Best Time To Travel By Car This Weekend
Long weekends are an excellent time to take a break from the monotonous routine and explore new destinations. With the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become challenging to finalize travel plans. However, with road trips gaining popularity, it is easier to take a break while maintaining social distance. Here is a guide on the best time to travel by car this weekend:
1. Avoid Rush Hour
The best way to avoid traffic is by avoiding rush hour. As much as possible, plan your trip outside peak hours.Typically rush hours are during the weekdays, but still, some cities also experience heavy traffic on weekends.
On Friday evenings, the traffic is the heaviest, especially from 3 PM to 7 PM. Similarly, on Sunday evenings, there's heavy traffic on roads from 3 PM to 6 PM. So, plan your travel accordingly to avoid getting stuck in traffic congestion.
2. Travel Early in The Morning
If you are an early bird, then traveling in the morning is the best option. Most people prefer to sleep in on the weekends, which means less traffic during the wee hours.Additionally, temperatures are cooler in the morning, which makes driving more comfortable.
If you plan to go on a long road trip, starting early in the morning will also give you enough time to enjoy your destination and return home at a reasonable hour.
3. Avoid Traveling on Holidays
Traveling on holidays can be a nightmare, with the amount of traffic on the road. On holidays, people tend to travel in large numbers, leading to heavy traffic. Moreover, there are more accidents and roadblocks during holiday weekends as compared to normal weekends.
Some of the major holidays that cause a significant increase in traffic on the highways include Memorial Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Try to plan your trips outside the holidays to avoid crowds and traffic.
4. Use Traffic Apps
To avoid traffic congestion, try using traffic apps on your mobile device. These apps provide real-time traffic updates, alternate routes, and the estimated time of arrival. Some of the popular traffic apps include Google Maps, Waze, and Mapquest.
By using traffic apps, you can also identify traffic jams on your route and plan accordingly. Additionally, you can also check for road closures, accidents, and weather updates. This information helps you plan your trip in advance and avoid any problems on the road.
5. Prepare Your Car
Before you hit the road, it's crucial to ensure that your car is in good condition. The last thing you want is to be stranded on the road with a flat tire or a dead battery.
Make sure to check the brake pads, engine oil, coolant, and tire pressure before you begin your journey. Additionally, carry a first aid kit, some snacks, and enough water for the trip.
Conclusion
Traveling by car on weekends is an excellent way to de-stress and explore new places. However, it's essential to plan your trip in advance and ensure that your car is in good condition. Avoiding rush hours, traveling early in the morning, avoiding traveling on holidays, using traffic apps, and preparing your car are some of the best practices while traveling by car.
So, pack your bags, buckle up, and hit the road this weekend! A relaxed, hassle-free, and enjoyable trip awaits you.
