safety travel by car

We may earn money when you buy through our links.

Home | News | Road Trip Safety Tips

Road Trip Safety Tips

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review . 

The iPhone 15 lineup goes beyond just tech—it's your guardian on the road. You're covered wherever you go with Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via satellite, and the all-new Roadside Assistance via satellite. It's safety in your pocket and available in 14 countries and expanding to Spain and Switzerland.

Getting ready to hit the road for a multi-day adventure? Make sure that it’s a fun and safe drive no matter where you’re going with our top road trip safety tips. 

This may seem like a simple one, but buckling up can save your life. Car accidents are the a leading cause of death of 1 – 54-year olds in America. By wearing a seat belt, you can cut the risk of being injured or killed by 50%. This is definitely our number one road trip tip for keeping everyone safe, so don’t put the car in gear until everyone is buckled in tight!

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the best safety news, product info, and deals.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Give your car a once-over

Is your car road-worthy? Ensure it is with a quick maintenance appointment at your local garage or by doing it yourself. You should check your tire pressure, tread levels, oil levels, wiper blades, and fluid levels. If it’s time for an oil change, get one. If you need to top off fluids, do it. If you need to patch or replace a tire, don’t skimp. It’s important that if anything looks funky, you get it fixed before it’s time to drive.

Here are some products you can use to prep for travel:

• Oil level dipstick
• Tire pressure gauge
• Wiper blades
• Wiper fluid

Get some rest

Driving while tired is super dangerous. Every year, drowsy drivers cause over 6,400 fatal car accidents . That’s because as your eyelids droop, so does your ability to react quickly, make sound decisions, and keep your car in the correct lane.

You may not think you’re too tired to drive responsibly, but studies show that driving after being awake for 17 hours causes your brain to function like someone with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05%. After being awake for 24 hours, it doubles to a 0.10% BAC. That’s the equivalent of a 160-pound man drinking five beers in an hour and getting behind the wheel.

It’s not just lack of sleep that contributes to drowsy driving. Taking medication can make you sleepy and so can boredom.

If you are getting more tired by the mile, either trade off with someone who is refreshed, stop to stretch your legs, keep the window down, or talk with your passengers to keep yourself alert. The best medicine for drowsy driving is sleep, so if you can, take a rest and then get back on the road.

Have your GPS handy and bring back-up directions

Knowing where you’re going is pretty important. If you get lost, you could find yourself in unsafe neighborhoods or stuck in a sand dune—you never know. By mapping your course before you go and keeping a GPS on-hand, you’ll be able to stay on track the whole journey.

Another smart plan is to print or take screenshots of your directions, in case your phone loses signal or its battery dies. That way, you won’t lose sight of where you’re going at a critical, turn, exit, or merge.

Watch out for drunk drivers

A person dies every 39 minutes from drunk driving across the country. That averages around three people per state.

You can protect yourself and your passengers by staying alert and reporting any drunk driving that you see. One safe driving tip is to never stay in the left lane unless passing. If someone drifts from the other side of the road, you’ll be the first in line for a collision. Staying on the right side of the road will give you time to avoid a drunk driver if need be.

Stock up on supplies

Don’t run out of gas for your car or belly. Keep everyone fueled for the entire trip by stocking up on provisions, hand sanitiser, drinks, and gas. Choose a mix of salty and sweet, and junky and healthy to keep a balanced diet.

Don’t forget to pack a full gas can in your trunk, either! Getting stuck on the side of the road miles from a rest stop or gas station won’t just delay your road trip, it could be dangerous.

You can buy a gas can on Amazon  to help prevent this.

Carry a spare...and know how to change it

Every year in the U.S., there are reports of about 220 million flat tires . That’s about seven tire punctures every second. Unless you have a roadside assistance membership and time to spare while you wait for help, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with how to change a flat tire yourself. Our tutorial can show you how. 

Don’t have a jack or a spare? You can fix that right away by purchasing a jack and finding a spare that will fit your car. If you have room, buying two spares isn’t a bad idea in case you blow more than one.

Pack proper tools

If your car breaks down, blows a tire, or someone is hurt in your vehicle, you’ll need some help. Luckily, there are a number of car emergency kits out there that will provide you with dozens of items you can use in a pinch.

The Top Gear Premium Roadside Assistance Kit has 66 items, including jumper cables, flashlight, poncho, a basic first aid kit, reflective vest and triangle, and much more. You can buy it on Amazon for under $40. It’s really a bargain for all the safety it can add to your road trip.

Get your own car security system

It might behoove you to have a car security system. If you need to leave your car on the side of the road, a 2-way car alarm will let you know if anyone is tampering with it. It can also ensure that it’s safe while parked at different hotels and locations overnight. You can compare top car alarms using our helpful guide.

Keep everyone entertained

Screaming kids yelling, “Are we there yet?” is a huge distraction to drivers. Give the road your undivided attention by keeping everyone entertained. Does your car have the ability to play movies? Do you have a smartphone with apps and games? Are you interested in going the traditional route of playing car games?

Here are a few products to keep passengers of all ages busy:

• Scavenger Hunt Card Game
• Mad Libs Road Trip Edition
• Car Compatible DVD Player
• Crayola Travel Tote
• Magnetic Travel Games

Keep an eye on the sky

Crossing state and county lines may be easy-peasy in your car. However, what’s awaiting you on the other side might be dangerous.

To prepare for the weather in different regions, download an app on your smartphone to keep tabs on moving storms. Then, plan an alternate route or wait it out in a safe location if the road looks scary.

If you don’t have a smartphone or cell phone service, you can turn on the radio, too. You can look up your National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s radio station in your state. Or, just tune into a popular FM news frequency to stay up-to-date with breaking news and weather alerts.

Here's what to do in a weather emergency while you're on the road:

• What Is a Tornado Warning: How to Stay Safe
• What to Do During a Flash Flood Warning
• What is a Wildfire: A Guide to Wildfire Safety

Related Articles on SafeWise

• Best Remote Car Starters 
• Best Car Seats
• Best Car Dash Cams
• Car Safety Guide
• 7 Safety Tips for an Injury-Free Labor Day

Compare the top car safety products

Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer .

Recent Articles

About Contact Press News Deals

Home Security Internet Security Home Safety Family Safety Senior Safety

Car Safety Smart Home Emergency Prep Pet Safety Personal Safety

Subscribe to SafeWise for updates on safety news, product releases, and deals!

Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | How We Rank and Review |

*SafeWise has conducted impartial research to recommend products. This is not a guarantee. Each individual’s unique needs should be considered when deciding on chosen products.

©2024 SafeWise. All rights reserved.

Based on Zip Code Change

• Shop the Red Cross Store

Highway Safety

• Share via Email
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on LinkedIn

Prepare for Driving

• Carry a  Disaster Supplies Kit  in your trunk.
• Pack high protein snacks, water, First Aid kit, flashlight, small battery-operated radio, an emergency contact card with names and phone numbers, extra prescription medications and important documents or information you may need.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
• Find out what disasters may occur in the place where you are traveling, especially if they are disasters you have never experienced before. Find out how you would get information in the event of a disaster (local radio systems, emergency alert systems).
• Pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination. Travel and weather web sites can help you avoid storms and other regional challenges that could impact your safety.
• Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get too low.
• If you are taking your pet with you , there are special things you should know to make your trip more enjoyable.

On the Highway

• Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive impaired.
• Be well rested and alert.
• Use caution in work zones.
• Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
• Observe speed limits – driving too fast or too slow can increase your chance of being in a collision.
• Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
• Be respectful of other motorists and follow the rules of the road.
• Don’t follow another vehicle too closely.
• If you plan on drinking, designate a driver who won’t drink.
• Clean your headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
• Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or if you are using your windshield wipers due to inclement weather.
• Don’t overdrive your headlights.
• If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

Explore Related Safety Topics

Free App to Help Your Family Stay Safe

Find our Emergency App in the  Apple Store » or  Google Play »

Aplicación de Emergencias - ahora disponible en  español » también!

Additional Safety Resources

Types of Emergencies

Be Red Cross Ready

Help people affected by disasters big and small.

Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

Road Trip Alone with Confidence: 10 Tips for a Great Trip

April 11, 2023 by Janice Waugh

A road trip means freedom. A road trip alone gives you even more.

A solo road trip also requires you to do all the driving. It can be daunting when you start to plan and physically taxing when on the road. Not to worry. We can help with advice to relieve some of the stress. We have been helping solo travelers take to the road for years.

The benefits of a solo road trip are many. You can take any detour you want, listen to any radio station or audio book that interests you, and you can change your schedule on a whim. The list of advantages goes on. The longer the trip, the more you'll settle in to enjoy these benefits. A cross-country road trip alone is a perfect opportunity to experience the real value of being one with yourself and the road.

I've taken dozens of road trips in Canada, the US, and Europe. On these many trips I've learned a few things about how to plan, pack, navigate, stay safe, and have fun.

Once you read below about preparing for a solo road trip, check out How to Plan a Road Trip: Route Planning, Scheduling & Budgeting and these posts on specific road trips .

Table of Contents

How to Plan a Road Trip Alone

Whether you're planning to drive across country alone or across a province or state, if long-distance driving is something you enjoy, and the idea of going your own sweet way is appealing, here’s the rest of what you need to know to prepare for a long drive by yourself.

1. Know your driving limits.

I can drive up to 10 hours in a day, but not two days in a row. Other people have a limit of three or four hours. This can be due to physical problems from sitting for that long or from pure boredom. You need to know your limits. To plan your trip, you need to know how long you can drive each day, what distance you can cover, how many breaks you need, and whether driving at night is an option. All these factors must be considered to get the road trip you want.

2. Set a theme for your solo road trip.

You might want to choose a theme for your trip. In France, it was history for me. I wanted to see the Bayeux Tapestry and also Juno Beach where the Canadians landed on D-Day. In Arizona, it was landscapes. The Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, Monument Valley–could those landscapes from old western movies truly be real? Driving around Lake Ontario, I was visiting wineries. Every road trip I take alone has some sort of focus. Know what yours is and identify the places you just have to get to. Use this information as you plan your route.

3. Set your pace with the ideal drive and explore schedule.

Getting the pace right is a big part of a trip's success. I've found that, generally, I need three days per destination. If I have four destinations, I need twelve days. I might be able to get away with ten but it's important not to squeeze too much into too few days. If you do, you'll miss lots and find that you spend all your time driving, rather than experiencing destinations. I also don't plan to drive too far on any one day. I try to aim for five hours a day. Even though I'm not typically an early riser, I like to set out early in the morning. I'm up at 6:00 am and away by 6:30 am to beat the traffic and arrive at my destination by noon.

4. Use these tools to map your trip for navigation and points of interest.

On my trip to the American southwest I found myself using two maps. One was a map of the Four Corners by National Geographic called Trail of the Ancients. It had great information on places of interest. There are a variety of National Geographic travel maps to choose from. The other was a standard road map. In addition, I used Google Maps . I especially like road atlases for planning and recording my trip, which makes the atlas a souvenir in the end. Here's an atlas for North America and another for Europe .

5. Book your accommodation.

Now that you've mapped out your solo road trip, book your accommodation. I recommend Booking.com , though if you have a loyalty card with a specific hotel chain you may be better off booking directly with them rather than through any booking site. If you'll be RVing or camping, read Solo Camping: Tent Camping, Safety, and the RV Option .

6. Make sure you're covered.

Travel Insurance. I never travel without it – no matter what. Depending on the coverage you buy, it can reimburse the cost of doctor fees, medical examinations, medication costs, and even hotel accommodations. Possibly more importantly, it may cover the cost of getting someone you love to your bedside during a medical emergency or return you to your home if that’s necessary. For details, read A Complete Guide to Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers .

Roadside Assistance. Whether you run your battery down (as I did in Maine), lock your key in the car, get a flat tire, or worse, it's great to have roadside assistance on your side. If you have AAA or CAA, you’ll be fine in North America. If you don't have it, it's likely a good investment for a long road trip alone.

Rental Car Insurance. If you’re renting a car for your road trip (read How to Save on Car Rentals ), check with your insurance company and credit cards first to find out what kind of coverage you have through them. If you rent a low-end vehicle on a credit card that offers coverage, you should be okay. If, however, you upgrade, your credit card insurance may not cover the more expensive vehicle. It's important to get the details right. If you've determined that your current coverage is not adequate for your rental car, here are the questions you need to ask the rental agency:

• How much does the coverage cost?
• What type of collision coverage is offered and what is included in this coverage?
• Who is insured under the coverage?
• Is there a deductible associated with the coverage?
• Is there anything that could possibly void the insurance coverage for the rental car?
• Is roadside assistance available as part of the coverage?
• What steps need to be taken if you get into an accident?

7. Pack right for a car trip.

Pack light. I know I say this all the time but whether you're staying at hostels, B&B's, or hotels, you are going to be hauling your luggage in and out whenever you move on to a new destination. Having just one bag to carry makes life much easier. Here's a link to my Bare Minimum Packing  post for a bit of guidance on how to pack light.

8. Use multiple navigation tools to keep you on track.

Navigation when you're on the road alone can be a bit of a challenge. I use Google Maps, however, it chews through a lot of data. Depending on where you are, it could be expensive. In addition, I use the paper map or atlas I bought to plan the trip. I will also use the compass on my phone if I feel lost as it confirms my direction. It's also helpful to know that in the U.S.:

• Two-digit Interstates often go directly through cities while three-digit Interstates go around them.
• Odd-numbered highways run north to south and even-numbered ones run east to west.

9. Prepare your vehicle.

Have your car tuned up and inspected at least a week before you leave. This will give you time for any repairs that are required. Car Talk recommends the following items be checked. You can click on any of them to go to the Car Talk site for details.

• The Cooling System
• Steering and Suspension
• Change the Oil
• Air Conditioning System
• Check the Tranny

10. Stay in touch.

Let someone at home know your route, when you leave, and when you arrive at your destinations. A quick text message will do. If you have Wi-Fi (McDonald's and coffee shops are always good bets for free Wi-Fi), use any messenger system or send a quick email. That's all it takes. 

Extra Tips for an Electric Vehicle Road Trip

Taking a road trip alone with an electric car not only gives you the freedom of the road but also freedom from the carbon footprint of a gas vehicle. While the range of travel for EVs continues to increase, there is still the issue that charging stations are not as readily available as gas stations.

1. Find Fast EV Charging Stations for Road Trips.

Not all charging stations are created equal. Fast chargers will make your road trip easier. Where to find them? Electrify America boasts a network of over 3,200 fast chargers and an additional 116 Level 2 chargers. Level 1 is to be avoided as it could take many, many hours to charge your vehicle. Also note, EVs will lose power faster in colder weather than warmer. Keep that in mind for winter road trips and be conservative in your range estimations.

2. Plan for Charging Time in Your Schedule: Apps.

You can't charge an EV in five minutes like you can with a gas vehicle. It takes time to charge and you'll need to plan for that.

A Better Route Planner is good app for this. Enter your vehicle and its year, starting and end points of your trip, and the pace you want based on the quickest way to get there, or if you prefer few but longer stops or more but shorter stops. That kind of information fits perfectly into #3 above, which is about setting your pace. You can download Electrify America's app here. Plugshare has a map of hotels with charging stations.

Increase Your Solo Road Trip Fun

1. take the stress out of your day of driving..

Start your drive early in the morning. You'll be less tired and more alert. The roads will also have less traffic, making the drive more enjoyable. You'll arrive in daylight with time to find your accommodation if you haven't already booked it.

• When you're driving, make sure your doors are locked and (need I say this?) you're wearing your seat belt.
• Be mindful of where you park your car. Try to park near an entrance to a mall or hotel. The lot may be busy when you arrive but if it's empty when you leave you won't enjoy a long walk across a vacant parking lot.
• If your trip takes you along roads with little traffic, consider getting a full size spare tire rather than a donut tire that can only go a short distance. You can get an affordable, decent quality spare tire at a used tire store.

2. Create a playlist.

There are definitely times to listen to local radio, but chances are you'll get bored of it and, possibly, be out of range of a station. Whether your playlist includes audio books, music (you may want to get Spotify), lectures, or all three, be prepared with what will keep you happy, interested, and alert as you explore on your road trip alone. Check out our Solo Road Trip Playlist .

