Lessons Learned on Our 1st Winter Road Trip

We had a wonderful winter adventure on our first car road trip and we learned a lot. In this video we share what lessons we learned including some things we will not do again!
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[@historyteacher4402]

The thing that bothers me the most is that they wouldn’t let you in a few minutes early…you know the room was the same when you arrived as when they finally let you in. Poor customer service.

[@reniermeyer1866]

Great information! 🤔 perhaps it is prudent to travel with an overnight camping bag like a tent/shelter thermo blanket, hats, sunscreen, hiking boots, small stove, and some freezedried meals in case you get stranded in the middle ov nowhere overnight in all kinds of weather.

[@lisagoldberg5178]

I would get a folding luggage cart or small dolly to place the water jug on to make it easier to move the water. Just strap it in with extra bungee cords. A gallon of water is over 8 pounds. So you've got another 40+ pounds to manuever. It might be easier to use a couple of 2 gallon jugs instead of one large water jug for traveling. Great tips as always. Thank you!

[@angelabarnes1547]

Growing up we were an hour from town. Always traveled with food snacks. And longer trips always have pillows, blankets, etc. My parent's always need more blankets! For breakfast we often pack hard-boiled eggs and yogurt. Tea bags and honey.

[@liznyp6209]

I love how you’re so organized. I bet that hotel won’t get your patronage again either lol.

[@kellygarnet6329]

Or from anyone who watched the video either!

[@kellygarnet6329]

Great video, Pam. Glad you were able to escape the Bates Motel without a visit from Norman. One suggestion for your blue lunch bag is to add some utensils so everything is in one place. Taking the fleece comforter was a smart move. I would have that in the vehicle at all times in the winter. In Canada we are hardwired to be ready to stave off the cold even on short trips. 😊

[@missbiggs9437]

And don’t forget the extra winter fluids/de-icers, brushes and shovels heaven forbid you get stuck or stranded!

[@PASTORSHARON]

I always carry light bulbs when I travel because most hotels put the lowest watt bulbs possible in their lamps.

[@LJones-uu4xy]

Thank you for taking us along on your adventures! I found that higher elevations and heat made my spray bottles leak something awful. Ended up putting a regular cap on except when the sprayer was needed. While also keeping them in plastic bags that are kept upright so it doesn’t leak all over. The kitchen box in suitcase on wheels is a great idea. 👍 So glad you two are able to get out and enjoy yourselves!

[@nancychaffin7826]

So happy you were able to make do with the supplies that you had in not the greatest conditions. When I was young it wasn’t a family vacation if we didn’t have at least one meal in the car due to inclement weather when we planned to have a picnic….some of our favorite memories to be honest! Such a good video for advocating being prepared and learning as you go. I have learned so much from you and this community. Safe travels!

[@PASTORSHARON]

I am thrilled to be part of your learning community. ❤🎉

[@jtamsmom5]

You always learn by experience

[@stephaniec5064]

We always carry a thermal throw too because weather closed the road one time and we were stuck in the car for hours until the road reopened. We carry water too, but we don't take the big 5 gallon ones anymore. It just became too cumbersome. Now, we buy one gallon water bottles, that way we only have to move the one we are using.

[@kymschoeff2858]

We’ve also traveled off season and now we carry everything for all the reasons you mentioned. Off season lodges, especially park department run ones, are basically shelter only

[@lyndabuchholz1216]

I recently stayed at a motel that had very little in our rooms. Not enough towels, dim lights and it was filthy. We drove around trying to find another place and everything was full. We have learned to take light bulbs with us because the rooms are so dim. I have to figure a way to remember the bulbs when I leave though. There was a fridge and microwave in the room but didn't work and no phone so we couldn't call the desk. We learned a good lesson. The worst thing was we have stayed at this motel many times and it has been wonderful but it recently changed hands and boy it went downhill

[@buckonono7996]

We have experienced the same type of situations. I have started choosing lodging chains almost exclusively for this reason. The one place was so bad there was a long line of guests demanding a refund. The owners refused and when they got everyone out of the office they locked the door!

[@mjnorman1958]

Thank you for sharing, please be careful with the mountain winter travel, the unforcasted storms can hit quickly and powerfully. My love to you! ❤

[@nsdavisart]

What a great learning experience! I trust you and Jim had some laughs in the face of the challenges.

