Holiday travel can be fun and exciting with the anticipation of seeing loved ones and all the festivities the holidays have to offer. However, traveling during one of the busiest times of the year can also be chaotic, challenging, and overwhelming.
These 5 safety tips can help you keep the holiday season merry and bright:
- Prepare a travel health kit: Before you head off to your holiday destination, prepare a travel health kit with first-aid and health-related items that you may need during your trip. These items include prescription and over-the-counter medications, sunscreen, band-aids, hand sanitizer, antibiotic cream, and your health insurance card.
- Be aware of changing weather conditions: Depending on where your holiday travel takes you, it’s always a best practice to check the weather forecast. Weather can change quickly, so it’s important to research the area you are visiting to stay aware of the climate patterns.
- Stay off the roads: If you are planning on traveling to cold and snowy climates, be sure to stay cautious driving conditions in case of low visibility or icy roads – and stay off them, if necessary.
- Prepare your vehicle for winter: Prior to setting out on your holiday excursion, winterize your vehicle for the conditions you may encounter while traveling. Pack an emergency kit for your vehicle that includes blankets, flashlights, snacks, water, and a spare USB charging bank.
- If you are travelling by plane, check the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) security screening tips: Being prepared for the TSA screening can help make your holiday travel plans go more smoothly.
Sources used:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Holiday Travel Tips. Travelers’ Health (last accessed 11/6/2025) https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/traveling-holidays
- Federal Emergency Management Agency. Holiday Safety Social Media Toolkit. Ready.gov. (last accessed 11/6/2025) https://www.ready.gov/holiday-safety-social-media-toolkit
Utica National may link to websites operated by other entities within this site. Utica National makes no representations, and disclaims all liability, as to the content or material available at those locations, the accuracy of information, and the quality of products or services provided or advertised on linked websites. By clicking into a linked website, you will leave this site, and you may be subject to the terms and conditions governing the use of such third-party websites. Clicking on any link to a third-party website is done solely at your own risk, and it is your responsibility to take all protective measures to guard against viruses or other destructive elements that may arise or result from the use of any third-party website.