3. Slow down, go local.

Slow down, save on gas, and enjoy the scenery and the scene. On my trip through the southwest I listened to KGHR 91.3 Native Radio. Listening to this station, I learned what was going on in Tuba City, what the Indigenous people care about, the values they hold, and much more. It's a wonderful aspect of travel that is most easily enjoyed on a road trip. Hungry for lunch? Look for the diner in a small town and you're sure to get some local flavor from the people as well as the food. Sometimes a local museum is the one that you'll find yourself telling people about years later. Don't overlook what may appear to be small experiences as they may be the most memorable.

14 Great Road Trips: All Solo Traveler Tested

Here's a link to our road trip category . Here are 14 Great Solo Road Trips: All Solo Traveler Tested .

Sharing is caring!

Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

Get Solo Travel News & Deals

• Create Your Advertiser Account
• Login to Your Advertiser Account
• Solo Travel Statistics
• Media & Speaking
• Privacy Policy & Disclosure

The content of Solo Traveler and any resources published by Solo Traveler are meant for entertainment and inspiration only. Please note that while we have advertising clients promoting destinations, products, services, trips and tours on Solo Traveler and that we endeavour to only work with companies in which we have confidence, we are not responsible for the delivery or quality of their products or services. Every person and every travel situation is different. Your safety, satisfaction and fun traveling solo are your responsibility alone and not that of Solo Traveler, its publisher, editor and/or writers.

PRIVACY POLICY & DISCLOSURE: In accordance with FTC guidelines, I disclose that I may be compensated if consumers choose to utilize links located throughout the content on this site. Additionally, some posts might be sponsored to support this site. Please do the appropriate research before participating in any third party offers. All opinions are my own. Please read our full Privacy Policy here.

Get smartphone savvy the easy way — join our seven-day email challenge to receive helpful tips each day.

AARP daily Crossword Puzzle

Hotels with AARP discounts

Life Insurance

AARP Dental Insurance Plans

AARP MEMBERSHIP — $12 FOR YOUR FIRST YEAR WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR AUTOMATIC RENEWAL

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

• right_container

Work & Jobs

Social Security

AARP en Español

• Membership & Benefits
• AARP Rewards
• AARP Rewards %{points}%

Conditions & Treatments

Drugs & Supplements

Health Care & Coverage

Health Benefits

Staying Fit

Your Personalized Guide to Fitness

AARP Hearing Center

Ways To Improve Your Hearing

Brain Health Resources

Tools and Explainers on Brain Health

A Retreat For Those Struggling

Scams & Fraud

Personal Finance

Money Benefits

View and Report Scams in Your Area

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

Free Tax Preparation Assistance

AARP Money Map

Get Your Finances Back on Track

How to Protect What You Collect

Small Business

Age Discrimination

Flexible Work

Freelance Jobs You Can Do From Home

AARP Skills Builder

Online Courses to Boost Your Career

31 Great Ways to Boost Your Career

ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Tips to Enhance Your Job Search

Get More out of Your Benefits

When to Start Taking Social Security

10 Top Social Security FAQs

Social Security Benefits Calculator

Medicare Made Easy

Original vs. Medicare Advantage

Enrollment Guide

Step-by-Step Tool for First-Timers

Prescription Drugs

9 Biggest Changes Under New Rx Law

Medicare FAQs

Quick Answers to Your Top Questions

Care at Home

Financial & Legal

Life Balance

LONG-TERM CARE

​Understanding Basics of LTC Insurance​

State Guides

Assistance and Services in Your Area

Prepare to Care Guides

How to Develop a Caregiving Plan

End of Life

How to Cope With Grief, Loss

Recently Played

Word & Trivia

Atari® & Retro

Members Only

Staying Sharp

Mobile Apps

More About Games

Right Again! Trivia

Right Again! Trivia – Sports

Atari® Video Games

Throwback Thursday Crossword

Travel Tips

Vacation Ideas

Destinations

Travel Benefits

Beach vacation ideas

Vacations for Sun and Fun

Plan Ahead for Tourist Taxes

AARP City Guide

Discover Seattle

25 Ways to Save on Your Vacation

Entertainment & Style

Family & Relationships

Personal Tech

Home & Living

Celebrities

Beauty & Style

TV for Grownups

Best Reality TV Shows for Grownups

Robert De Niro Reflects on His Life

Looking Back

50 World Changers Turning 50

Sex & Dating

Spice Up Your Love Life

Navigate All Kinds of Connections

Life & Home

Couple Creates Their Forever Home

Store Medical Records on Your Phone?

Maximize the Life of Your Phone Battery

Virtual Community Center

Join Free Tech Help Events

Create a Hygge Haven

Soups to Comfort Your Soul

Your Ultimate Guide to Mulching

Driver Safety

Maintenance & Safety

Trends & Technology

AARP Smart Guide

How to Keep Your Car Running

We Need To Talk

Assess Your Loved One's Driving Skills

AARP Smart Driver Course

Building Resilience in Difficult Times

Tips for Finding Your Calm

Weight Loss After 50 Challenge

Cautionary Tales of Today's Biggest Scams

7 Top Podcasts for Armchair Travelers

Jean Chatzky: ‘Closing the Savings Gap’

Quick Digest of Today's Top News

AARP Top Tips for Navigating Life

Get Moving With Our Workout Series

You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Go to Series Main Page

How to Stay Safe on a Road Trip During the Coronavirus Outbreak

If a long drive is necessary, good planning and sanitizing can help lower your risk.

Sarah Elizabeth Adler,

Fewer Americans say they will be traveling for the holidays, according to a recent Travelocity survey, and of those who are making plans, 80 percent say they will drive.

If you are among them, consider these expert tips for staying safe and lowering your risk of COVID-19 infection both on and off the road.

AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Now more than ever, preparation is key. “Even if you’ve done this trip multiple times, you need to take the research a step further,” says AAA spokesperson Jeanette Casselano. “You may run into some temporary closures.”

Before you go

When considering travel during the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests asking:

• Whether COVID-19 is spreading in your community or the area you’re visiting. If so, you may have a higher chance of becoming infected or infecting others.

• If you or a loved one has an underlying condition that might increase the risk for complications from the disease.

• Whether the destination requires that visitors quarantine themselves for 14 days upon arrival, or has any other relevant restrictions.

The CDC also notes that “staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.”

AAA also recommends calling ahead to confirm hotel or other reservations, as well as opening hours and other logistics, to avoid any unwelcome surprises.

Even more important: Check your destination’s most current coronavirus-related restrictions. Some states require visitors (depending on where they’re from) to either have proof of a negative COVID-19 test or quarantine. AARP maintains an updated list of state rules for travelers .

The Federal Highway Administration has a directory of state transportation department websites, which also should have the latest information about state-specific coronavirus-related changes, along with links to other state resources such as traffic and weather alerts.

And make sure your car is in good shape; consider having it serviced or inspected if you’re concerned.  

Packing and sanitizing

After planning, get your supplies in order. This includes products for keeping hands and surfaces clean and sanitized. Geriatrician June McKoy, associate professor of medicine at Northwestern Medicine, recommends packing hand sanitizer , disinfecting wet wipes, disposable gloves, sealable disposable plastic bags and tissues.

And you’ll want to wear a mask in all indoor public places, or outdoor spaces where you can’t maintain a 6-foot distance from others, so bring plenty of extras. Also bring a nice stash of water and snacks, allowing you to limit the number of times you need to stop for refreshments.

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

Good hygiene on the road is much like that at home (for instance, washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and after using the restroom) but requires extra vigilance when it comes to high-traffic roadside stops, McKoy says. She suggests that drivers wear disposable gloves while pumping gas, rather than worrying about wiping down the nozzle itself (after you’re done, discard the gloves outside your car or seal them in a plastic bag for disposal later if a trash can isn’t available).

AARP® Dental Insurance Plan administered by Delta Dental Insurance Company

Dental insurance plans for members and their families

Another tip: Pay for gas with cards, not cash. This eliminates the face-to-face interaction necessary for a cash transaction, and cards — unlike cash — can always be cleaned with a disinfectant wipe after use.

Restroom Breaks

Some public restrooms are closed due to the pandemic; places such as Starbucks or other fast-food establishments may prevent customers from using their bathrooms for sanitary reasons. That means you’ll be relying heavily on restrooms at highway rest areas or gas stations, so be especially vigilant with sanitizing. Be careful not to touch fixtures like the faucet or door handle after washing your hands, which McKoy says “defeats the purpose” of handwashing (instead, use a piece of tissue or paper towel to shield your hands after washing). And, of course, wear a mask.

The good news about breaking at highway rest stops is that many of their bathrooms are designed to be as touchless as possible, with doorless entry, automatic flushing, and motion-sensing faucets and towel dispensers. (For more, see our story on using public bathrooms during the pandemic .)

Many restaurants are open for dine-in service — but expect changes like limits on the number of guests allowed inside and extra space between tables. While it can be harder to find sit-down meals in some areas, takeout service is typically available instead, as are drive-through options at major chains such as McDonald’s and Starbucks. Many restaurants are also moving tables outdoors, which is thought to lower the risk of virus transmission.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19, the lowest-risk way to dine out is through “drive-through, delivery, take-out, and curb-side pick up.” Seated dining is more risky, even with tables spaced 6 feet apart.

Again, if you bring your own water and snacks — even lunches and more substantial fare — you can avoid some of these interactions.

And note that some hotels are no longer offering their usual complimentary buffet breakfasts, replacing them with grab-and-go options.

If you need to stay in a hotel overnight, call ahead to confirm your reservation, though most hotels are open for business — especially those from major chains that you’ll find along highways, such as Hilton, Hyatt and Best Western.

All are touting their enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols, while encouraging social distancing in their lobbies and other public areas (posting reminder signs and moving seating apart, for instance), and mask-wearing.

A long list of “Safe Stay” guidelines from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), an industry group, includes stringent cleaning procedures for everything from elevator buttons to exercise equipment, making hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol available, and, when guests are staying for multiple days, not cleaning their room daily unless requested (to limit contact). And more hotels are implementing contactless check-in and check-out, keyless entry (where you can use your smartphone to unlock your room), and moving lobby seating to keep guests apart.

The big chains are all advertising their new procedures. Hilton’s CleanStay program, developed with input from the Mayo Clinic and the makers of Lysol and Dettol industrial cleaners, for instance, includes removing pens and paper that other guests may have touched, sanitizing things like light switches and the TV remote, and sealing the door of each room with a Hilton CleanStay sticker to indicate that housekeeping has finished and no one else has entered.

Despite such cleanliness promises, McKoy still recommends using your own sanitizing supplies on “high-touch” surfaces in your room. This includes wiping down exterior and interior doorknobs and handles; the TV remote and bathroom fixtures; and any surfaces on which you’ll rest your belongings, like tabletops or the area around the bathroom sink.

For stays of more than one night, find out what the housekeeping schedule is; if the hotel is not already limiting room cleaning for longer-term guests (as the AHLA recommends), McKoy suggests contacting the front desk and asking to forgo daily cleaning, allowing you to control sanitization and limit the number of people who come in and out of your room.

Home rentals are an increasingly popular option, since they require no contact with anyone outside your travel group and they have kitchens where you can prepare your own meals. Airbnb, VRBO and other home rental companies have cleaning and disinfection guidelines for owners, but you might treat the space in the same way you would a hotel room — wiping down high-touch areas with your own sanitizing supplies.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on March 20, 2020. It’s been updated to reflect recent coronavirus developments.

Sarah Elizabeth Adler joined aarp.org as a writer in 2018. Her pieces on science, art and culture have appeared in  The Atlantic , where she was previously an editorial fellow,  California  magazine and elsewhere.

Discover AARP Members Only Access

Already a Member? Login

More on travel

Job Search, Work Resources and Tools

Road Trip Planner - How to Prepare for a Long Drive

RV Getaways May Be Ready To Rebound

What you need to know to take a vacation on wheels

Or Call: 1-800-675-4318

Enter a valid from location

Enter a valid to location

Enter a valid departing date

Enter a valid returning date

Age of children:

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

+ Add Another Flight

Enter a valid destination location

Enter a valid checking in date

Enter a valid checking out date

Occupants of Room

Occupants of Room 1:

Occupants of Room 2:

Occupants of Room 3:

Occupants of Room 4:

Occupants of Room 5:

Occupants of Room 6:

Occupants of Room 7:

Occupants of Room 8:

Enter a valid date

You didn't specify child's age

There are children in room 1 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age for room 1

There are children in room 2 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 2

There are children in room 3 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 3

There are children in room 4 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 4

There are children in room 5 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 5

You have more than 6 people total

Please select a trip duration less than 28 days

There must be at least 1 traveler (age 12+) for each infant in a lap

Enter a valid From location

Enter a valid start date

Enter a valid drop location

Enter a valid drop off date

Select a valid to location

Select a month

Enter a valid going to location

Enter a valid from date

Enter a valid to date

AARP VALUE &

MEMBER BENEFITS

Denny's

15% off dine-in and pickup orders

AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia: Vacation Packages

$50 gift card of your choice when booking any flight package

$20 off a Walmart+ annual membership

AARP® Staying Sharp®

Activities, recipes, challenges and more with full access to AARP Staying Sharp®

SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

Traffic and Road Safety

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among travelers. Follow these tips to reduce your risk of getting in an accident:

• Always wear a seat belt.
• If traveling with children, make sure you use appropriate car and booster seats. You may need to bring your own.
• Do not drive at night, especially in unfamiliar or rural areas.
• Do not ride motorcycles. If you must ride a motorcycle, wear a helmet.
• Know local traffic laws before you get behind the wheel.
• Do not drink and drive.
• Only ride in marked taxis, always wear a seatbelt when it is available.
• Avoid overcrowded, overweight, or top-heavy buses or vans.
• Do not use cell phones while driving.

Traffic and Safety Considerations for Travelers

More people are driving cars and riding motorcycles in destinations around the world. Accidents can happen anywhere; however, in some destinations, accidents are more likely as there may be poor road surfaces, roads without shoulders, unprotected curves and cliffs, or no streetlights. Also, traffic laws and road signs may not be regularly followed.

A crash or accident in another country may be more dangerous or likely to be fatal if emergency care is not be readily available. Consider the following questions before driving in another country:

• Are you comfortable driving in a new place?
• Do you know the local traffic rules and laws?
• Depending on your destination, are you comfortable driving on the left side of the road?
• Pedestrian Safety

Pay attention when walking along or across roads, especially in countries where people drive on the left. Cross streets at a designated crosswalk or intersection whenever possible

Walk on a sidewalk or path instead of the road. If a path or sidewalk in not available, walk on the shoulder or side that lets you face oncoming traffic, so you are more likely to see a dangerous situation and react before an accident occurs

At night, carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing. Avoid using electronic devices or wearing earbuds when walking. Do not go out walking if you have been drinking alcohol

More Information

• CDC Yellow Book: Road and Traffic Safety
• Global Road Safety
• Motor Vehicle Safety

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

Protect Your Trip »

41 road trip essentials: what you need on your next road trip.

Add these items to your road trip packing list to help you travel more comfortably.

Road Trip Essentials

Getty Images

A road trip is a great way to see the country. Consider stocking up on these accessories before you go.

If you're planning a road trip, you're going to have a lot of work to do before you pack the car and head out of town. You'll need to map out a general itinerary, plan your overnight stops and create a list of must-see sights along the way. And don't forget about all the stuff you need to pack to ensure your family is safe, comfortable and entertained.

While you don't necessarily need a lot of things to make a road trip a success, U.S. News searched far and wide to find the best gadgets and gear that will make your time in the car the highlight of your trip. These are all items you'll want to consider adding to your road trip packing list.

As you pack your bags and get ready for an epic road trip, here are a few last-minute road trip essentials you might want to add to your arsenal, organized by category.

Personal care and hygiene

Entertainment, comfort and convenience.

Keeping a reliable flashlight stored in your car is a good rule of thumb for all drivers heading out on a road trip. In roadside emergencies, the Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC90 LED Flashlight can illuminate a distance of nearly 1,000 feet with a battery life of up to six hours. Its durable design makes it ideal for use in inclement weather, and its five settings include an SOS signal and a strobe light. Meanwhile, the Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp – which features a 400-lumen beam and red LED night vision – is ideal for when you find yourself changing a tire in the middle of the night. Both products earn rave reviews from consumers for their powerful light.