[@megbirney8612]

Great video. Two suggestions 1- for winter in Alaska we always traveled with a sleeping bag in the trunk in case you get stuck in the middle of nowhere. 2- during the summer heat in Virginia I would dump a bag of ice in my 5 gallon water cooler (looks just like yours😉) and then fill with water, it stayed cool for a very long time even after the ice melted. Glad everything turned out ok. Great community here.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks for sharing! Yes, we love our community! So many people with lots of knowledge and willingness to share.

[@MQTAful]

Two or three space blankets and a few old quilts, a couple of Army surplus wool blankets, and a couple of pairs of wool socks are also in our travel kit. Winter and summer.

[@caroljeanscholl7370]

I don't know if someone mentioned this or not. Put on the 5 gallon water bucket. I have learned very early on to fill it in place. Not in the kitchen where somebody has to haul or carry it out. Put it in your vehicle. Your camper and take your hose and fill it where it's going to sit when traveling.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Oh yes, we learned that one the hard way! Thanks.

[@missbiggs9437]

I find it difficult to understand - smh - that even though you arrived early and the hotel refusing to allow you to check in, they knew it would be just a matter of minutes before you’d be occupying the room so why on earth would they not have gone to the room and put the heat on? Winter and snowing and 9000 ft. elevation, that’s the least they could do. It’s businesses/individuals like that giving the hospitality industry a black eye. I would never go there again or it to anyone!!

[@trailgrazers3690]

That is exactly how we fill.

[@janetgreenblatt6656]

Love you and learn so much.

[@OwlandAnchor]

I have stayed at that hotel, in a busier season, and had the same experience. They would not let us check in even 20 minutes early- it was crazy. I will never stay there again

[@trailgrazers3690]

Neither will we!

[@debbiemarks6086]

It's so sad the hotel was so bad, especially the phone ❤

[@nitababcock3977]

Definitely a lesrning experience. That motel would've been scary with no other people for sure!

[@nitababcock3977]

Learning experience

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, glad that experience is behind us!

[@gcook9221]

You definitely had a learning experience! I only have 1 suggestion and that is to call the hotel direct instead of going through one of the booking sites. I will usually visit one of those sites, look at availability, the price and reviews. Then I call the hotel direct to book it. While on the phone with them, I can ask any necessary questions. Good luck on your next adventure!

[@trailgrazers3690]

We planned to do that but they have no published phone number that we could find anywhere.

[@lynsmith2698]

You two are awesome. I love your content, I guess that’s why I have been following you for years now. We lived 8n a remote area off grid for 13 years and I remember seeing a 12 volt drip coffee maker. So if you ever stay at a hotel with no way to boil water for your oatmeal, you could do it in your vehicle, I just thought it was such a handy thing even if you dont drink coffee. Take care 🇨🇦❄️

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great idea! Thank you. And thank you for following us for so long. We really appreciate that.

[@DeeDeeDIY]

Shame on that motel for not taking care of its paying guests! I usually take plastic place mats to picnic with instead of a table cover because of wind. There are those table clips but they don't always work. Someone should manufacture a picnic cover with heavy weights in the hems sort of like magnets on a shower curtain. I guess you could create your own..anyway i find that heavy pladtic place mats stay put better in wind. Yes, motel room lighting is so dim. I agree. Cant wait for your next adventure to see how it goes.

[@PatMcGuriman]

I typically don't do Big Chain Hotels so I am shocked at an Inn or Bed and Breakfast Style. I won't stay at Big Corp Chains, but if travelling in my car with my cat on long drives I prepare for her and I. I always carry a small Camp Stove that uses Butane or Propane indoors. You already have one you use in your home, but these are so light weight and you can use in a vehicle of course with a Carbon Monoxide Detector. I am sorry the Inn was bad. Travelling in a SUV with a Furry, you learn fast. We are from PA and do Hot Tent Camping, so I prepare for everything. I hope you have kitty litter and a small shovel for winter. My Mr. Buddy Heater is the best if in my car. My Furry hates to be cold. Hope any of this helped. I don't own a Freeze drier so no idea about that, but Furry and I manage and we have been stuck on the road for 8 hours in snow not moving. Still here today.

[@TheCoolcatkimmie]

What about doing freeze dried meals that would only require hot water. That way you would cut down on the amount of items you have to carry around with you for short trips. Oatmeal for breakfast, soup for lunch, and stroganoff for supper. So many different options and light weight. You could pack your electric kettle and plug it in at the hotel if no coffee pot or even plug it in your car for lunches. Hot water right in the Mylar meal bag, ready in 5 or 10 minutes, eat right out of the bag no clean up. Or if you didn’t want to be that basic you could pour it into a bowl or plate to give you a better visual experience. The older I get, the less I want to pack and tote around. If that is part of the fun for you then keep up the great job, I love your videos and tell everyone about your channels. I hope you continue to have so much fun on your car trips! I love the what works and what doesn’t videos!

