Whether you choose to ask a professional, a friend or the internet about what to do on your road trip in New York, you probably should have a few expectations in mind before you ask for help with your research. Let’s face it, a real pro will figure out exactly what you want, when you want it, but what are the odds you’ll find that sort of magical mind-reader in the next few weeks? Learn more about how to get a better road trip without driving yourself (too) crazy.

Map It Out, Plan Ahead

The first thing you’ll need to start with is figuring out where exactly you want to go. Whether you’re headed north, south, east, or west, having a set destination in mind will be helpful. It doesn’t mean that detours and plans can’t change, it just means that you have a few fixed points that you’ll eventually need to hit. Before you set off in your car, you may want to make sure that you’re ready for the road too. Taking a New York DMV approved defensive driving course can help ensure that you stay safe and sane when you’re on the road. It may be time to refresh yourself on what to do when you’re encountered when it comes to maneuvering around heavy traffic without having a massive coronary from all the stress.

Fun, Food, and Friends

Road trips are going to be the most enjoyable when you keep these three F’s in mind. You don’t always have to spend a lot of money on a road trip to have a good time, and in fact, sometimes you don’t need to spend any money at all. The right NY road trip planner will look for landmarks and attractions that keep your budget in check while giving everyone in the car a new experience. Sometimes in our quest to make good time on the road, we miss all of the beauty that’s right in front of us. Pay attention to the details of each and every day, and you won’t be quite so exhausted by the time you hit your final destination.

Stock the Car

Sometimes comfort in the car comes from knowing you have all of the amenities you need at your fingertips. Luckily, these amenities are easy to procure regardless of where you start. From cold water to travel games, there are plenty of things that can make a 5-hour driving stint seem like only 4 hours! And of course, make sure that your car has been inspected and cleared to take a long trip. This is another reason why a defensive driving class may help your road trip go as smoothly as possible. Driving for a long time isn’t necessarily difficult to do, but it can be physically and emotionally taxing. A defensive driving course can make it easier to handle it all without buckling to kind of exertion.

Entertainment City

No matter where you’re going, you’re going to need plenty of entertainment in the car. Sometimes it’s just not possible to talk to your friends for a full 16-hours a day, which is where music, audio books and podcasts can come in to save the day. A good rule of thumb when it comes to a NY road trip is to over- rather than under-do it. Sometimes people vastly underestimate just how many different types of distractions they’ll need from the long stretch of open highway in front of them, and the result can make for an irritable and annoyed driver (or their passengers.)