Portable power bank

Goal Zero's Sherpa 100AC power bank is a portable power bank you can use to recharge tablets, phones, cameras and laptops on the go. It features two USB ports, plus four cables are included and it's lightweight at just 2 pounds. Recent customers loved the power bank's versatility, but recommend charging it every two to three days for the best results.

Jumper cables

Jumper cables from AUTOGEN can easily fit in your trunk and could save the day if your battery dies and you're unable to start your car while out on the road. Many travelers also say you can't go wrong with these heavy-duty cables from Energizer. These 25-foot-long cables are perfect for any car type and come with a travel bag for easy storage – they're a must for any road trip packing list.

Portable tire inflator

A portable tire inflator can be a lifesaver if you find your tires have a slow leak during your trip. The AstroAl Air Compressor Tire Inflator is compact, so it won't take up much space among the other gear in your trunk, and it includes an LED flashlight with independent switch control. It is programmed to stop automatically once it hits the preset tire pressure and it comes with a 36-month warranty. Other travelers prefer the ViAir 88P - 00088 Portable Compressor Kit , noting it works well with a wide variety of vehicles. In addition to a 12-foot air hose and 9-foot power cord, the kit comes with alligator clamps that power your air compressor by attaching to your car's battery.

Jump starter

Picture this: You're having the time of your life on your road trip when your car battery dies in the middle of nowhere. Luckily, a high-quality jump starter is all you need to avoid this disastrous scenario. In addition to being water-resistant and compact, the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 comes with a built-in flashlight and a USB port for charging devices like smartphones and tablets. The Hulkman Alpha 85 2000A Jump Starter also comes highly recommended by travelers thanks to its easy-to-use design and powerful battery life (a single charge can hold up to 60 jump starts).

Waking up in the morning to an icy windshield isn't a pretty sight. Prestone AS244 Windshield De-Icer instantly melts ice upon contact, so you don't have to worry about waiting for your car to defrost when you're in a rush. As an added bonus, the can comes with a built-in scraper tool for easy ice removal. Recent customers have called this product a lifesaver during harsh winters.

Bringing a trusty multi-tool on your road trip is a simple way to make sure you're prepared no matter what situation you run into. Leatherman products impress consumers time and time again thanks to the company's high-quality and lightweight multi-tool designs. Customer-favorites include the Leatherman Bond and the Leatherman Wave+ , which offers 18 powerful tools like pliers and wire cutters.

Car charger

Frequent car travelers recommend always staying connected with the TECKNET USB Car Charger . Featuring four fast-charging ports, this adaptor can be used to charge smartphones, tablets and more. If you're hitting the road with the whole family in tow, or you simply want to charge more than one device at a time, travelers say this powerful charging adaptor is a must-buy. Pair it with an extra-long charging cable that can easily reach everyone in the back seat.

Dashboard phone mount

Keep your eyes on the road by installing a dashboard phone mount before your journey starts. The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 comes with a telescopic arm, a magnetic cord organizer and a strong-hold suction cup. Plus, its easy one-touch lock-and-release mechanism (a feature that is much appreciated among recent customers) makes taking your phone on and off the holder a breeze. If you don't like the rigidity of traditional dashboard phone mounts, consider choosing a phone mount with a flexible arm instead.

Document holder

Whenever you're hitting the open road, you want to prepare for the worst. In the event that you get into a car accident or are pulled over by the police, having easy access to your car's registration, insurance information and owner's manual is crucial. Recent travelers say that this Samsill car registration holder is great for keeping all your important documents organized.

Roadside emergency kit

To give yourself peace of mind while you're on the road, travelers recommend this STDY car roadside emergency kit from Amazon. Equipped with a tire pressure gauge, a utility knife, safety gloves, cable ties, a tow rope, tire repair tools, a raincoat and more, this compact kit has everything you need when life throws you an unexpected curve ball.

Extra-large body wipes

Extra-large body wipes from Busy Co make it easy to wash up when you can't take a shower. Cloths are suitable for dry, oily and combination skin types, and address a variety of skincare needs, including clarifying, toning, soothing and nourishing. Recent customers appreciated the large size of the wipes and said using them made them feel refreshed while traveling.

Lysol wipes

Disinfecting Lysol wipes are a must-have on your travel packing list. These cleaning wipes kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, so you can feel protected while on the road.

Disposable toilet seat covers

Disposable toilet seat covers from Amazon will help you avoid germs and stay clean when you stop for restroom breaks at gas stations, port-a-potties and campgrounds.

First-aid kit

A comprehensive first-aid kit can't be overlooked when packing up the car for your next road trip. Recent customers say this 298-piece kit from Amazon will get you the most bang for your buck, with bandages, antibiotic ointment, gauze, Band-Aids, pain reliever and much more. Although this will arm you with the basics of what you may need in a medical emergency, it's always a good idea to personalize your kit according to your needs.

Nausea Relief

Long hours in the car might sound daunting to anyone prone to motion sickness. In those cases, having preventative nausea medicine like Dramamine can be a lifesaver. If you prefer a drug-free alternative, Sea-Bands are anti-nausea wristbands that use acupuncture as a natural remedy to reduce motion sickness. Travelers say these bands are highly effective at reducing nausea.

Hand sanitizer

From gas pumps to ATMs, you never know what germs you may encounter on a road trip. Protect yourself against viruses like the cold and flu by adding a travel-size hand sanitizer to your road trip packing list and keeping it in the car during your trip.

If you'll be spending long hours in the car, it's important to remember to wear sunscreen. Sun Bum's SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray is broad spectrum, moisturizing and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. And if you'll be heading for the ocean on your trip, make sure you pack a reef-safe sunscreen like this one from Reef Repair to protect marine life and coral reefs from harmful chemicals. Although some customers reported a white cast upon application (due to the zinc oxide), many reviewers thought the trade-off was worth it to maintain healthy ocean environments.

Toiletry bag

This chic Sonia Kashuk Weekender Makeup Bag features two zipper compartments, a center organizer and carrying handles that make it perfect for transport. Customers particularly love that the bag is compact without sacrificing storage space. For durable, leak-proof travel bottles, check out this Getaway Travel Kit from Ban.do . It comes with four pearlescent bottles, two jars, a spatula, a funnel and a zippered pouch for storage. Plus, it includes a fun set of sticker labels so you can organize your toiletries in style.

[Read:  The Top Travel Toiletry Bags .]

Sitting in the car for hours can be painfully boring at times, but there are plenty of ways you can enjoy your time while road tripping. With the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite , you have access to thousands of books at your fingertips. The device boasts up to 10 weeks of battery life, adjustable warm light and a glare-free display, which recent reviewers said made marathon reading sessions a breeze. Meanwhile, kids can enjoy the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids , which offers a special font for children with dyslexia and comes with a two-year warranty.

Carefully curated Spotify playlist

Whether you prefer jamming out to tunes or listening to thought-provoking podcasts, having a Spotify playlist ready to go before you get on the road is a must. Take some time before your trip to curate a playlist or two so you can keep your eyes on the road and your hands off your phone while road tripping.

Audible subscription

Long drives call for catching up on all those books you've been saying you were going to read this year. With an Audible subscription, you can make the most out of traffic jams by enjoying some words by your favorite authors.

Choose a reliable duffel bag like the Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel for your next road trip. This bag is water-resistant, strength-bearing and perfect for when you need your luggage to fit in a small space. It also comes with lockable zippers and can be worn as a backpack or carried as a tote, a top feature according to recent reviewers. And if you're planning on hiking during your trip, travelers say the Daylite Duffel 30 from Osprey can fit everything you need with room to spare. This bag can be worn comfortably all day long and comes with a mesh water bottle pocket and functional harness straps.

[Read: The Top Rolling Duffel Bags .]

This YETI Hopper Soft Sided Backpack Cooler makes it easy to bring drinks anywhere without worrying about leaks. The cooler, which comes with a dryhide shell and a magnetic closure, can hold up to 18 cans (or 26 pounds of ice), and comes highly recommended by travelers thanks to its durable design. It's ideal for road trippers who plan to get out and explore, and need to stay hydrated or keep food fresh.

Rooftop Cargo Carrier

Save some space inside your vehicle by opting for a car roof cargo carrier. With an anti-slip mat and reinforced adjustable straps, the waterproof FIVKLEMNZ 15 Cubic Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier from Amazon is suitable for any car type. Recent customers say that they had no problem getting it to stay in place even on high-speed roads.

Car organizer

A car seatback organizer lets you arrange road trip essentials on the back of the driver's or passenger's side seat, where they're within reach of small hands. Many buyers said this seatback organizer from Amazon.com took some of the stress out of traveling with kids, thanks to its multipurpose storage compartments, including a place for a tablet and plenty of other spots to store key items for your trip. You can also maximize your space by stashing your essentials in a trunk organizer. This one from Drive Auto comes with multiple storage compartments, waterproof lining and tie-down straps to keep items in place while you're driving.

Car trash can

There's no doubt about it – road trips can generate a lot of trash. Keep your car clean on your next adventure with this Hotor car trash can from Amazon. Complete with an adjustable strap, mesh side panels for storage and a leak-proof interior lining, this useful accessory comes highly recommended by travelers who find themselves frequently on the road.

Reusable bags

Whether you're stopping for snacks at a gas station or running into the grocery store for those last-minute essentials, a reusable bag is an easy way to reduce your plastic consumption. Recent reviewers said these versatile and water-resistant reusable bags can even be used as laundry bags, garbage bags or beach bags in a pinch.

Electric car blankets

Electric car blankets allow you to stay warm on the road no matter the temperature outside. This Stalwart electric car blanket takes up very little space, is surprisingly lightweight and plugs into any vehicle with a 96-inch-long cord. While some travelers noted that this blanket alone won't be enough to keep you warm in extremely cold weather, many say it was a welcome addition nonetheless.

SleepPhones soft headband headphones let you enjoy the open road while listening to music, audiobooks, meditation, white noise or talk radio. These headphones are expertly padded, which reviewers say makes them more comfortable for long-term wear than earbuds. You can buy the classic version or a wireless version at SleepPhones.com.

Travel pillow

Pick up an ergonomic travel pillow from Cabeau if you need extra neck and shoulder support when you ride in the passenger seat. The pillow features supportive memory foam, a front clasp to ensure it stays put and a removable cover that you can wash. Recent customers also loved that the pillow comes with straps that can be attached to any headrest, making sure you don't fall forward while catching some shut-eye. For kids, this Cloudz plush animal neck pillow comes in a variety of colorful animal options, such as a unicorn, a ladybug, a dinosaur and more.

[Read:  The Top Travel Neck Pillows .]

A battery-operated mini fan from SkyGenius can help you stay cool and comfortable. This fan comes with a rechargeable and replaceable battery, and is ideal for the car and for camping. For even more cooling capacity, opt for a fan with dual heads like the XOOL Electric Car Fan from Amazon. Both mini fans earn glowing reviews from travelers thanks to their powerful airflow capabilities.

Shield your eyes from the sun by picking up a good pair of sunglasses before your trip. Choose sunglasses that protect against the sun's UVA and UVB rays, and are polarized to block glare. Travelers love that these Ray-Ban Aviator Classic sunglasses come in a variety of tints and can even be customized to fit your needs. For a more budget-friendly option, check out these SUNGAIT Ultra Lightweight Rectangular Polarized Sunglasses from Amazon, which recent customers say are very comfortable and perfect for road tripping.

Window shade

The sun beating down on your car all day can heat it up quickly. To keep your car cool, travelers recommend the EcoNour Car Windshield Sun Shade , which protects your vehicle from UV rays and helps maintain your car's interior temperature at a comfortable level. Pair it with these car window shades to protect your backseat drivers from UVA and UVB rays while you're on the road. The shades come in two different sizes and transparency levels, and previous buyers say they are very easy to install.

Travel towel

A travel towel is one of the most versatile accessories you can bring on a road trip. Whether you are cleaning up a spill or want to go for an impromptu beach day, having a spare towel on hand is always a good idea. This odor-resistant and quick-drying 4Monster travel towel from Amazon comes in several sizes and includes a compact EVA box, which recent reviewers say makes it perfect for travel.

Reusable water bottles

Skip the plastic bottles and opt for a high-quality reusable water bottle on your next trip. This 40-ounce bottle from Hydro Flask keeps drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for a full day. It also comes with a lid with a built-in straw, which consumers say makes it convenient for driving. For kids, a durable water bottle like this 12-ounce YETI rambler fits the bill – its stainless steel bottle is dishwasher safe and shatter-resistant, a feature that parents love.

Cubcoats are two-in-one stuffed animals that transform into hoodies. Your child's furry friend (think bunnies, sloths and puppies) doubles as a soft, zip-up sweatshirt, and you get to save some space in your suitcase.

Inflatable car booster seat

If you're flying to another destination to pick up a rental car for your road trip, consider bringing inflatable car booster seats along. This BubbleBum backless inflatable booster is suitable for kids 4 to 11, and comes with a seat belt positioning clip for optimal comfort and safety. Recent buyers said it was portable and extremely easy to use.

Kids travel journal

A kids travel journal makes it easy for your child to document their road trip and all the fun things they see and do. This one from Peter Pauper Press includes world maps, puzzles, fun facts and more, and many parents said it made their kids' time in the car fly by.

Activity books

A family road trip means long hours in the car, and bored children are every parent's worst nightmare. Activity books can keep your kids occupied for long periods of time while you catch up on some much-needed quiet time.

Backseat travel tray for kids

If your co-pilot is constantly turning around to pick up toys or pass out snacks, a backseat travel tray is in order. The LUSSO Gear Kids Travel Tray comes with a safety strap that can be secured to any car seat, and includes a dry erase board table, a cup holder, a storage compartment for toys and a no-drop tablet viewing stand. Reviewers loved the tray's whiteboard area and said it was a great way to keep kids entertained on long car rides.

Shop in bulk

Check out Boxed.com for specially curated bulk items that are perfect for road trips and other types of travel. From sunscreen, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to Fruit Roll-Ups and snack-size packs of Pringles, Boxed.com is a convenient site to order bulk hygiene and snack items in one place.

Bring spare cash

Debit cards, credit cards and mobile phone payments may be the way of the world nowadays, but you may still run into a few places on your journey that are cash-only (for example, some national and state park entrance fees must be paid in cash). Be on the safe side by keeping some spare cash on hand in case of emergencies.

Save on gas

It's no secret that sky-high gas prices can put a damper on your vacation. Save some money on fuel by using apps like GasBuddy , which will show you the cheapest gas prices in your area. Go the extra mile by signing up for a gas rewards credit card to get the most bang for your buck.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Travel Backpacks
• The Top Sleeping Bags
• The Top East Coast Road Trips
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies
• The Best Cheap Travel Insurance Companies

Tags: Travel , Vacations , cars , Road Trips , Travel Gear

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

How much does a cruise cost.

Gwen Pratesi April 24, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod

Lyn Mettler April 24, 2024

Best Whale Watching Tours in Maine

Marisa Méndez April 23, 2024

The Best Wineries in Napa Valley

April 23, 2024

The Best East Coast Beaches

April 19, 2024

The Best Carry-on Luggage

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 17, 2024

The Best Luggage Brands

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024

The Best Hard-sided Luggage Picks

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

John Rodwan April 17, 2024

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz April 17, 2024

Recall Alert: Millions of vehicles with Takata air bags have been recalled and Do Not Drive warnings have been issued for some of the vehicles.

April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Check for recalls, latest news.

Car Seat and Booster Seat Safety

Nhtsa recognizes traffic safety advocates.

at the annual Lifesavers Conference on Highway Safety Priorities.

NHTSA Releases 2023 Fatality Early Estimates

And announces launch of newly rebranded 'Put the Phone Away or Pay' distracted driving prevention campaign.

Bicycle Safety: Stay Safe While Cycling

With warmer weather and people outside, remember to watch for cyclists.

Protect Your Youngest Passengers

By making sure they are in the right car seat for their age and size.

Trending Topics

Nhtsa's safercar app.