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you!

[@cindyyounger7370]

I think the tablecloth you have would be great to have with you. But I am sorry I can’t find it in your list of items you have.

[@paulas.8089]

Thank you for this very informative video!

[@MFV77]

You are amazing!

[@DEBORAHWWA]

Love your videos! ❤ Makes me feel so good 👍 😌

[@trailgrazers3690]

So glad to hear that!

[@thecrafteaneighbor5177]

Hi Pam. My husband and I will be traveling from PA to Newfoundland, Canada. This is very helpful information. My 70 yr old husband has ended up in a hospital before due to the mainly restaurant food causing intestinal issues. That was not fun. So, we learned to do hotel cooking. I always research for better ways, too. A small rice cooker is nice to use. I've used a mini Instant Pot before. I saw a recommendation for a small electric frying pan and I thought that a good idea. You said you didn't have a coffee maker or microwave in your room on this trip. My husband & I recently stayed in a hotel where the coffee maker was overly gross. I saw on Amazon they sell "portable travel tea kettles" for heating up water. There are different kinds, including collapsible ones. Also, I would highly suggest getting this French Press fori making coffee or tea. My husband has one and says it makes the best offer he's ever had. It's solid stainless steel and uses 2 filters instead of one like most other presses. Its called the Espro P7 double filter French Press in Stainless Steel. We use the 18oz size so it makes enough coffee for 2 people at one time. The cost for the Espro P7 is a little pricey, but it's going to last a long time, worry free on breaking any glass, and could be taken over rugged hiking/camping spots for fresh brewed coffee. I hope this might be helpful for you. Thanks for your info! Sue 😊❤

[@thecrafteaneighbor5177]

P.S. I just saw that there is the 16 oz Espro P0 Ultralight for traveling, too. It costs less than the Espro P7 and still has similar features. Highly recommend the Espro. And researching travel kettles, many people recommend the collapsible Brentwood.

[@rhondamorrill2429]

Great information! Where did you buy the little packable table cover (in the blue bag)? I’d love to get a couple to keep in our day trips. Thank you so much

[@buckonono7996]

Not on their list (I checked) and I want to put one of those handy things in each of the car gloveboxes too.

[@Dlward_16]

I would love to have a few of those as well.

[@debbiemarks6086]

Beautiful pictures

[@sdearing6375]

I travel with a collapsible water kettle to boil water. It packs up quite small and has been very useful.

[@trailgrazers3690]

That sounds wonderful. I will look for one

[@stephaniephouotrides2435]

I usually keep a tub of protein powder and a few jugs of water in my trunk for situations such as these. Your hotel sounded like a nightmare. Glad you made it back safely

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@joycelindenfelser8167]

I always take with a small electric throw to put on the bed to heat it up, I hate being cold. Live in Minn.

[@trailgrazers3690]

I'm with you on being cold! I hate it as well.

[@lawolfe2707]

Wow, I can't believe the place you stayed at would not let you in your room early, you were the only ones there so what difference would it have made. Just not a very hospitable thing to do. You would have thought they would have appreciated the business. But besides that you made a very good video with good points to learn. Love learning from you and Jim.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you.

[@KatMa664]

If I were traveling in the snow, I would think of the worst case scenario. If my truck were to break down or I were to crash off the road in the snow and maybe not be seen for days I would want to be prepared. So I would have extra thermal blankets that you can use without electricity. I would also have snow boots that are lined even if you’re not gonna wear them on your regular trip, I would have them in the back of the truck. I would have a heavy duty coat and gloves and headgear just in case you need those things. I would have a way to be able to use the bathroom even if it means inside the truck bring me a little portable bucket or something. I know that all sounds crazy. But I personally know several people that died in the frozen snow. A very sweet couple that I knew in North Carolina apparently broke down on the side of the road or off the road. I really don’t remember the story. I’m an older woman now, but it happened when I was very young. The husband went for Help. Probably not a good idea. They found him frozen in the snow and her frozen in her car in the snow. They were not prepared. And it’s a terrifying thought. So I would want to make sure that I could literally survive in the below. Zero temperatures for several days until Help came. I might also wanna have a flare gun. With several flares. And maybe even away of making fire like a small little portable heat stove that doesn’t take a lot to keep it warm just enough to keep yourselves alive if you need to. And of course if you have your solar power sources perhaps an electric blanket. That’s just me I’m kind of paranoid.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great ideas! Thank you.

