3 Tips for a Stress-Free Road Trip

There’s nothing like a change of scenery to jump-start your travel spirit.  And because a road trip is just what many of us need right now, we’ve put together three best practices for staying healthy and getting the most enjoyment out of the open road for a stress-free road trip.

Central New York State is the perfect place to explore by car.  As you plan your next big adventure, consider booking an overnight stay with us at Grand Colonial Bed and Breakfast in Herkimer, New York.  We’re located less than 10 minutes from the world-famous Herkimer Diamond MinesCooperstown is just a short drive away and not to be missed, especially this time of year.  We recommend visiting our Activities Page for more suggestions on what to see and do while you’re here.

One of the biggest benefits of traveling by car is the ability to bring along your dog- because let’s be honest, our dogs are family, and we want to bring them along when we travel.  Finding dog-friendly accommodations and activities can be tricky, but we have some good news.  Grand Colonial Bed and Breakfast is pet-friendly!

Here are three tips for a stress-free road trip:

Plan Your Route:

Spontaneous travel with no itinerary might not end up as fun as it sounds.  You’ll save yourself a lot of grief by planning your route ahead of your trip, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Be sure to consider the states you might drive through and check for any travel advisories.  When it comes to road trip planning, we recommend visiting TripAdvisor for ideas and information on places to eat, see, and stay while you’re on the move.  You can stay in front of bad weather by using the road trip planner from Weather Underground.

Pack Lightly:

Without the limits of airplane overhead bins, it’s easy to get carried away when packing for a road trip.  We recommend leaving the things you don’t need at home.  Packing everything but the kitchen sink will likely end up becoming a burden and can attract unwanted attention to your vehicle.  Because you’ll have more flexibility, try using space savers like duffel bags and packing cube luggage organizers instead of bulky and rigid suitcases.  Don’t forget essentials like sunglasses, cell phone chargers, bottled water, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, disposable gloves, and plastic bags.

Be Rest Stop Savvy:

You will inevitably need to stop for food, gas, and restroom breaks, so remember that good hygiene is key to keeping yourself safe and well. Wear a mask in public spaces, wash your hands with soap and water, and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you can’t.  If you pump gas, it’s best to wear a pair of disposable gloves that can be safely discarded when you’re done.