Featured Topic

Have a safety problem? Have you experienced a vehicle, tire, car seat or equipment safety issue that could be a safety defect? If so, you can file a complaint that we will carefully review.

Recall Spotlight

Takata air bags.

Approximately 67 million Takata air bags have been recalled. Do Not Drive warnings have been issued for some vehicles that have these air bags.

A recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards.

Sign Up for Recall Alerts via Email

Know if there is a safety problem with your vehicles, tires or car seat, and how to get it fixed.

Get the Big Stuff Right

Child Car Safety

About NHTSA

Our mission is to save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce economic costs due to road traffic crashes, through education, research, safety standards, and enforcement.

Learn About NHTSA

Vehicle comparison, available manufacturers.

Safety & Prevention

Tips for safe & stress-free family travel.

Traveling with children can be a delight and a challenge. Here are some tips for safe and stress-free family travel.

Traveling by car

• Always use a car seat for infants and young children. All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car seat as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Once your child has outgrown the rear-facing height or weight limit, she should ride in a forward-facing car seat. Find updated recommendations on safe travel here .

Most rental car companies can arrange for a car seat if you are unable to bring yours along. However, they may have a limited selection of seats. Check that the seat they provide is appropriate for the size and age of your child, that it appears to be in good condition, and that the instruction manual is provided before accepting it.

A child who has outgrown their car seat with a harness (they have reached the top weight or height allowed for their seat, their shoulders are above the top harness slots, or their ears have reached the top of the seat) should ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle's seat belt fits properly (usually when the child reaches about 4' 9" in height and is between 8 to 12 years of age).

All children under 13 years of age should ride in the rear seat of vehicles.

Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat of a vehicle that has an airbag.

Set a good example by always wearing a seat belt, even in a taxi.

To help keep children from becoming restless or irritable on a long road trip , point out interesting sights along the way. You can also bring soft, lightweight toys and favorite music for a sing-along.

Plan to stop driving and give yourself and your child a break about every two hours .

Never leave your child alone in a car, even for a minute. Temperatures inside the car can reach deadly levels in minutes, and the child can die of heat stroke. See Prevent Child Death in Hot Cars for more information.

In addition to a travelers' health kit , pack some other essentials for the trip: safe water and snacks, for example, along with child-safe hand wipes, diaper rash ointment, and a water- and insect-proof ground sheet for safe play outside.

Road travel can be extremely hazardous in developing countries. Make sure each passenger is buckled and that children use the appropriate car seat. Let your driver know you are not in a hurry, ask that there be no cell phone use, and emphasize that you will reward safe driving.

Traveling by plane

Allow your family extra time to get through security at the airport, especially when traveling with younger children.

Have children wear shoes and outer layers of clothing that are easy to take off for security screening. Children younger than 12 years are not required to remove their shoes for routine screening.

Strollers can be brought through airport security and gate-checked to make travel with small children easier.

Talk with your children about the security screening process before coming to the airport. Let them know that bags (backpack, dolls, etc.) must be put in the X‑ray machine and will come out the other end and be returned to them.

Discuss the fact that it's against the law to make threats such as "I have a bomb in my bag." Threats made jokingly (even by a child) can delay the entire family and could result in fines.

Arrange to have a car seat at your destination or bring your own along. Airlines will typically allow families to bring a child's car safety seat as an extra luggage item with no additional luggage expense. Check the airline's website ahead of time so you know their policy before you arrive at the airport.

When traveling on an airplane , a child is best protected when properly restrained in a car safety seat appropriate for the age, weight and height of the child. Children who weigh more than 40 lbs can use the aircraft seat belt. The car safety seat should have a label noting that it is FAA-approved . Belt-positioning booster seats cannot be used on airplanes. However, they can be checked as luggage (usually without baggage fees) for use in rental cars and taxis.

Although the FAA allows children under age 2 to be held on an adult's lap, the AAP recommends that families explore options to ensure that each child has her own seat. If you're not able possible to purchase a ticket for a small child, try to select a flight that is likely to have empty seats where your child could ride buckled in their r car seat.

Pack a bag of toys and snacks to keep your child occupied during the flight.

In order to decrease ear pain during descent, encourage your infant to nurse or suck on a bottle. See How to Nurse on an Airplane for more information. Older children can try chewing gum or drinking liquids with a straw.

Wash hands frequently, and consider bringing hand-washing gel and disinfectant wipes to prevent illnesses during travel.

Consult your pediatrician before flying with a newborn or infant who has chronic heart or lung problems or with upper or lower respiratory symptoms. Also talk with your pediatrician if flying within 2 weeks of an episode of an ear infection or ear surgery.

International travel

If traveling internationally , check with your doctor to see if your child might need additional vaccines or preventive medications, and make sure your child is up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Bring mosquito protection in countries where mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria are present.

In order to reduce jet lag, adjust your child's sleep schedule 2-3 days before departure. After arrival, children should be encouraged to be active outside or in brightly lit areas during daylight hours to promote adjustment.

Stay within arm's reach of children while swimming. Pools may not have safe, modern drain systems and both pools and beaches may lack lifeguards.

Ensure that your child wears a life jacket when on smaller boats, and set an example by wearing your life jacket.

Conditions at hotels and other lodging may not be as safe as those in the U.S. Carefully inspect for exposed wiring, pest poisons, paint chips or unsafe stairway or balcony railings.

When traveling, be aware that cribs or play yards provided by hotels may not meet current safety standards. If you have any doubt about the safety of the crib or play yard, ask for a replacement or consider other options. (Also applies to travel in the U.S.)

More information

Car Seats: A Guide for Families

Flying With Baby

Ask the Pediatrician: Is it safe for my baby to travel in a car seat a few hours at a time?

Road Trip Play Ideas for Backseat Fun

Hotel Dangers That Put Baby's Safety at Risk

Traveler's Health (CDC.gov)

• Newsletters

Site search

• Israel-Hamas war
• Home Planet
• 2024 election
• Supreme Court
• TikTok’s fate
• All explainers
• Future Perfect

Filed under:

America has the world’s safest air travel but sucks so bad at car safety

Three things the US can learn about road safety from our ultra-safe air travel system.

Share this story

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on Twitter
• Share this on Reddit
• Share All sharing options

Share All sharing options for: America has the world’s safest air travel but sucks so bad at car safety

In the last decade, two passengers have been killed in accidents on US commercial airlines. Over the same period, more than 365,000 Americans have been killed by cars.

Yet it was the safety of the US air travel system that was the subject of a damning, genuinely terrifying New York Times investigation last weekend — detailing lapses in the oversight of flights that are leading to near-crashes multiple times a week. The pattern led one air traffic controller to declare: “It is only a matter of time before something catastrophic happens.”

That statement captures something essential about the way that US air travel is regulated: society expects absolute safety in plane travel, catastrophes are never meant to happen, and any loss of human life is considered unacceptable. A vast federal bureaucracy exists to make sure no one dies in a plane crash. So, what would happen if we treated cars like we do planes?

Cars kill Americans at insanely high rates and it’s not getting better

Aviation authorities call American air travel the safest in the world, the Times reported. But the safety record of our car-dependent ground transportation system is one of the worst among wealthy nations. Cars killed 43,000 Americans in 2021, a number that has, almost unbelievably, increased by nearly a third in the last decade while our peer countries have decreased their car fatalities.

In the EU, car fatalities, already far lower than America’s, were down by 22 percent over the last decade. Car crashes are just behind guns as the second greatest killer of US children. Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous Americans are disproportionately likely to be killed by a car. Merely taking a walk outside is becoming particularly dangerous: about 7,508 pedestrians were killed by cars last year, the highest number since 1981 and a massive increase over the last decade, Vox’s Marin Cogan reported last month.

The US appears, in other words, to be erasing decades of progress on reducing fatalities from one of our leading causes of death, but you wouldn’t know it from the reactions of regulators and politicians. There is no big national conversation about why 40,000-plus people are killed by cars every year, or why Americans are forced to live with a risk of car crash death roughly three times higher than Canadians and Australians, five times higher than Brits and Germans, and nine times higher than Norwegians. It’s also worth pointing out that globally, car crashes are a major cause of death , killing more people than homicides and suicides combined, and death rates remain far worse in low-income countries than they are in the US.

At this point, some people might find reasons to explain away America’s rate of road carnage, or argue that it’s unfair to compare car safety and plane safety. Many more Americans ride in cars in any given year than fly . Flights put passengers in a position of unusual vulnerability, where they’re at the mercy of highly trained, uniformed professionals — so public trust is essential for the system to work — whereas anyone could drive a car. Maybe it’s just harder to control the behavior of 200 million-plus individuals who have to drive a car just to get by in America than it is to maintain a cadre of credentialed pilots and air traffic controllers.

There are solutions, if we want them

These aren’t good excuses for our failure to prevent mass death. In reality, there’s a lot we can learn from the aviation system’s approach to passenger safety.

The most obvious is that we shouldn’t accept carnage just because the activity seems inherently dangerous. If we can figure out how to make it exceptionally safe to hurtle through the sky at over 500 miles per hour , we can definitely figure out how to keep people alive on the ground, especially because other countries have done it already. The Netherlands is a famous example , but others, including Canada, with an urban geography much more similar to ours, have steadily decreased their death rates to levels far lower than ours.

A second lesson from the aviation sector is that safety is a systemic responsibility. “The [air] safety regime, with its built-in redundancies, is known in aviation circles as the Swiss cheese model: If a problem slips through a hole in one layer, it will be caught by another,” the New York Times explained, which has added up to a near-spotless safety record.

Compare that to the situation in car safety, where high death rates are accepted as a baseline part of how the system works rather than an institutional failure. Media coverage treats surges in crash deaths as if they are uncontrollable fluctuations in the weather and blames people driving recklessly for getting themselves killed. In the American traffic engineering bureaucracy, there’s a widely circulated myth that the vast majority of crashes are caused by “human error,” transportation writer David Zipper explained in the Atlantic in 2021.

Of course, individuals making unsafe choices — speeding, say, or driving drunk — matters. But these are distractions from what makes the American system of driving so unsafe in the first place: we have a proliferation of fundamentally unsafe roads, known among traffic safety advocates as “ stroads ,” that combine wide lanes and speeds higher than 25 miles per hour with frequent turns, stops at traffic lights, and shared traffic with cars, pedestrians, and bikes. With all these conflict points, it’s inevitable that collisions will happen.

The bottom line is that it simply doesn’t work to expect individuals to keep themselves safe in an environment built to kill them. “A robust safety system can’t depend on people always being at their best,” as journalist James Fallows recently wrote on how air travel became so safe.

A third lesson from aviation is that dangerous technology has to be adequately regulated. Empirical research increasingly shows that the rapid takeover of big cars — SUVs and pickup trucks — is a major factor behind our car safety backslide over the last decade. But US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has declined to call for policies to discourage the proliferation of these vehicles (like Washington, DC’s tax on oversized cars ).

Buttigieg has, to his credit, acknowledged traffic deaths are at unacceptable levels and pointed to road design as a key factor. That’s no doubt thanks to the influence of Vision Zero , a movement that has greatly changed the conversation about why people are killed by cars.

Commentators have observed an American “learned helplessness” toward gun violence — you might say the same thing of traffic violence . There barely even seems to be a sense that we can do better, that our political leaders owe us better. A humane system would make it very hard and very rare for someone to die on the road; it would put responsibility on those who design our built environment to prevent mass death.

A version of this piece originally appeared in the Future Perfect newsletter. Sign up here!

Will you support Vox today?

We believe that everyone deserves to understand the world that they live in. That kind of knowledge helps create better citizens, neighbors, friends, parents, and stewards of this planet. Producing deeply researched, explanatory journalism takes resources. You can support this mission by making a financial gift to Vox today. Will you join us?

We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can also contribute via

Next Up In Future Perfect

Sign up for the newsletter today, explained.

Understand the world with a daily explainer plus the most compelling stories of the day.

Thanks for signing up!

Check your inbox for a welcome email.

Oops. Something went wrong. Please enter a valid email and try again.

Donald Trump had a fantastic day in the Supreme Court today

Bird flu in milk is alarming — but not for the reason you think

What the backlash to student protests over Gaza is really about

Could a major lawsuit against realtors mean lower home prices?

Lawmakers are overreacting to crime

How the Supreme Court weaponizes its own calendar

Traffic + Weather

• • I-10 Broadway Curve
• • SF Bay Area 511
• • Inland Empire
• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

11 Rules for Road Trips While Pregnant, Including When To Stop Traveling by Car

A car trip can be a memorable vacation while pregnant, especially if flying is out of the question, but there are some precautions to take before you hit the road.

Everyone loves a good road trip. And if you're pregnant, a babymoon by car may be exactly what's needed before you're elbows-deep in dirty diapers. While it's generally safe to fly while expecting , some airlines have a cutoff of 36 weeks (and many even earlier), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Pregnant people who do fly should check with their doctors first, but they can make travel safer with simple steps like holding onto seatbacks when walking during turbulence and wearing compression socks to prevent deep vein thrombosis.

The great news is that car travel is safe for most pregnant people. If you have complications, you may need to stick closer to home but unless you're on bedrest or have other doctor-imposed limitations, you should be able to hit the road. Ask your health care provider when you should stop long road trips, but in most cases, it's safe until close to your due date.

To ensure the only bump on the road is your belly, here are 11 tips pregnant travelers should know before setting off on a long drive.

1. Talk To Your Health Care Provider

No matter the mode of travel, pregnant people should always start by contacting their health care provider, said Kecia Gaither, MD , maternal-fetal medicine specialist affiliated with NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx, New York. "Certain medical conditions may preclude any degree of travel, be it by air or land," says Dr. Gaither. "Those conditions may include placenta previa , prior preterm labor , or clotting disorders."

Placenta previa, for example, happens when the placenta completely or partially covers the cervix. It can cause bleeding during pregnancy, as well as serious complications—like hemorrhage or preterm birth—that would be difficult to navigate in an unfamiliar location.

Additionally, traveling is a risk factor for blood clots, according to the CDC—and pregnant people already have a heightened chance of developing them. Certain conditions and disorders may increase the risk of blood clots too much for long road trips.

2. Plan for Your Second Trimester

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says the ideal time to travel is during the second trimester, between 14 and 28 weeks. "During these weeks, your energy has returned, morning sickness is improved or gone, and you are still able to get around easily," recommends the organization. "After 28 weeks, it may be harder to move around or sit for a long time."

Not only is the middle of the pregnancy when pregnant people will likely feel the best, but it also carries a lower risk of any complications.

3. Prepare for the Pregnancy Road Trip

Advanced planning can make any road trip easier. This includes thoughtful packing like easy-to-change clothing if you get too hot or too cold and taking healthy foods, snacks, and drinks. Also, make sure your route is accurate to avoid delays and check for safe places to stop.

4. Drink Enough Water

There's a link between dehydration and uterine contractions, so keeping on top of water intake is crucial, says Dr. Gaither. Have a sufficient supply of water readily available in the car and make sure to drink even more if you've been sweating or exercising. Pregnant people should drink eight to 12 cups (or 64 to 96 ounces) of water each day, according to ACOG. This ensures healthy digestion, amniotic fluid formation, and nutrient circulation.

5. Bring Extra Medications or Supplements

Taking the proper medications and supplements while pregnant is imperative, and it's even more important on a road trip. Dr. Gaither says pregnant travelers will want to double-check that they've packed any medications and vitamins they need.

It's also important to bring extra, in case they're on the road longer than originally anticipated. Include over-the-counter medicines approved by your health care provider, so you'll have them if you need them. And, don't forget to pack your prenatal vitamin !

6. Always Wear a Seat Belt

Wearing a seat belt in a car is one of the most important car safety tips, especially when you're pregnant. The myth that a seat belt could harm the fetus is pure fiction, but there's a proper way to wear one if you're pregnant, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Pregnant people should wear the shoulder belt away from their neck and across their chest. The lap belt should be secured below the belly so it fits snugly. Pregnant people should also keep as much distance as possible between their belly and the steering wheel, while still ensuring they can reach the wheel and pedals. Additionally, the NHTSA recommends pregnant people don't disable the airbags.