[@Olga_ime]

Hi Rose, I love this video and learned so much. I have a few suggestions for things I now make part of my planning for road trips. When looking through hotel reviews on google I click on the sort feature and change it to “Newest” so that we can read reviews in chronological order from newest to oldest. There are times in which a hotel may have great reviews but they could be 5 years old and now be under new management therefore I like to see what people have shared that is most current. As for traveling, yes I absolutely love packing a suitcase and roll all my clothes for better organization. I never take my clothes out of the suitcase no matter how long we are staying somewhere, it makes it easy to keep all in one place and quickly pack to go if you need to leave in a hurry. I also started bringing confortable clothes to wear during days we may be lounging or don’t need to dress up and I sleep in those clothes to save time of changing in the morning from pajamas and extend our laundry days. One new thing we are doing is traveling with a power bank (we have a Montrek and I know you guys have a Bluetti) and we carry an electrical hot pot to boils water or cook, a single burner portable electric induction cooktop (this is my new favorite), one induction frying pan and 4qt pot with lid. Not sure if you have tried induction cooking but if you haven’t would love to hear your thoughts on it with your scientific feedback. We also carry an emergency first aid kit, paper towels, toilet paper, rainproof/windproof thin layer coat with a hoodie that folds into as small as a hand size, warm hat and gloves, microfiber towels, latex gloves, headlamps; external phone battery pack, insect repellent sprays, and Clorox wipes. Thanks for all your awesome suggestions! 😊

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great tips! Thanks so much.

[@ChieftuckabuckawaysWife]

Oh, fooey! I am so sorry you two had that 'Bates Motel' sense experience. I remember you mentioning you thought you were the only patrons. Dang, that your excursion turned out to be not what it could have been. You two deserve 5 star adventures all the time. Your preparedness is outstanding. I love it that you have implemented corrective action to areas whereby you felt necessary. That 5-gallon jug is brilliant! We used them for team games during the children's 'sport' of the season (mostly outdoors). It's heavy, yet brilliant! You've already trained us to have emergency food supplies in our vehicles at all times. Thank you for taking us along for the beautiful scenery! Chief Tuckabuckaway and I might venture a "Utah month" to visit the areas you have already shown us along with other beautiful sights. I really do believe that Utah holds FOREVER. The majestic beauty gives me that sense, and it's been through the videos you've provided. 💜💜💜💜💜

[@kathysullivan7623]

Oh my, you made me laugh! Took me a minute to figure out the meaning of Chief Tuckabuckaway, but then it hit me. LOL

[@BiteMe-lz8th]

Thank you so much for this video!! What an eye opener for me! Lots of great information that I did not think about! Keep the videos coming, they are so helpful. Thank you, Pam & Jim!❤

[@trailgrazers3690]

You are very welcome. So glad it was useful info for you.

[@robingirven4570]

Wonderful info! We’re not traveling yet but soon. Thank you for all you do.

[@trailgrazers3690]

You are very welcome.

[@JohnSmith-gg7qh]

Just an idea... you could take a setting for 8 of cheap plastics. Use as needed, take home & wash & reuse. No more wasted disposables. Just an idea.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thank you--great idea.

[@TheLittleHomestead1]

This was so helpful Pam, thank you. I look forward to future videos !

[@trailgrazers3690]

You are so welcome!

[@janhyslop2915]

A suggestion is to be sure to secure that 5 gallon water container in your vehicle! That particular kind of container is top heavy and will dump all over if not tied in place. Learned that the hard way with the back of my SUV awash in 5 gallons of iced tea. 😊

[@trailgrazers3690]

Yes, thank you. It wedges perfectly between the two back seats. Yikes--sorry that happened to you.

[@waymanbell]

You are very lucky to have escaped from that Motel, most people never return from The Twilight Zone!

[@correenvanrooyen4920]

😂😂😂

[@rosemarybutt2608]

😄

[@landedeagle69]

Hotel California

[@danniemcdonald7675]

I don't remember if you said before, but fid the motel say there were appliances in the room? If so, I would argue the charges on my cc bill. That's false advertising at its worst. Especially closing the grill. I can see *possibly problems with kitchen staff getting to work due to westher. But they should have deducted some off of your bill. But it seems that y'all made the best of a bad situation. And now you know why there were no other guests. Don't be surprised when, next year, they have closed.

[@trailgrazers3690]

They have been around for over 100 years and are the only hotel for miles in both directions. I have always wanted to stay there, but once and done for us!!!

