After our recent trip to Iowa to visit family, we realized that traveling there in the winter might not be the best idea. It’s amazing how a five-hour drive north can feel like a completely different world! We left behind nearly 60-degree weather only to arrive at a bone-chilling 16 degrees. The first words out of my husband’s mouth were, “I should have brought a heavier coat!”

Our little Yorkie, Tosh, wasn’t thrilled either. She started shivering the moment we turned the car off. Thankfully, I had packed her quilt and sweater, which helped keep her warm. Even so, her potty breaks were short, and she stayed very close to the house. David usually takes her on evening “walkies and wee-wees,” but this time, Tosh wasted no time and darted back inside as soon as she finished her business. Lesson learned: traveling north is off the table between November and April!

After returning home, we immediately started brainstorming ways to escape a couple of weeks of winter. While we only experience a handful of truly frigid days—low teens at night and 20s during the day—it’s enough to make us crave some sunshine. This brought back memories of our first winter road trip to Arizona.

We had just bought a new car, and of course, that called for a road trip. The car’s new smell was something I loved, but David not so much. He found a solution with Drive Time® Truck Puck Car Fresheners. These little pucks are mess-free and effective. For this trip, we chose the Watermint scent, which combines vanilla, fresh mint, peppermint, and spearmint. It was the perfect refreshing fragrance for our journey.

Choosing the right scent for your car air freshener can make all the difference on a long road trip. Consider what complements your personality and enhances your driving experience. Do you prefer a calming aroma like lavender or vanilla for stress relief, or something invigorating like citrus or peppermint to keep you alert? The time of year can also influence your choice—fresh, floral scents are ideal for spring, while warm, spicy fragrances like cinnamon or amber feel cozy in winter. Don’t forget the preferences of other passengers, as everyone should enjoy the ambiance. Testing different scents can help you find one that transforms every drive into a pleasant experience.

Another factor to consider is how climate affects the longevity of car air fresheners. In general, air fresheners tend to last longer in colder climates because the heat can cause the scent to evaporate more quickly. If you’re traveling to a warm destination like Arizona, you might notice that your air freshener needs replacing sooner than it would in a colder environment. On the flip side, cold temperatures can slightly diminish the intensity of some fragrances. Choosing a high-quality product designed for your climate can ensure you enjoy a consistent and lasting scent throughout your travels.

Our destination was Apache Junction, Arizona, just outside Phoenix. My aunt and uncle, snowbirds from Iowa, had wintered there a few times and invited us to visit. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

Our route took us through the Texas Panhandle, with our first overnight stop in Amarillo. The next day, we continued to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Fun fact: we live just a quarter mile off old Route 66 in southwest Missouri, and the iconic highway runs right through Albuquerque. While we didn’t travel on Route 66 on this trip, it’s a bucket-list adventure for another time, spanning from Chicago to L.A. and ending at the Santa Monica Pier.

From Albuquerque, we headed to Flagstaff, arriving after dark. The next morning, we pulled back the drapes to discover the stunning San Francisco Peaks, glistening with snow. The tallest of the peaks, Humphreys Peak, stands at 12,633 feet and is truly breathtaking.

Our journey continued north to the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. We took the scenic 34-mile loop through Sunset Crater to the painted desert of Wupatki National Monument. The drive was stunning and a must-see if you’re in the area.

From there, we headed to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon via Highway 64. Touring the Grand Canyon Village was a highlight of the trip. It’s a fantastic way to delve into the canyon’s history and learn about its settlers. If you’re a history buff like me, the Village is a must-stop.

We returned to Flagstaff via a different route, taking Highway 180 south through the mountains. The drive was gorgeous, but by the time we arrived back in Flagstaff, we were ready for some food and relaxation. Old Route 66 popped up again, leading us to Mother Road Brewing Co. David found a beer he loved from their extensive selection, and I enjoyed a glass of their house-made kombucha. We both ordered the Blackened Catfish Tacos, which were delicious. If you’re in Flagstaff or traveling along Route 66, make sure to stop by Mother Road.

The next day, we set out for our final destination—but that’s a story for another time!

Retailers can purchase Drive Time® products from our Faire online market or directly from AERONDriveTime.com.

Lori Herr for Drive Time® Brand