7. Get Out and Stretch Often

Dr. Gaither says pregnant travelers should stop "at least every two hours" and get out of the car, stretch, and walk around. This increases blood flow to the lower body which helps prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs. These blood clots usually dissolve on their own. However, in rare cases, they can break off, travel to the lungs, and block blood flow. This potentially life-threatening condition is called a pulmonary embolism.

While the risk for DVT is low, it does increase with pregnancy. The CDC recommends knowing the signs of DVT, which include swelling and/or redness in the leg (or arm), unexplained pain or tenderness, and skin that feels warm when touched. Signs of a pulmonary embolism include difficulty breathing, fast or irregular heartbeat, and chest pain or discomfort.

8. Dress Comfortably

Being comfortable during pregnancy is key, and that's especially true during a road trip. Luckily, a few essentials can make the ride more relaxing—and safer. Non-medical compression socks or support hosiery may be a good idea to help support blood flow.

Other helpful travel accessories include a lumbar pillow, comfortable shoes, and a good water bottle (because hydration is key to a healthy pregnancy ). A cooler, sunglasses, and sunscreen also may be helpful. And, avoid wearing too-tight clothing and shoes.

9. Avoid Remote Locations

Nothing is stopping most pregnant people from traveling, but it's always smart to be mindful of where you're going. If possible, maintain a steady speed (instead of speeding up and slowing down) and avoid winding, hilly, bumpy roads, and frequent lane changes. Also, don't travel to extremely remote areas where medical care may be difficult to find in case of an emergency.

10. Have an Emergency Plan in Place

Pregnant travelers will want to have a plan in case any unexpected health concerns pop up, as they can happen quickly during pregnancy. If you don't have access to an electronic health record, take a copy of your medical record with you. If any problems do arise during a road trip, Dr. Gaither recommends pregnant people contact their health care provider and the nearest hospital for advice, evaluation, and possible treatment.

11. Relax and Have Fun

There are lots of things to take into consideration when planning a road trip while pregnant, but always remember to have fun! Advanced planning and a comfortable wardrobe will help make the trip easier. Plan a trip you're excited about and indulge in a little pre-baby R&R.

Pregnant Travelers . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . 2022.

Blood Clots and Travel: What You Need to Know . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . 2023.

Travel During Pregnancy . American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . 2023.

How Much Water Should I Drink During Pregnancy? . American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . 2020.

If You're Pregnant: Seat Belt Recommendations for Drivers and Passengers . National Highway Traffic Safety Administration .

Related Articles

Prayer Requests and Learning How to Pray

• BROWSE TOPICS X
• Devotionals
• Newsletters

10 Powerful Prayers for Safe Travel 

• Carrie Lowrance Crosswalk Contributor
• Updated Oct 06, 2023

Whether it's the holiday season or a warm vacation planned, many are turning to the roads and skies to travel toward friends and family. It can be so easy to worry about things when you travel like safety, missed flights, lost luggage, etc. Not to mention the changing of the weather, from blizzards to hurricanes. What should be a fun and relaxing time can turn into a time of constant stress and worry. How do we overcome this turmoil of emotions? Saying a prayer for safe travel before starting your trip will help you trust in His protection.

Before you leave for your next trip, use the following prayers for safe travel to ask the Lord for protection and guidance for your specific traveling situation. God can keep you and your loved ones safe and give you peace of mind as you travel. Through prayer, you can let go and enjoy your trip! Let these prayers for safe travel calm your worries and fears and fill you with joy and you embark on your journey! 

A Prayer for Safe Car Travel

A prayer for protection from accidents.

Dear Lord, I pray for all those out on the roads today. I pray that they will be more cautious and less distracted. Help us to navigate the jam-packed roads on our way to our destination. I pray you will release your angels around every vehicle on the road and that no accidents will occur. I ask that all those traveling will reach their destination safely. In your name, I pray. Amen.

A Prayer for God's Protection

Father God, I humbly ask for Your divine protection, guidance, and favor during this journey. Please watch over me and my loved ones, whether we are on the road, in the air, or at sea. Surround us with Your presence and shield us from harm. I pray for safe travels, free from accidents, delays, and any unforeseen obstacles. 

As we explore new places and meet new people, I pray for your protection in our discernment and wisdom. Help us make wise choices and stay away from situations that may jeopardize our safety or well-being. Above all, I place my trust in You, knowing that You are our ultimate protector. Your love and grace are a shield around us, and I am reassured by Your promise to be with us wherever we go. May this journey be a time of joy, growth, and memorable experiences. I commit it into Your hands, trusting that Your divine protection will accompany us every step of the way.

In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen

A Prayer for Safe Airplane Travel

Dear Lord, I pray over the trip we are about to take on this plane. I pray that no mechanical errors or emergencies will occur. I pray for our pilot, that he or she be alert, have sharp eyes, and steady hands during this flight. I pray for our flight attendants that they will be friendly, alert, and adequately prepared for our trip. I also pray for my fellow passengers, that everyone will be in good spirits and in good health. I pray that everyone will be able to make it where they need to go safely. In your name, I pray. Amen.

A Prayer to Trust God

A prayer for good weather.

Dear Lord, I pray for our upcoming trip and for good weather. Things have been crazy lately with blizzards, rain and floods, and wildfires all over our country. I pray that the weather will be good as we embark on our trip all the way through to our final destination. I also pray that it will be good when we return. I ask that you will lift all inclement weather across our great country so that everyone traveling can make it and be with their loved ones. In your name, I pray. Amen.

A Prayer for Families Traveling with Kids

Dear Lord, I pray for our upcoming trip with the kids. I ask that you will guard their bodies so that no sickness will occur while we are gone. I pray that they will be in good spirits and will cause very little distraction on the way to our destination. Help me to discern when they need a break or some rest during this trip yet help us have a wonderful time. In your name, I pray. Amen.

A Prayer for Making the Most of a Moment

Dear God, May this time be marked by laughter, joy, and shared memories. Help us to cherish one another, for we know that time is a fleeting gift. Help us to be fully present, to cherish each moment, and to create lasting memories that will strengthen the bonds between us. Guide our interactions, that they may be filled with grace, kindness, and appreciation for one another. May Your love and joy flow through us, making this time together a beautiful reflection of your blessings and may we create memories that last a lifetime. Amen.

A Prayer for Good Health While Traveling

Dear God, As I begin this trip I pray that you would protect my body from sickness and illness. Keep me in good health so that I able able to enjoy every moment of this trip that you've blessed me with. Thank you for all the plans that have come together to make this trip happen. Please grant me strength throughout the day and peaceful rest at night. Amen.

For a Friend or Loved One Traveling

Bible verses about god's protection.

Traveling for the holidays can bring a lot of worry and anxiety. What if we break down? What if we get a flat tire? What if we get stranded outside of nowhere? What if we get lost? Even with all our modern conveniences like cell phones, GPS and services like Onstar, anxiety can still set in. Still, we need to trust above all else, that the Lord will keep us safe. Here are some verses to keep in mind when the worry and anxiety of traveling get to be too much.

My God is my rock. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence.  2 Samuel 22:3 (NLT)

He led me to a place of safety, he rescued me because he delights in me. 2 Samuel 22:20 (NLT)

Is it not my family that God has chosen? Yes, he has made an everlasting covenant with me. His agreement is arranged and guaranteed in every detail. He will ensure my safety and success. 2 Samuel 23:5 (NLT)

Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and rest in safety.  Job 11:8 (NLT)

So the Lord provided someone to rescue the Israelites from the Arameans. Then Israel lived in safety again, as they had in former days. 2 Kings 13:5 (NLT)

We shall start out on our road trips like we do any other journey in life, trusting the Lord to lead us, guide us, and keep us safe. With him, we can never be lost, and we’ll always find our way back home.

Carrie Lowrance is a writer and author. She has been published on Huffington Post, The Penny Hoarder, and ParentMap. She is also the author of two children’s books, Don’t Eat Your Boogers (You’ll Turn Green) and Brock’s Bad Temper (And The Time Machine). You can find out more about her on her website, www.carrielowrance.com

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/pixdeluxe

This article is part of our Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering  how to pray  or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.

Serenity Prayer The Lord’s Prayer Prayer for Peace Morning Prayers Good Night Prayers

Prayer for Healing Prayer for Protection Prayer for God’s Help Prayer for Anxiety Prayer for Strength

Now available is our new Daily Prayer devotional! An easy way to start your day with prayer: read today’s prayer and sign up to receive it by email.

Recently On Prayer

Editor's Picks

Popular Today

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Crosswalk App
• California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• California - CCPA Notice

Is It Safe in Moscow?

Stanislav Solntsev / Getty Images

When you visit Moscow , Russia, you’re seeing one of the world’s largest, and most expensive, capital cities . While there is a history of violent crime against foreign journalists and aid personnel in Russia, a trip to Moscow is usually safe for mainstream travelers. Most tourists in Moscow only face potential issues with petty crime, though terrorism is also a concern. Visitors should stick to the principal tourist areas and abide by the local security advice.

Travel Advisories

• The U.S. Department of State urges travelers to avoid travel to Russia because of COVID-19 and to "exercise increased caution due to terrorism, harassment, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws."  
• Anyone exploring more of Russia should avoid "The North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, due to terrorism, kidnapping,   and   risk of civil unrest." Also, travelers should stay away from "Crimea due to Russia’s occupation of the Ukrainian territory   and   abuses by its occupying authorities."  
• Canada states travelers should use a high degree of caution in Russia due to the threat of terrorism and crime.  

Is Moscow Dangerous?

The Moscow city center is typically safe. In general, the closer you are to the Kremlin , the better. Travelers mainly need to be aware of their surroundings and look out for petty crime. Be especially careful in tourist areas such as Arbat Street and crowded places like the Moscow Metro transit system. The suburbs are also generally fine, though it is advised to stay away from Maryino and Perovo districts.

Terrorism has occurred in the Moscow area, leading authorities to increase security measures. Be more careful at tourist and transportation hubs, places of worship, government buildings, schools, airports, crowds, open markets, and additional tourist sites.

Pickpockets and purse snatching happen often in Russia, perpetrated by groups of children and teenagers who distract tourists to get their wallets and credit cards. Beware of people asking you for help, who then trick you into their scheme. Don’t expect a backpack to be a safe bag bet; instead, invest in something that you can clutch close to your body or purchase a money belt . Always diversify, storing some money in a separate location so that if you are pickpocketed, you'll have cash elsewhere. Keep an eye out for thieves in public transportation, underground walkways, tourist spots, restaurants, hotel rooms and homes, restaurants, and markets.

Is Moscow Safe for Solo Travelers?

Large cities like Moscow in Russia are overall fairly safe if you are traveling alone, and the Moscow Metro public transit is a secure and easy way to get around. But it is still a good idea to follow basic precautions as in any destination. Avoid exploring alone at night, especially in bad areas. You may want to learn some basic Russian phrases or bring a dictionary, as many locals don't speak English. However, in case you need any help, there are tourist police that speak English. Also, exploring with other trusted travelers and locals or on professional tours is often a good way to feel safe.

Is Moscow Safe for Female Travelers?

Catcalling and street harassment are infrequent in Moscow and the rest of Russia and females traveling alone don't usually have problems. There are plenty of police officers on the streets as well. Still, it serves to stick to Moscow's well-lit, public areas, avoid solo night walks, and use your instincts. Women frequenting bars may take receive some friendly attention. Females can wear whatever they want, but those entering Orthodox churches will be required to cover up. Though women in Russia are independent, domestic violence and other inequality issues take place regularly.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Russia is not known as a gay-friendly country. However, Moscow is one of the more welcoming cities with a blooming LGBTQ+ community and many friendly restaurants, bars, clubs, and other venues. Hate crimes in Russia have increased since the 2013 anti-gay propaganda law. Openly LGBTQ+ tourists in this conservative country may experience homophobic remarks, discrimination, or even violence, especially if traveling with a partner. Also, while women hold hands or hug publicly—whether romantically involved or not—men should avoid public displays of affection to prevent being insulted or other issues.

Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers

Moscow  and other big cities in Russia have sizable populations of various cultures, so discrimination against BIPOC travelers is rarer than in other parts of the country where it can become dangerous. Some people living in Russia who are Black, Asian, Jewish, and from other backgrounds have experienced racial discrimination and violence. Tourists won't usually experience overt racism but may be the recipients of some stares. If anyone should bother you, be polite and resist being taunted into physically defending yourself.

Safety Tips for Travelers

Travelers should consider the following general tips when visiting:

• It's best not to drink the tap water. If you do, boil it before drinking, though showering is safe and the amount used to brush teeth is generally not harmful. Mineral water is widely drunk, especially at restaurants, and if you prefer not to have it carbonated ask for “ voda byez gaz” (water without gas).
• If you need emergency assistance in case of fire, terrorism, medical issues, or more, dial 112 in Russia for bilingual operators.
• Be judicious about taking photographs, especially of police or officials. This can potentially bring unwanted attention to yourself by members of law enforcement who won’t mind asking to see your passport. Also avoid snapping photos of official-looking buildings, such as embassies and government headquarters.
• Carry your passport in as secure a manner as possible. If you get stopped for any reason by the police, they can fine or arrest you if you don't have the document with you. Also, keep photocopies of your passport, the page on which your travel visa appears, and any other documents that relate to your stay in Russia.
• Use official taxis only and steer clear of illegal taxi companies, especially at night. Ask your hotel to call a reputable taxi company.

U.S. Department of State. " Russia Travel Advisory ." August 6, 2020.

Government of Canada. " Official Global Travel Advisories ." November 19, 2020.

Is It Safe in Peru?

Is It Safe in Guatemala?

Is It Safe in Rio de Janeiro?

Is It Safe in Barbados?

Is It Safe in Egypt?

Is It Safe in Sweden?

Is It Safe in Colombia?

Is It Safe in Jamaica?

Is It Safe in Germany?

Is It Safe in Iceland?

Is It Safe in Mexico?

Is It Safe in Amsterdam?

Is It Safe in Thailand?

2020 Travel Warnings for Countries in Africa

Is It Safe in Russia?

Is It Safe in Trujillo, Peru?

Road Trips and Car Travel With Cats

Author: LeeAnna Buis, CFTBS, FFCP

Published: April 17, 2024

Our mission is to help save dogs' and cats’ lives through our educational content. To support our efforts, this page may contain affiliate links . We earn a commission for qualifying purchases – at no cost to you.

During the summer months and around the holidays, many of us head out on road trips and consider taking our feline family members along.

Summer is also a peak time for relocating across town or across country.

The problem is that most cats don’t feel safe in the car. They may cry or yowl, hide in their carrier, and even soil due to fear. That means an unpleasant trip for them and you.

It is possible to help your cat feel more secure in the car. Some may even learn to love it. We’re going to walk you through the steps to desensitize your cat to being in the car.

We’ll also recommend travel items to bring in the car and for a hotel stay so that you both have a safe and comfortable trip.

Skip to section:

• How to get your cat comfortable with car travel
• How to use a litter box when you travel – and will your cat use it?
• Where to stay when traveling with your cat and what to consider
• Special travel considerations for sick cats
• Be prepared for emergencies while traveling

Getting Your Cat Ready for a Road Trip

Step 1: get your kitty feeling comfortable in their carrier..

If they're going to ride in the car, like you, they’ll need to be safely “buckled up” to protect not just them but everyone in the car and on the road.

After all, unrestrained cats can be a distraction, interfering with your ability to steer or brake, and even become a dangerous projectile in the event of a crash or sudden stop.

What if your cat is wearing a harness and leash? If the car is moving, I still say keep them secure in a carrier. If you want to let them stretch their legs on the harness and leash while the car is stopped and windows are up, go for it. Just keep in mind that you’ve got to get them back in the carrier when you start moving again, and they may not love that.

It could be less stressful for everyone to stick with the carrier in the car and try the harness and leash INSIDE your hotel or destination. More on the dangers of letting your cat out of the car on their harness and leash later in the article.

So, your first step starts well before your trip. Spend some time training your cat to love their carrier – we have an article on that process – before the big travel day arrives.

Don't have a carrier for your cat yet? Check out our carrier recommendations, including carriers that are crash-test certified . If your cat is going to be spending a lot of long hours in the car, you may opt for a larger carrier than normal. We cover that, too. Just keep in mind you’ll want that carrier sooner rather than later, so you can use it during the pre-travel training.

