, any necessary medications, hand sanitizer, and baby wipes. Keep a physical map or download your route offline in case you lose cell service. A thermal flask filled with hot coffee or cocoa makes highway rest stops more pleasant during winter trips.
Travel Without Stress
Traveling with children requires extra planning. Pack snacks, entertainment like tablets loaded with movies, and comfort items such as favorite blankets or stuffed animals. Schedule extra time for bathroom breaks and leg stretches to keep everyone comfortable during long drives.
If you’re bringing pets along, maintain their regular feeding and walking schedule as much as possible. Secure dogs with a quality seat belt harness or crash-tested crate for everyone’s safety. Bring extra food, water bowls, waste bags, and any medications your pet needs. For cats, a soft-sided carrier with room for a small litter box makes car travel easier.
Looking for a home that makes holiday travel more convenient? We can help you find properties close to major highways and transport hubs, making your seasonal trips smoother year after year, whether you’re near the I-15 corridor for quick trips north or positioned for easy access to regional airports—location matters. Explore homes throughout the Temecula Valley that fit your lifestyle, and let us help you find the perfect community for easy travel access.
Get Ready Before You Leave
Check your vehicle before any long drive. Inspect tire pressure, test your battery, and fill the windshield washer reservoir with appropriate fluid for the season. Replace worn wiper blades and make sure your headlights work properly. Fill up your gas tank before hitting the highway rather than searching for stations in unfamiliar areas.
Monitor weather forecasts and road conditions for your route. If severe weather is predicted, consider delaying your trip by a day. The safest winter driving tip is simply not driving when conditions are dangerous. Your family and friends will understand if you arrive a bit later than planned. Book flights and accommodations early for popular holiday periods to secure better prices and availability.
Sources: bhtp.com, thevacationer.com, bexar.org, costulessdirect.com, westernrise.com, temeculavalleyspotlight.com, familiesgotravel.com, zoetispetcare.com, theauerteam.com
Header Image Source: Elvis Kaiser on Unsplash
