Planning a long car ride to visit loved ones this holiday season? Before you start packing the car, use these tips to ensure a smooth trip…and save time and money along the road.
1. Have a Safe Ride
A few weeks before you plan to travel, make sure your vehicle is in good shape for a long trip. Change the oil, check the antifreeze and make sure the tires (including the spare) are in good condition. A few days before you leave, check the forecasts for the areas you'll be traveling through to make sure you're aware of the weather conditions that lie ahead. If the weather outside is frightful, throw a couple of blankets in the trunk along with a flashlight and extra batteries, just in case the car breaks down or a tire goes flat after dark.
2. Plan Your Snacks
Pack plenty of snacks for your journey, especially if you're traveling with kids. Smart car snacks for little ones include raisins, pretzels, cubes or slices of cheese with crackers, cut-up fruit or vegetables, and water bottles. You can even pack these treats in a small, lunch-sized cooler for each child. For quick clean-up, be sure to bring a tub of baby wipes to wipe hands and faces, and use plastic grocery bags as trash bags when you're on-the-go. If you're traveling with pets, remember to bring treats for them too!
3. Fill Up for Less!
Plan several breaks during your trip to stop, stretch your legs, refuel or grab a bite to eat. If you have small children, plan on stopping at least once every three hours. Want to save money on those fill-ups? Remember to bring your Shopper's Card with you when you travel. Your fuel points can be redeemed at many of The Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Centers and convenience stores across the country. There are more than 1,800 locations in 35 states. Find one near you.
You can also conveniently redeem points at any one of Shell's 6,600 participating stations. For a list of participating Shell stations, go to shell.us/ontheroad.
4. Buy Gift Cards for Meals in Advance - and Save on Fuel!
Another trick to maximize your travel savings (and earn more fuel points) is to stock up on gift cards from Kroger. Just plan your favorite food stops in advance, and buy gift cards for those restaurants from Kroger before you leave! You'll earn fuel points, and save on fuel! The Gift Card Mall in your local store carries a wide selection of more than 50 gift cards to use like cash at your favorite places, including Subway, McDonald's, Burger King, Applebee's, Cracker Barrel, Olive Garden, Dunkin' Donuts and many other popular chains. Check out the Gift Card Mall online to see the wide variety of restaurant gift cards available at Kroger!
5. Refill prescriptions before you go!
Make sure all necessary medications are packed in a safe place and out of the reach of little ones. Forgot a prescription medication at home? Don't panic - with almost 2,000 pharmacies nationwide, we can help you find a pharmacy close by. Simply call your pharmacy back at home. They will find the closest pharmacy to your location and transfer your prescription through our Easy Fill System. Here's to a happy and healthy holiday season and a very merry road trip experience!