Step 2: Get your cat feeling comfortable in the car.

Now that your kitty feels better in their carrier, it’s time to help them feel comfortable in the car. Here are some steps to help you do that.

Pro Tip: Car acclimation is best done with two people … one to drive the car, the other to pet, praise, and treat kitty. It can be done with one person, too, but very carefully.

You’re going to do short sessions in the car – your cat dictates how long the sessions will be. The number of sessions depends on how quickly your cat gets comfortable. The main thing is that you don’t want to push your cat past their comfort zone. Your cat should always be calm.

You might be thinking that even if your cat is scared, leaving them in the car in spite of their fear will eventually show them they don’t have to be afraid. Nope! That’s not how cat brains work. Instead, think of it as starting at a really low intensity so your cat doesn’t have to be scared. As they’re ready, you slowly turn up the intensity.

If you turn it up too far and they get nervous, just end the session and lower the intensity for the next session.

Show them there’s no reason to be afraid because you’re not going to push them too far. And they’re getting good things through the entire process, so you’re actually turning a scary thing into a positive thing.

Take your cat out to the car in their carrier – covered on three sides with a towel or blanket for security.

With the car parked and not running and the doors and windows closed (weather permitting), sit in the back seat with your cat in their carrier. Partially open one of the carrier doors if you can do so without your cat trying to get out.

Then, make good things happen. Give treats (make sure it's a treat they love ), pets, praise, and show them this is a positive experience. Do this for just a few minutes (or longer if your cat is really enjoying it). Then, take them inside and end with treats and love. You’ll continue these sessions, gradually making them longer as your cat is comfortable, until your cat seems nice and calm, spending time in the car while in their carrier.

Next, you’ll turn up the intensity a bit by starting the car. Make sure the radio is off or very low (cats find classical music calming). And repeat the previous step.

Spend a few minutes in the back seat making good things happen for your cat while the car is running. If the engine really scares them, keep it short — just 1 minute with some treats. Again, you can gradually increase the length of time your cat is in the car, getting good things while the engine is on.

Caution: If your car is parked in your garage, either open your garage door or move your car out of the garage. Carbon monoxide is very dangerous for both of you!

Once your kitty is doing well with the car on, it’s time to turn the intensity up again. Time for a short drive.

Note: If they’re too nervous to eat treats, they’re probably not ready for this step. Back it up and spend more time on the previous steps.

It may just be pulling out of the driveway in the first couple of sessions. That’s just fine. You’ll work up to longer drives. And your cat will learn that being in the car doesn’t mean going to the vet. Never push these drives further than your cat is comfortable with. Also, be sure to drive calmly and go easy on the gas pedal and brakes.

Since each cat and each situation are different, it could take anywhere from a few sessions to several months for a cat to feel calm during car travel.

Car Travel Logistics With Cats

Will a cat use a litter box in a car.

Jumping right down to “business,” … depending on the duration of your travel adventures with kitty and where you’re winding up, you’re going to have to deal with litter box accommodations. This is the case both when you’re on the road and when you get to your hotel or destination.

Just because you give your cat access to a box doesn’t mean they’ll use it, especially if they’re nervous.

Cats don’t like to eliminate when they feel unsafe. They'll likely choose to do their business once you get to your destination. It’s nothing to worry about unless they go more than about 24 hours without peeing. At that point, call your vet and see what they suggest.

When I moved with my cats, and we had 8-hour days in the car, they held it all day and most of the night.

If they’re willing, you can help your cat take care of business on the road in a few different ways.

First, get them a good travel litter box. You’ll use the same litter they use at home, and (perhaps) even a litter attractant.

A good travel litter box will be large enough for your cat to fit in yet small enough to fit in their carrier. It will also be waterproof and sturdy. You can use a small plastic litter box or there are also disposable litter box options available.

We have travel litter box and large carrier recommendations here .

Set the travel box up in your home as an alternate option before your trip so your cat can get used to it. Don’t replace your regular boxes with the travel box, though. Have all options available.

If Your Carrier Can't Fit a Litter Box

Letting your cat out of a carrier to use a box placed in the car isn’t ideal. I actually rescued a kitten from the roadside once without a carrier. That kitten ended up inside my dashboard. So, if you think your cat can’t hide in dangerous places within the confines of your car, you’re wrong.

If your trip isn’t too long and their carrier isn’t large enough to fit a litter box, you can go with a larger litter box that they can use at the hotel or destination.

Note: If your cat uses the smaller travel litter box on the road, don’t consider replacing your larger boxes at home. Tiny boxes are not ideal and don’t fit your cat’s instinctual needs. They’re not a good long-term option. They’re the lesser of two evils when you’re traveling — the other evil being your cat peeing in the carrier.

Should You Let Your Cat Go Outside?

My vote is no unless you have a cat who is completely comfortable with travel, being in new places, and seeing and hearing strange people, pets, and sounds.

The first concern is that no harness is 100% escape-proof. If your cat gets scared, they can and will get out of that harness and take off.

Second, they’re going to be surrounded by newness — smells, sights, sounds, things you can’t control. Even if they don’t get scared, the idea that you’ll be able to get them to focus on peeing at that moment isn’t very likely. Cats don’t pee and poop on cue the way dogs can. It’s safer to keep them in the car.

What Do You Do With Your Cat When You Have to Go?

If the temperatures aren’t too hot or cold to leave your cat in the car, just leave them in their carrier and go about your business. Just make it quick!

Cover three sides of the carrier so they feel more secure and are less of a target for theft. Use a light cover (blanket) for warm days and a heavier cover for cooler days. Both should still allow for airflow.

It's usually safe between about 40–65 degrees F (4–18 degrees C), though every cat and every situation will be different, so use this as a rough guide.

Talk to your vet about more specific safe temperature ranges for your cat based their age, breed, and any chronic medical conditions they may have or medications they may be on. If the temperatures are outside of that range, you’re going to have to take some precautions when making your own pit stops that take you away from your car.

In some cases, it may be possible for you to bring your cat into the bathroom with you in their carrier.

Quick tips if you must leave your cat in the car

• Some cars now have pet mode , like Telsa, Chevrolet Bolt, Rivian, and other Form and BMW models. Caution: If you decide to leave your engine running in a gas-powered car, be aware that car engines and air conditioner compressors can and do fail, leading to excessively hot temperatures building up in the car quickly. Similar malfunctions can happen in EV cars, too, and if the battery dies, the cooling system will shut off.
• If leaving your car and running the A/C or heat isn’t possible or practical, pre-cool or pre-heat your car the best you can by running the system on high for several minutes before you get out. Then, be quick!
• Move their carrier from the back seat to the back floor. Since hot air rises, it should be a bit cooler on the floor. There are fans made for keeping pets cool in the car , but we really can't overstate this: pets should never be left in a closed car, even in the shade or with cooling devices. In this case, it's simply for a quick amount of time.
• Park in the most well-shaded spot you can find.
• Park with your front windshield facing the sun and put up a reflective windshield sun shade like this one .
• Cracking the windows doesn’t make a huge difference, but it also doesn’t hurt (so long as your cat is securely in their carrier and there’s no danger of someone reaching into your car and stealing them and your stuff).
• Make sure you leave your cat plenty of water.
• If it's cold outside, add a warm blanket or fleece to your cat's carrier for them to snuggle up. If it's sunny, move the carrier to a sunny spot in the car.
• Be as quick with your stop as possible. If it’s a food break, get it to go from a drive-thru and eat it in your car.

Where to Stay When Traveling With Your Cat

Road trips and long-distance moves with cats will often require hotel stays. But not all hotels, motels, or rentals are pet-friendly. And just because they say they’re “pet” friendly doesn’t mean they’re “cat” friendly. So, plan ahead. Call to confirm they take cats and reserve the room or rental in advance.

Pro Tip: “Pet-friendly” means other pets likely stayed in that room recently! Not everyone uses flea and other parasite protection on their cats and dogs. Make sure your cat is protected before heading out on the road! Learn more about safe and effective parasite prevention for your cat , and talk to your veterinarian.

What to Do With Your Cat in the Hotel or Rental

Once you’re out of the car, you’re faced with a question. Do you let your cat out in the hotel or rental to explore, or do you keep them confined? There’s a lot that goes into the answer. Here are some things to consider:

Is your cat relaxed in new places? Being in their carrier in the car is different than being in a completely new room with smells and places to hide.

Does your cat chew, climb, or otherwise destroy things? I couldn’t let my cat into a new space without putting cord protectors on every cord, or they’d be chewed in a matter of minutes.

Are there hiding places you can’t get to or unsafe spaces your cat can reach? The last thing you want is your cat stuck in the vents of a hotel or squeezing through that tiny hole in the wall behind the fridge in your rental. It happens.

Is it clean? Not to get gross, but you may not want your cat rolling around on a motel floor or getting under the bed.

Is it safe from toxins? There could be rodent traps or pest poison in the room that could be dangerous for your cat.

Is there any chance they’re going to pee on something? Yep, it happened to me on my road trip. My cat was stressed and peed all over the fabric carrier, and it soaked through to the bed. Talk about embarrassing. And there's sometimes an additional cleaning fee for mishaps like this.

Confinement for Safety

I like the idea of bringing along a much larger, collapsible pet pen for overnight use. They’re plenty big enough for a good-sized litter box and everything your cat needs. There’s even room to play. Just make sure you get one with a top, or your cat will jump right out.

If you want to let your cat out on a harness and leash or heavily supervised, you have the option. But you’ve got the pet pen as a backup just in case you need it. You never know how a cat is going to react in a new space, especially when you’re sleeping or in the shower and they’re unsupervised. Here are a few great options:

Available at:

Travel Considerations for Cats With Chronic Health Issues

Before striking out on the road for a long trip or moving with a cat who has a chronic medical condition or is on long-term medications — like diabetes , hyperthyroidism , chronic kidney disease , or heart disease — there are a few precautions you should take.

• Make sure your cat had a recent (ideally within the past month or so) exam with their vet. You’ll have more peace of mind knowing that their condition is as well managed as possible and that they’re as healthy as can be before hitting the road with them. Your vet will also have recommendations for making their trip as comfortable and safe as possible.
• Bring a copy of your cat’s medical records with you! This should include recent exam notes, laboratory test results, and medication/supplement names and dosages. Your vet can often print these out (with enough notice), and they may even subscribe to an app or other service that allows you to keep updated copies of such records with you always on your phone. This will make visiting another vet on the road much easier.
• Especially for cats with known chronic health concerns, it’s a good idea to know about a few vet hospitals along your route and in the area of your destination before you head out. See the vet locator tools listed in the next emergency section to start searching.
• If your cat is on a special prescription diet, like for their kidneys, make sure to stock up on it from your vet before leaving. It’s not always easy to get prescription diet refills when you’re away from home. You should take enough with you to last for the duration of your trip PLUS an additional (at least) 2 weeks.
• Similarly, be sure to stock up on your pet’s medications and supplements, as well as any supplies you need for them. This would include needles and a travel-sized sharps container (or larger needle container ) for safely disposing of and storing used needles for diabetic cats, pills for blood pressure, overactive thyroid, and any other chronic medications. Again, you should take with you enough to last for the duration of your trip PLUS an additional (at least) 2 weeks.
• If your cat is diabetic and on insulin, don’t forget a cooler and ice packs to help keep it cool while in the car. You can also look into a cooler that plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter or USB, like these: Cooluli Mini , Wagan 14L , or the Wagan 24L (which could even store some of your food and drinks for the road). Pro Tip: Depending on the type of insulin your cat is on, you may be able to get an insulin “pen” that may be more stable outside of the fridge and easier to administer to your cat. It's still advisable to use a cooling case for the pens . Talk to your vet to see if an insulin pen is an option for your cat — it isn’t for all cats, but if it is for yours, it could be a great travel (and even long-term) solution for you.

Emergencies on the Road With Your Cat

It’s a good idea to plan ahead and map out a few 24-hour Emergency Clinics on your route, just in case. Try this vet emergency locator .

Have your hometown veterinary clinic number handy, too. For less serious issues, call them first. They may be able to give you advice or let you know if it’s a true emergency.

Make sure you have a card in your wallet or attached to your cat’s carrier with your cat’s name, the number where you can be reached during travel, and an emergency contact who is not traveling with you. If your cat has medical issues, you should list those as well or the contact info for your veterinary clinic. If there’s an accident, your car is stolen, or something happens where you’re separated from your cat, emergency services will have options.

I just got this great set for myself (featured below). The keychain says “pet home alone,” with instructions to look in your wallet for a card with emergency contact info. It’s meant to notify emergency services if you’re in an emergency situation and someone needs to care for your pet at home. In this case, you’d just include a note on the card that you’re traveling with your cat in the car.

It’s also vital to ensure your cat is microchipped and the contact information is up-to-date (including a way you can be reached on the road).

First Aid on the Road

Consider putting together a pet first-aid kit for your car. Here's a shopping list of first-aid essentials . Look for the icon of a little car 🚗, as it's these products that are the most essential in a smaller, travel-sized first-aid kit.

We encourage you to leave a comment below if you’ve got any tricks, tips, or products you’ve used that made car travel with your cats easier. Best of luck on your travels or your move. Have fun and be safe! 

About the author

LeeAnna Buis, CFTBS, FFCP

LeeAnna Buis has adored cats her entire life and thought she knew them inside-out and sideways. But it wasn’t until she worked with a feline behavior consultant that she fully understood how incredible, complicated, and inspiring cats really are. Literally, that day, she made a career change knowing she wanted to give other cat parents the same experience of truly “seeing” and appreciating their cats. Now, she works virtually with cat parents all over the world through Feline Behavior Solutions and Preventive Vet.

LeeAnna earned her certification through Animal Behavior Institute, earning the CFTBS designation. She is a certified Fear Free® trainer (FFCP), a training professional member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), and a member of both the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and Cat Writer’s Association (CWA).

More about LeeAnna Buis, CFTBS, FFCP

Related Articles

• English (EN)
• Español (ES)
• Português (BR)

Is Moscow Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia invaded its neighbor country Ukraine, starting a war between these two countries.

This act of invasion caused many Ukrainians to flee their country and seek shelter in places like Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, etc…

At this time, we recommend no travel to Russia or Ukraine, or any neighboring countries for your own safety.

Russia : Safety by City

• Nizhny Novgorod
• Novosibirsk
• Saint Petersburg
• Yekaterinburg

Moscow, the capital of Russia, is a political, scientific, historical, architectural and business center of this huge country.

It’s one of the most visited places in Russia, and for good reason.

The best-known parts of Russia are concentrated precisely in the urban areas and cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

Moscow’s history attracts the most tourists, as they are fascinated by it is a surreal and sometimes brutal but nevertheless thrilling and jaw-dropping national story.

In this city, visited by 17 million tourists annually, the history, told in its numerous museums, some of which are the world’s greatest, interacts with modernity.

For example, in the Garden of Fallen Monuments (Fallen Monument Park), you can see entire clusters of modern art contrasting with the very non-conceptual Communist monuments.

• Warnings & Dangers in Moscow

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Generally speaking, Moscow today is safe as much as other cities in Europe, despite its problematic history with criminal activity in the 90s. However, if you’re planning on traveling to Moscow, keep in mind that you should always keep your guard up and remain aware of your surroundings, just in case.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Generally speaking, transportation in Moscow is safe, but you should bear in mind that kidnappings have been known to happen, mostly in unlicensed taxis, so be careful when hailing one on the streets. Keep in mind that the most dangerous areas where small crime tends to occur are the underground walkways, called “perekhods”. Only use official services like Yandex Taxi, Uber or Gett taxi.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpocketing is very common in Moscow, and surprisingly it is mostly performed by groups of children. Pay attention to your belongings, don’t leave them in plain sight and be especially careful in crowded places like stations or near tourist attractions.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Moscow isn’t particularly susceptible to natural disasters. Some blizzards and snowstorms are possible during winter which can affect the traffic and delay your flights. During winter, be prepared to face the below-freezing temperatures.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

The situation improved drastically when it comes to kidnappings and muggings. Generally, never accept free drinks or food when you’re in a club or a bar. Drink spiking and then attacking and robbing the victim have been reported on numerous occasions.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

After the recent terrorist attack in the subway in St. Petersburg the probability of this situation happening again in Moscow is very high.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

There are many scams in Moscow, usually performed by children trying to distract you and then steal some money from you. Never talk to strange kids on the street. Also, you should avoid playing street gambling games.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women are generally safe in Moscow, though you should avoid finding yourself alone in clubs or bars, and of course, apply all normal precaution measures like avoiding remote and poorly lit streets and areas.