[@elzipperooo]

If they knew you had arrived at 2:15. You'd thing they would have cared enough to turn on the heat. It would have been alot nicer at 3:00. They should just close down for the winter.

[@caroleanne8529]

I'm thinking they were closed for the winter, but forgot to inform Expedia. So they had to open to honor reservation for one room for one night to keep from loosing their Expedia contract.

[@trailgrazers3690]

They were definitely open. When I talked to the desk person she admitted this was their "slow season"!

[@TundeSiska]

Hi Pam and Jim. Just a small suggestion if I may, you might would like to take pan and paper in case you stuck somewhere and need to make notes, and some books to read and some games to play to pass time. It really helps when you can't continue your trip for some reason and can't use your computer and phone. I leave in Australia and over here are lots of areas where there no phone reception or internet at all. We call it "black spots". Some people over here get few flat tires on their trip, with no spares left and they also at a black spot. They have to wait for someone to drive by and help them out. And little things like that will help to pass the time. I really love your videos. I don't miss any since I discovered it about 2 years ago. Both you and Jim do a wonderful job passing on your honest information and experiences. Thanks you so much for the hard work you both put in to teach and help us.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Great ideas. Thank you.

[@ediemurray1692]

Ty

[@AlohaPrepper]

My goodness! I love that you were able to make the best of a bad situation! I have found that it works out better for me to have a power strip and a separate extension cord that is available if I need it but doesn't make the power strip so unruly when I don't. I am also gradually changing things out for rechargeable USB powered options. The downside to that is needing to tend to the batteries when they're not being regularly used and if traveling by air, anything with a non-removable battery must go into my carry on bag. I just don't think it's possible to have too many USB power banks and am glad to report that newer options do include AC ports these days. I got rid of the big 5 gallon water cooler and opted instead for a few smaller ones that can be tucked away in smaller spaces and keep at least one in my vehicles at all times.

[@trailgrazers3690]

The big one is primarily for emergencies. We have other water for immediate use.

[@gardengrowinmawmaw8642]

Put water in gallon jugs. That orange container weighs 40 pounds plus!! That is way too heavy to be lugging around.

[@trailgrazers3690]

It stays in the vehicle once it is strapped in and we just fill smaller containers from there.

[@jrae6608]

Workers could not get in due to weather ? Was this their off season. Off season can be a challenge, usually Shelton only. I hate going thru 3 rd parties for hotels. Glad turned out okay. Great suggestions.

[@trailgrazers3690]

Thanks. It was once and done for us at that hotel. But I have always wanted to stay there--for decades--so it was worth it for that reason.

[@DDiamondRRuby]

Guess you won't stay at that motel again. Did they give you towels amd toilet paper at least? I would give them.a bad review on Expedia.

[@kellygarnet6329]

Wow it never occurred to me a hotel/motel wouldn't have t.p. Guess that's another item to add to the list. You never know if you're going to have to stay at a 1 star place like Pam and Jim did.

[@buckonono7996]

@@kellygarnet6329 Your 1 star rating assumption doesn't hold. We had an even worse experience at a place with great reviews and three stars. It wasn't a chain and I think they either deleted all their bad reviews or had friends and family post a bunch of bogus ones. There was a line of angry customers demanding refunds at the office and they refused. Anyone who paid cash was out of luck. If I have to find a place last minute I ask to see the room BEFORE I pay for it. I never thought I would have to do that! Luckily most of my lodging needs are something I do in advance and can usually stay at a chain. No guarantee of it being great, but at least I can complain to corporate and leave a national review.

[@DDiamondRRuby]

​@@kellygarnet6329One star? Why would anyone reserve a room at a one star motel?

[@firequeen2194]

Love these tips. I actually love winter camping because there are no people, lol. I have a camper van so I always carry everything I need with me. The biggest challenge is keeping water from freezing when I’m not in the van. I never leave any of the heat sources on unattended. Any suggestions? 🙏

[@trailgrazers3690]

Our water jug is insulated so we have not had the water inside freeze yet. But the longest we are out of the vehicle is only about 8 hours overnight.

[@Pygar2]

Have you ever tried a Barocook setup?

[@trailgrazers3690]

I will be checking that out!

[@patriciathomas5123]

What about a satellite phone?

[@caroleanne8529]

A satellite phone was exactly what I was thinking. Many people can't afford one, but I sure hope Pam and Jim have one that they don't talk about, since they are going to remote places in the dead of winter.

[@trailgrazers3690]

We have not considered that but it is a good idea for us to look into that.

[@debbiemarks6086]

😢

[@KHX274]

Terrible motel! Sorry your experience was so poor.