My husband is starting a new job in Vancouver, BC on January 1 and he'll be moving out from south-central Indiana sometime in December (I'll join the next summer, with most of our household items). He could fly, but if I drive him out it will allow him to take more of his things. The most direct route seems to be I-74 through Illinois to I-80 across Iowa, then up I-29 to I-90, then all the way across the plains and mountains to I-5 near Seattle (and then north a bit to Vancouver). However, this doesn't seem the smartest route for winter travel. Any other suggestions for a route that wouldn't be insanely out of the way (like going down to I-10 would be) but safer that time of year? Would I need to get and learn how to use chains? I'm comfortable with mountain driving (I've spend summers out west) and winter driving (lived in Minnesota) but never have done winter mountain driving. Thanks for any advice.