• So... How Safe Is Moscow Really?

Moscow experienced a rise when it came to crime rates during the 1990s.

Violent crime, as well as petty crime and scams,  had increased, but the biggest part of the violence was within the criminal groups themselves, and it didn’t affect foreigners that much.

However, it decreased since the 90s, so right now, for tourists, Moscow isn’t more dangerous than any other European city, it’s even less so.

The crime rate in Moscow is fairly lower than one in New York, London or Paris, so you should feel safe here.

Also, you can count on the officials to be uncorrupted – don’t ever try to bribe them: you will be charged with bribery.

Bear in mind that if you are a member of the LGBT community, there is no reason to avoid Moscow altogether but you should refrain from any public displays of affection.

As of June 2013, “homosexual propaganda to minors” is prohibited, which means that any discussion of gay rights or homosexuality issues in the presence of minors is punishable by law.

While you walk around Moscow, you might encounter police officials that may demand to see your papers to check if you have been registered within 7 business days of your arrival into Moscow.

You shouldn’t have any problems with this, because if you stay in a hotel then you are automatically registered and will be handed a confirmation paper.

• How Does Moscow Compare?
• Useful Information

Most countries do need a visa to enter Russia, and if you’re a U.S. citizen you must possess both a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. None of the nationals that do need a visa can acquire one upon arrival, so make sure you apply for your visa in advance. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

The Russian ruble is the official currency in Moscow. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and credit cards are accepted everywhere.

Moscow has a highly continental influenced climate characterized by warm to hot and dry summers and extremely cold, freezing winters with temperatures as low as -30°C – sometimes even lower, with heavy snowfall.

Sheremetyevo International Airport is the Russian busiest international airport. It is located in Molzhaninovsky District, Northern Administrative Okrug, in Moscow, about 29 km northwest of central Moscow.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Moscow, because it would cover not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Moscow Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Russia - Safety by City

• Where to Next?

9 Reviews on Moscow

That's just not true.

The person who wrote the text obviously have never been in Moscow and in Russia at all. This is ridiculous. Even about pickpocketing, the risk at most is medium, mugging is zero in historical places but is pretty high in sleeping quarters

Your rating is only two stars for safety though? So I am confused. Are you rating the article to be in poor taste?

I went to Moscow in 2021. I enjoyed the trip. I felt there were “unsafe areas” so I avoided them. So long as you know where you are going and don’t insult the locals, you should be fine.

51% safe?! Is this out of date?

Moscow and Russia in general are MUCH SAFER than Paris or London, yet those latter are more than 15 points ahead?!

Hell, it’s even admitted in the above text: “Moscow isn’t more dangerous than any other European city, IT’S EVEN LESS SO.” Yeah, you bet! And then: “the crime rate in Moscow is fairly lower than one in New York, London or Paris, so you should feel safe here.” So why the low rating? I don’t get it.

Also, the latest terrorist attack in Moscow happened in 2010… so how can you honestly say that the risk is still “high”? Especially for the fact Russia is very much on the edge when it comes to fighting terrorism domestically and over the world.

Sure, it might not be ideal everywhere in Moscow, but it’s WAY SAFER than in Paris, especially at night. You just can’t go out in Paris after the evening anymore, in most areas (I got assaulted for no reason at Châtelet-les-Halles and taking the RER train at dark is becoming more and more risky)… while in Moscow, chances are that you’ll see girls in miniskirts walking home while quietly singing. Or maybe you’ll stumble upon some gorgeous lady asking you for a lighter and then giving you her number for a coffee the next day. So very dangerous!

I sense a serious bias, here. Is it because of that LGBT thing? Could you pick a more extreme case? Yeah, you can totally be gay in Russia, just be so in private. There even are transsexuals, but this is a traditional and respectable country, so you should respect their choice of not publicizing various sexual lifestyles.

Moscow and Saint Petersburg are safe

Moscow and Saint Petersburg are very safe in my opinion! I’ve been to both cities visiting family! There are so many people out on the streets and on public transportation- I felt very safe! You need to change your ratings!!

Any update on Covid-19 to visit Moscow

I visited 118 country and Moscow one of the safest city I have been, st Petersburg as well, I read this article hoping to find any update on covid-19 restrictions upon arrival, so if anyone can update I’m planning to visit Moscow again but I need to know if quarentain is required or mandatory, anyone can share, cheers.

In Russia nobody cares, masks off. I dont know if fiew thousands of infected per day are high for you though. I was never arrested for not wearing mask, but you have to have it on you. Sometimes cops ask to put mask, you just do that and everything ok, some shops can refuse to do service if you dont have mask. I assume they pressured by boss, so just put on mask, they can give you gloves and dont cause any problems.

Written by someone who never visited Russia

A veer biased review. Moscow or St. Petersburg for being such brilliant truly cosmopolitan cities are extremely safe. Pickpocketing in Russia?! By children?! Who wrote this? Clearly by someone who has never been to the great country of Russia.

Have never been there. But wish me well

Bias review, Moscow is much safer than that!

This review is so bias and just wrong! First of all apart from being a political, scientific and etc center, it is an absolutely beautiful city and a very culturally rich city. For tourists there’s a huge range of delicious food, amazing shopping, a lot of cultural activities, and all sorts of entertainment. I’ve travelled there in December 2019, and most of the time I spent walking around and exploring by myself, be it during day time or night, nothing happened to me once. I mostly used subways and sometimes taxi, both safe. Just have a common sense when it comes to safety and you’ll be fine. You need to travel there at least once in a lifetime, it’s a completely different experience and it’s a beautiful one, NOT a communistic terrorist epicenter as some describe it to be.

Share Your Experience Cancel reply

Your Review

Title of your review

Article Contents

• Moscow : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

Popular Destinations

Safety Index

Recent reviews & comments.

• Shan on Brisbane
• dummy above me on Saudi Arabia
• amora on 15 Pros and Cons of Living in Jamaica
• M.... on Amman
• Anton on Jordan

Popular US States

• Pennsylvania

When you use links on our website, we may earn a fee.

Best Dog Crates for Car Travel of 2024

Taking your pup on a road trip can be a fun experience but only if you have one of the safest dog crates for car travel. Even if you’re not traveling cross-country, a crash-tested carrier is one of the most important purchases to keep them safe for long-haul car trips and even a quick jaunt to the vet.

We selected crates and carriers that are crash-tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a nonprofit that evaluates the safety of pet travel products. To aid in our selection, we also enlisted the guidance of a dog trainer who helped inform us about the importance of pet safety when traveling in a vehicle. Our list of the best dog crates for car travel has something to make every dog’s next road trip a success.

Table of Contents

• Best Dog Crates for Car Travel
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

Gunner G1 Kennel  »

Crash-tested and certified by CPS

Double-walled

Available in four sizes

Proven to protect pets in serious accidents

Tie-down straps sold separately

Not chew-proof

When traveling with your pet, keeping them safe in the car is the biggest priority. While there are plenty of travel crates on the market, the most effective are crash-tested and certified by CPS. This nonprofit evaluates the safety claims of pet travel products. Passing crash tests is no small feat, and only a handful of products receive the CPS’s seal of approval. One of those products is the Gunner G1 Kennel.

Available in four sizes – though the large size hasn’t been tested and certified by CPS – for puppies to large breeds, the Gunner G1 Kennel has a double-walled design to keep pets safe in an accident. Its double walls also have the added benefit of providing temperature regulation, keeping your pup cool even in hot weather. The crate has built-in pins for tie-down straps to secure the crate in a vehicle, although customers must purchase the straps separately.

Crash-test certification is an excellent feature and something pet parents should prioritize when searching for a travel crate. However, it does come at a cost. The Gunner G1 Kennel is on the higher end of travel crates and one of the most expensive options. Aside from its cost, some users take issue with the crate’s weight, which ranges from 27 pounds for the small kennel to 72 pounds for the large kennel. Sturdiness and durability are important in a travel crate, so we don’t necessarily consider this to be a con. However, a heavy crate can be an inconvenience.

Sleepypod Atom  »

More affordable option

Features top and side entries

Available in six colors

Not as much ventilation

Only suitable for pets up to 12 pounds

A budget dog crate for car travel is hard to come by, especially if you’re looking for a crash-tested and certified model, but the Sleepypod Atom is one of the safest options that doesn’t cost a few hundred dollars. This carrier features comfortable bedding for your pet to relax in, is suitable for the back seat of a car, and fits under the seats of most airplanes. The Atom also sports top and side entry points to make getting in and out a breeze for your pet. Plus, like all Sleepypod carriers, the Atom is available in various colors.

A downside of this crate is that it isn’t suitable for larger pets. With a weight limit of 12 pounds, only toy breeds can take advantage of this carrier. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a great car restraint for larger pets with a smaller budget. Sleepypod also makes one of the best car seat belts to keep large dogs safe and comfortable in a vehicle.

Sleepypod Mini  »

Suitable for puppies and kittens up to 7 pounds

Doubles as a bed

Can fit under airplane seat

Available in nine colors

Some users had sizing issues

Zipper that connects cover to bed can be flimsy

The correct size of travel crate is essential for keeping your pet safe during transit, says Nicole Ellis, a professional dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert for rover.com. When traveling, a dog should touch three of the four walls of the crate or carrier to minimize the chance of movement during a collision. Getting a tiny crate that fits a puppy properly can be challenging, but the Sleepypod Mini is ideal for pint-sized pups with a weight capacity of 7 pounds. Beyond being crash-tested and certified by the CPS, this carrier can be used with cats and allows you to carry your furry friend with you on an airplane. (However, always check individual airline recommendations before flying with your pet.)

Regardless of how you’re traveling, this carrier will keep your pet cozy, comfortable, and safe. The included bed can be used as your pup’s primary sleeping place when not jet-setting around the world, which may help acclimate your puppy to being contained in a small carrier during travel times.

While the Sleepypod Mini suits most teacup pups, some users struggled to get the correct fit, as Sleepypod also makes the Mobile Pet Bed, a medium-sized equivalent of the Mini. We recommend measuring before purchasing to ensure you get the right fit for your four-legged friend.

Away The Pet Carrier  »

Compact but safe for smaller pups

Clip to secure your pet within carrier

Airline-approved

Removable bedding

Only suitable for pets up to 18 pounds

Not as soft as some soft-sided carriers

Small breeds can be easier to travel with because they don’t take up as much space, but the travel is only simple if you have the right gear. The Pet Carrier by luggage brand Away is the ideal soft-sided crate for transporting small dogs in a car. Its features include top and side entry points for your animal, removable bedding for comfort, a retractable mesh privacy screen, and a collar clip to keep your pup from springing out of the carrier when opened. It also has a firm bottom, which stops the carrier from folding during transit – a feature Ellis says is important to prevent your dog from sliding around in the crate.

Car travel is a breeze with this carrier: Just secure it to your vehicle’s back seat via a belt around the headrest. Traveling by air with your pet? This carrier can sit snugly on top of your luggage , securing to the handle of any Away suitcase via a trolley sleeve. (For travelers who do take their pups on planes, note that while the material is soft, some users found it wasn't flexible enough to fit under every airline seat.) The downside of this carrier is that it’s only suitable for small breeds weighing less than 18 pounds, so medium and large pets are out of luck.

Lucky Duck Lucky Kennel  »

Suitable for pets up to 110 pounds (large size)

Drainage holes for easy cleanup

Lightweight

Bed pad sold separately

Finding a dog crate for car travel that suits big breeds can be tough, but Lucky Duck makes one of our favorite kennels ideal for medium to large dogs. With a capacity to hold pups as big as 110 pounds, the large version of the Lucky Kennel can keep up with large dogs without weighing you down. Unlike most crash-tested travel crates, this kennel is lightweight at only 45 pounds, making it much more accessible to lift in and out of a vehicle. Another nice feature is its drainage and ventilation holes. The drainage holes are excellent to have in the event of a potty accident, as any liquid in the kennel is directed to the drainage holes via the slightly pitched floor of the crate .

The drain holes are a nice plus, but they make it difficult to place a bed within the crate. As such, Lucky Dog offers its own bed to fit inside – a nice-to-have feature to ensure your pup’s comfort during travel. However, if you want to purchase the bed pad for your dog, you’ll have to do so separately. Lucky Dog also requires the separate purchase of ratchet straps – a type of restraint that keeps the crate tied down to a vehicle – instead of providing them with the kennel. Remember this when purchasing this crate because Lucky Dog kennels are only crash-tested and certified by the CPS in combination with these tie-down straps.

Paravel Cabana Pet Carrier  »

Smaller footprint than most carriers

Folds flat for easy storage

Made from recycled materials

Only fits pets up to 20 pounds

Some users found shoulder strap held up poorly

The best dog carriers for small cars won’t take up too much space in the back seat of a vehicle, and the Paravel Cabana Pet Carrier fits the bill. At just 11 inches long, this soft-sided carrier can easily fit within the back seat of any small car. It’s also less than 1 foot high, easily letting you see over the top of the carrier. However, the small footprint won’t squeeze your pet.

The Cabana Pet Carrier is more than 20 inches wide, which makes it easily able to hold pups up to 20 pounds. Another handy space-saving element of this carrier is its ability to fold completely flat so that when your pet isn’t in the vehicle with you, the back seat can be reclaimed for passengers or cargo.

While this crash-tested and certified carrier is a safe, space-saving option for small cars, a few users found it wasn’t the best option as a shoulder bag, as the shoulder strap broke for some buyers.

Cabela's GunDog Intermediate Dog Kennel  »

Tie-down strap kit and safety bar included

Nonslip rubber feet

Only one size

No included crate pad

When using a crash-tested crate in a large vehicle such as an SUV, it’s important to tie it down using straps or bolts to ensure the kennel doesn’t shift during transit. However, most crate manufacturers don’t include these tie-down straps with the purchase of a kennel, and these can often pack on an additional hundred dollars to an already expensive purchase. The Cabela’s GunDog Intermediate Dog Kennel is an excellent option for those who want the tie-down straps included to keep their pup safe in the back seat or trunk of an extra-large vehicle. The included tie-down strap kit can secure this crash-tested crate to most large cars, and the rubber feet offer additional nonslip reinforcement for more stability.

The kennel allows users to choose on which side they want the door to open – a handy feature to ensure ease of use. The downside of this crate is that it’s only available in one size, leaving few options for dogs between a medium and large size. It also comes as is, meaning no crate pad or bedding is included for your pup.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the best dog crate for car travel is a weighty decision, and you should always keep your pet’s safety top of mind. The good news is there are many excellent crates and carriers available that are crash-tested and certified, providing your pup with a safe and comfortable place during a road trip.

Our best overall pick is the Gunner G1 Kennel, which has some of the best features we’ve seen on a travel crate. Its double-walled design reinforces the kennel's safety while keeping your dog cool on hot days. It also has one of the most diverse size ranges available for crash-tested crates, making it suitable for small pups and large breeds alike.

Things To Consider When Buying Dog Crates for Car Travel

Safety Certifications: The best dog crates for car travel are crash-tested by the CPS. The pet industry has few regulations for travel products, and some brands may make unjustified safety claims. Even with products certified by the CPS, remember that certifications vary, and a product may not be approved for use with dogs weighing more than a certain amount or without additions such as tie-down straps.

Size and Weight Capacity: Choosing the correct size kennel is vital for keeping your dog safe during travel, whether traveling with your pet in a car or on a plane. There’s no one-size-fits-all crate, so remember to measure your pet and follow the measurement and weight guidelines provided by the manufacturer to achieve a good fit.

Ellis says that while we might have an instinct to buy a bigger crate to give our pups more space to lounge, it’s important to hold off on this impulse. “[O]ur dogs should be snug. So when thinking of a [crash-tested crate], our dog should really be touching three of the four walls [when they] lay down,” she says. Ellis also encourages pet parents to avoid extra space within a crate because that’s where the dog will move during a collision.

