Christmas is coming. Next week, millions of people around the world will celebrate the most important day in the Christian calendar. For most people, it is a time of gatherings with family and friends, others use their holiday off work to take a short vacation and recharge batteries to start the year with renewed energies. Many of you will be traveling by car to get home or to your chosen destinations, so we want to remind you of some basic tips to help you get there safely:

- Check your car’s condition before taking a long journey. Remember to check your tyres’ pressure and also check your tyres tread depth to make sure they will keep you safe under different weather conditions.

- Don’t overload your car, there is just so much it can take before getting unstable and unsafe on the road.

- Check the weather report and make sure you have all the emergency equipment you may need. Also, if your trip is long, take enough drinking water and snacks for everyone, but especially for children.

- Check the road reports and plan your journey so you don’t stay on the road too long. If possible, avoid routes that are expected to be clogged.

- Rest before driving, and plan stops if your trip is long. A rested driver will be more alert and an alert driver is a safe driver.

- Avoid distractions while you are driving.

- Don’t drink alcohol before you take the wheel.

- Keep within the speed limits.

Many HomeforHome users will be exchanging homes during the next weeks, so please be safe if you take the road and enjoy your swap. We would love to hear about your home exchange experience when you get back.