Even the best-laid plans…

The next leg of my trip takes me to Port Orchard, Washington, approximately six hours from Newport, Oregon. The weather forecast has been grim, and as I set out on my trip, it turns grimmer. The Northwest has been hit by a harsh storm this weekend, complete with snow, freezing rain, and icy roads. Having lived in Southern California for the last ten years, functioning in snow hasn’t been high on my list of recent experiences. And have you noticed when driving in the snow, the snow plows always seem to be plowing the *other* side of the road?

As the sky slowly turned from dark gray to black, I decided to stop in Olympia for the night. The roads were getting worse, and I’d seen enough cars slide off the road to know it was time to call it a day. It’s times like these where I highly recommend having a GPS (that includes points of interests, such as hotels), a wireless handheld device (such as a BlackBerry or iPhone), or someone you can call to do a little research for you. And if all else fails, use the signs on the side of the road to tell you which exits have food, accommodations, etc., and pick one that seems to have a lot of options.

It’s also a good idea to always carry basic emergency supplies in your car, such as a blanket, flashlight, first aid kit, water, etc. You can pick up a small emergency roadside kit for fairly cheap at your neighborhood Wal-Mart or Target store (AAA makes a really good one for about $40). And speaking of AAA, having a roadside assistance membership with AAA, OnStar, or another company (many automobile manufacturers offer this service) will really put your mind at ease on any road trip, good weather or bad.

And finally, check out these winter driving tips from AAA to ensure safe and enjoyable travels!