Material: Each dog kennel is constructed differently, but there are some materials to look for when considering dog crates for travel. Ellis likes soft-sided carriers with a firm bottom that ensures a pet stays stable during transport. She also says that ballistic nylon – a material that’s resistant to water and chew damage – is great.

Hard crates tend to be made of materials like rubber or rotomolded walls. Rotomolding is a type of plastic construction, and its benefits include being durable and thick enough to withstand excessive force, such as the type that would be exerted in a car accident.

While crash-tested crates vary in material, Ellis notes that one material pet parents should avoid is wire, specifically in wire-style crates. These crates are acceptable for at-home use but not for travel. Ellis says a wire crate may break into small pieces and impale your pet in the event of a collision.

Vehicle Compatibility: Most crash-tested crates suitable for car travel can be used in any vehicle. However, measure the back seat of your car to ensure that the crate will fit. Some crates intended for larger dogs may not fit in the back seat as easily as smaller soft-sided carriers. These crates may instead be used in the trunk of a vehicle, although they usually require tie-down straps to keep them in place. Ellis says it’s important to check your specific vehicle’s attachment points if you opt for a crate that requires latching in that way.

It’s also vital to remember that while a crate may sit in a vehicle's back seat, trunk, or bed, it should never be placed in the front seat. Ellis says regardless of what crate or carrier your pup is in, your dog can still be injured by an airbag if traveling in the front seat of a car.

How We Chose the Best Dog Dog Crates for Car Travel

At U.S News 360 Reviews, our editors and contributing writers evaluate products based on research, expert guidance, and our own experience as professional product reviewers. Our contributing writer consulted the CPS’s list of crash-tested and certified dog crates and carriers to find the best options for dogs big and small. We also consulted Nicole Ellis , a certified professional dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert with rover.com to understand how to keep pets safe during car travel.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

Sophia Carlisle , the author of this piece, has covered pet products for Business Insider as a fellow and, prior to that, fostered dogs and cats for years. She has tested dozens of dog products with her rescue pit mix Lyla, including harnesses, food, and leashes. For U.S. News 360 Reviews, Sophia has covered some of the best products for pups, such as the best dog harnesses and slow feeder dog bowls .

The most important safety feature of a dog crate for car travel is that it’s crash-tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS). Other safety features to watch for include crates and carriers with tie-down straps. Some crates for large dogs are only certified by the CPS with tie-down straps, which help to keep a large crate stable during transit.

Regardless of which CPS-certified crate you choose, Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer, says it’s always essential to restrain your pet in a vehicle. Even the most well-trained dog can cause a distraction, leap out of an open window, or become a projectile in the event of an accident, so keeping them secure during travel is necessary.

If a crate or carrier passes crash safety standards set by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), it receives a rating between 1 Star and 5 Star. The very best dog crates for car travel receive a 5 Star safety rating.

If a brand or product claims to be certified by the CPS, check directly on the website to ensure it has passed crash testing. Some products have undergone crash testing but have failed or had their certification revoked. If a crate or carrier isn’t crash-test certified by the CPS, it’s unsafe to use with your pet for car travel.

Finding the correct size crate for your dog can be tricky, so take careful measurements of your pup and compare them with the weight and length measurements provided by the brand. Ellis, a pet lifestyle expert with rover.com, says that dogs should fit snugly inside their crates, so avoid opting for a larger size than your dog needs.

Compatibility with your vehicle is also important to consider when selecting the best travel crate for your pup. Ellis says it’s best to place the crate in the trunk or back seat of the car. Ensure you check whether or not the crate requires tie-down straps and if those straps can be attached to the latch points in your vehicle.

About Our Team

Sophia Carlisle

Contributor

Kayla Randolph

Associate Editor

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

US issues level 3 travel advisory to China amid safety concerns. Here's what to know

Are you thinking about traveling to China to visit or study abroad? The U.S. government suggests reconsidering your trip for now. 

According to the U.S. Department of State , traveling to China is under a level 3 travel advisory , warning Americans to reconsider. The State Department has four warning levels. The fourth is “Do not travel.”

Is it safe to travel to China right now?

The U.S. is asking Americans to reconsider traveling to China due to various reasons, including concerns about health and safety, such as the prevalence of contagious diseases like COVID-19, as well as political tensions or security risks in certain regions.

As of April 12, there are some specific areas that the U.S. is asking people to reconsider travel to. Those areas include:

• Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.
• Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
• Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. 

Additionally, the U.S. government may issue travel advisories based on factors like civil unrest, natural disasters, or other hazards that could affect travelers' well-being.

Americans detained in China

Mark Swidan — a man from Houston, Texas — has been detained in China for over 10 years on drug charges. According to The Texas Tribune , Swidan was detained in China in 2012 while on a trip looking for materials for his home and business in Houston. Chinese authorities arrested him after his driver and translator were found in possession of drugs. The driver blamed Swidan, who is accused of trafficking and manufacturing methamphetamine.

A review of Swidan’s case said there were no drugs on him or in his hotel. Last year, the Republic of China’s Jiangmen Intermediate Court denied Swidan’s appeal and upheld his death penalty with a two-year suspended death sentence.

Other Americans considered wrongfully detained include Chinese American businessman Kai Li from Long Island, N.Y., and California pastor David Lin.

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

• Trinidad & Tobago
• El Salvador
• South Sudan
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia

What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)
• Burkina Faso

Traveling abroad? Here are some safety tips

U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s free  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  and to prepare contingency plans for emergencies. 

Safety tips if you're traveling outside the U.S.:

• Don't travel alone.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep a low profile.
• Try not to be flashy.
• Avoid going to places at night, especially by yourself.

21 Ways to Travel Smarter (and Cheaper) in 2024

Posted: April 22, 2024 | Last updated: April 22, 2024

Travel Resolutions

When it comes to travel, New Year's resolutions often take the form of general vows to travel more or pledges to finally take that trip to (fill in the blank). This year, when you travel,  strive for the goal of reducing the expense and stress of travel and getting more out of your trips, whether your plans include an exotic vacation or a getaway closer to home. Here are some goals for traveling smarter and more cheaply.  

Editor's note: This story was updated in April 2024

Travel by Car

Air travel comes with high costs, both monetary and environmental, not to mention high stress. Instead, consider hopping in the car for your next trip , whether it's a getaway to a bed and breakfast or a weekend visit to a national park . The average price for a gallon of gas hit $3.06 in mid-December 2024, according to AAA .

Be Flexible

If you don't have to travel on a certain day at a certain time — or even to a certain place — you may reap the reward of lower prices. Airfare search engines such as Kayak and Google Flights allow flexible date searches. Sites such as Travelzoo and Airfarewatchdog are good sources for last-minute travel deals. Sign up for alerts and be prepared to pounce. 

For more great travel guides and vacation tips,  please sign up for our free newsletters .

Learn the Language

These days, online courses and apps can help travelers learn a language for free. Commit at least a few phrases to memory before traveling abroad to engender goodwill among locals and help you get more out of the trip. More capable linguists have an advantage when haggling.

Don't Procrastinate on Accommodations

As soon as you know where you're going, book a hotel — as the arrival date approaches, rates are likely to go up. Reservations usually (but not always) can be canceled within 24 or 48 hours of the arrival date without penalty, so there's no harm in booking early and continuing to search for a better deal.

Take Advantage of Hidden Hotel Freebies

Many hotels, primarily upscale properties, offer guests fun and free perks such as free bike rentals, snacks, and fitness classes. Many of these aren't listed among the usual amenities, but all you have to do is ask.

Stop Checking Luggage

Avoid airline baggage fees by packing only carry-on luggage. Tips include wearing bulky clothing on the plane and bringing as large a "personal item" as the airline will allow. If you're brave enough to stand out in the security line, try a travel jacket that lets you stash extra items on your person instead of taking up room in your carry-on or personal item.

Don't Forget the Necessities

A hotel can supply toiletries such as a toothbrush, but travelers staying with friends or renting an Airbnb may be out of luck. Other easy-to-forget necessities such as a phone charger are much more expensive to replace than deodorant. Frequent flyers can stay organized by stocking a case of travel essentials that's always ready to go.

Pre-Plan Parking

Don't wait until the last minute to figure out where to park before a big trip that begins at an airport, train station, or port. Look into all the options for long-term parking well in advance to avoid paying high fees.

Sign up for Airline Rewards Programs

Frequent flyer programs aren't just for frequent flyers. It's free to sign up when you book a flight; miles and points on many airlines don't expire; and travelers can add to their totals steadily in many ways besides flying. Start working toward an upgrade or free flight on every airline you fly.

Get a Credit Card That Awards Miles

Some credit cards give sign-up bonuses in the form of miles to new cardholders who spend a certain amount within the first few months. Many U.S.-based airlines offer these types of cards, and many general rewards cards have incentives for travelers.

Use Up Vacation Days

Busy professionals are liable to leave vacation days on the table at the end of the year instead of devoting them to a memorable trip. Paid time off is a valuable part of employee compensation — don't let it go to waste.

Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard

It's easy to forget about attractions close to home. Instead of burdening your budget with long-haul travel, seek out must-see destinations in your own state .

Take Advantage of a Warehouse Club Membership

Being a member at Costco or Sam's Club comes with travel benefits. Before booking through conventional channels, ask about deals available through warehouse clubs, such as paying no fee for adding a driver onto a rental car contract.

Don't Stress About Travel With Kids

Although it can be stressful, there are lots of ways to make traveling with kids a little easier. Try to plan the journey during nap or bedtime, so they will be asleep for at least part of the trip. And don't ever, ever forget a pacifier (or whatever your family calls it).

Be Prepared for Contingencies

Speaking of kids, never underestimate the benefit of packing extra diapers, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, and clean clothes in a carry-on. Stash a few plastic baggies for soiled clothes and garbage. Family medications also belong in the carry-on, not in checked luggage.

Always Book Flights Online

Did you know that booking with an airline representative over the phone can cost up to $25? Airlines generally charge a fee for assistance, so reserve talk time for help questions only. Budget airlines such as Frontier and Spirit charge lower baggage fees for passengers who pay during online booking.

Be Open to Vacation Rentals

Even if you're a fan of tried-and-true hotels, sites such as Airbnb and VRBO are worth a shot. You may find unexpected deals that are cheaper and more comfortable than the basic hotel room. Self-catering also saves money.

Stop Paying Fees

Travelers often get hit with hidden fees of a few dollars each time they withdraw cash from a foreign ATM and up to 3% for paying with a credit card abroad. Switch to a bank with no ATM fees and a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.

Get More out of Business Trips

If work takes you to a desirable destination, take advantage of the free flight and spend some time as a tourist. Even if you can't afford to stay any extra days, try to carve out a few hours for sightseeing.

Pack Ahead of Time and Plan Outfits

We've all been there — it's the night before an early flight, and you fill a suitcase without much thought. Then you realize you packed five pairs of jeans but not one outfit for an evening out, and you have to spend money and time shopping for something appropriate. Resolve to set everything out in advance and strategically choose clothing you can mix and match.

Learn to Use a Camera

Even if it's just a smartphone camera, seek out tips and tutorials to help you take better photos and videos. Images of a trip are perhaps the cheapest souvenirs — and, for many people, the most valuable.

This article was originally published on Cheapism

More From Cheapism

• 13 Cheap Pets That Are Easy to Take Care Of
• 40 Meals Under 100 Calories Per Serving
• Costco Business Center: Locations, FAQs, and Why You Should Shop Here
• Is Spirit Airlines Safe, and Why Is It So Cheap?
• These Are the 7 Cheapest Fast-Food Joints To Try Right Now

Like Cheapism's content? Be sure to follow us .

More for You

Megan Fox Signs With UTA

Donald Trump Loses High-Profile Lawyer in Two Cases

The films everyone should see at least once before they die, according to critics

10 Countries To Live Outside the US That Are So Cheap You Could Quit Your Job

Martin Lewis issues warning to people choosing air fryer over oven

Scientists discover gigantic 'structure' under the surface of the Moon

Flame-throwing robot dog that can torch anything in its path goes on sale

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Rips Democrat's 'Shameful' Post on Bernie Sanders

The best 'Star Trek' episode of all time, according to fans—and see if your favorite ranks in the top 25

Want the Max $4,873 Social Security Benefit? Here's the Salary You Need.

Common Foods That Are Illegal to Grow in Your Backyard

What is the healthiest coffee creamer? A dietitian shares her No. 1 pick

Drew Barrymore Launched a Brand New Shade In Her Kitchenware Line, and It’s Perfect for Any Space

4 CPUs you should buy instead of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Russia Suffers Deadliest Day in Weeks: Kyiv

20 famous actors who struggled to find work after making it big

The Coolest Car From the Year You Were Born (1945-1995)

25 famous rock song lyrics everyone gets wrong

20 Items You Should NEVER Pass Up at a Flea Market

Daniel Jeremiah releases final mock ahead of 2024 NFL Draft

• Weird But True
• Sex & Relationships
• Viral Trends
• Human Interest
• Fashion & Beauty
• Food & Drink

trending now in Lifestyle

I'm a private investigator — these are the 5 craziest things...

Tattooed applicant claims she was denied TJ Maxx job over her...

Do you have a 'millennial' tattoo? Artists reveal the...

Michelin's first-ever US hotel guide debuts with only 11 worthy...

Gen Z has 'email anxiety' at work, struggling to cope with 1,000s...

After J.Lo seen with $500K Birkin, here's how many Hermès bags...

I made $70K selling NYC restaurant reservations — and I don't...

Dear Abby: My son's wonderful girlfriend can't afford a...

Breaking news, travel costs have soared since the pandemic — with one mode now absurdly expensive.

• View Author Archive
• Follow on Twitter
• Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

Ay, car-rumba.

A new study shows the cost of travel has skyrocketed since 2019 — with rental car prices far and away the most inflated, compared to pre-COVID.

NerdWallet found that the expense of having your own wheels away from home was a whopping 39.3% higher in March 2024 versus five years ago, in March 2019 — and that’s after an 8.8% decline from March 2023.

The research revealed that Chicago’s O’Hare was the priciest airport for car rentals, with an eye-watering average weekly rate of $671.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport came in second at $598, then Las Vegas’ Harry Reid Airport at $588. Los Angeles International Airport was priced at $568 — just slightly above Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s $566.

Researchers found Enterprise to be the cheapest and National to be the most expensive.

They also noted that booking in advance was more costly than at the last minute, when rental car companies are now sometimes found offering better deals.

Although rental cars saw the steepest increase, there are plenty of other culprits keeping the cost of hitting the road higher than normal.

Restaurant prices have soared for example, by 29.3% between 2019 to 2024. During the past year alone, they’ve risen 4.2%.

Tickets to plays, movies, and concerts also shot up 22.6% — 5% more than a year ago.

Hotel rooms are far from immune.

Over the five-year period, lodging costs increased by 16.3% . They have risen by 6.7% between February and March of this year.

The biggest shock, however, is that airfare has only increased 2.6% during the past five years.

It is currently down 7.1% from 2023. American and Southwest both announced losses in the first quarter of 2024; Southwest said it will limit hiring and pull out of four airports as a result.

Share this article:

Advertisement

• India Today
• Business Today
• Reader’s Digest
• Harper's Bazaar
• Brides Today
• Cosmopolitan
• Aaj Tak Campus
• India Today Hindi

3 tips on how to travel with a baby in the car

Setting off on a road trip with little ones is thrilling but also comes with worries about their safety and comfort. let's discuss why a reliable baby car seat is a must for every family..

Listen to Story

As parents, setting on a road trip with our little ones can be both exciting and daunting. The anticipation of creating lasting memories together is often accompanied by concerns about keeping our precious kids and companions safe and comfortable throughout the journey. One essential aspect of ensuring a smooth and worry-free ride is investing in a reliable baby car seat.

Let's talk about why baby car seats are not just an optional accessory, but a crucial safety measure for every family. Picture this: you're driving along a busy highway, and suddenly, you need to hit the brakes hard. With a properly installed car seat, you can manoeuvre and put the brakes on with that added peace of mind. Baby car seats provide a secure and snug environment for your little one, giving you that extra bit of cushion while driving, afterall you know that your baby is protected with the right mechanism, and additional safety measures deployed around baby car seats.

1. SAFETY FIRST