Driving Trips in New York
When people are asked where in the world they would most like to visit, one place that always tops the polls is New York. The bright lights, cosmopolitan culture and sheer energy of the city have been attracting visitors from all over the globe for years and with so much to see and do for all ages, both in the city itself and in the surrounding areas, New York remains one of the most exciting destinations for tourists. New York enjoys a prime location: with so many diverse attractions within just a few hours` drive of the city it makes a great base from which to explore this colourful corner of the USA.
The great American road trip has gained legendary status amongst travelers of all hues but for most of us, spending several months on the road is not a practical option. However, the thrill of hitting the road and exploring the culture, scenery and history of this unique country is entirely possible with just a few short trips. New York is ideally located for excursions into the surrounding area and the highway networks are modern and well-signposted so even tourists can easily find their way around.
For those interested in history, an worthwhile driving trip from New York would take in Philadelphia, 100 miles to the south. One of the USA's oldest cities, Philadelphia was the country's original capital and the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence. A trip to `Philly` could also incorporate Gettysburg, the site of one of the most significant battles of the Civil War. Further south again but still possible to drive to from New York is the nation's capital, Washington DC, 250 miles from New York City. Home to the White House, the Capitol Building and many famous monuments, the city has a lot to offer visitors. A number of the country's finest museums are located in Washington and the downtown area is relatively compact, making it easy to fit lots into a short visit.
To ensure everything goes smoothly, a couple of tips for driving in the US are worth bearing in mind. Firstly, drive on the right, wear seatbelts and obey speed limits. Most visitors will not require an international drivers` license; your home license is generally fine. Drivers are required to carry their license at all times and be able to present it to the authorities if asked. Some rental companies have a minimum age registration, often 25, so young drivers should check in advance. The options for rental cars are plentiful, with everything from compact economy models to convertible sports cars on offer. Think about how many people will be travelling and how long you intend to spend driving in order to select the right model for your needs.
Rental cars can be collected from many locations in downtown Manhattan or from the three international airports. Due to the large number of visitors and the abundance of rental companies, the market is extremely competitive and it is possible to find some fantastic deals if you shop around. With cheap car hire New York so easy to organise, there is really no excuse for not hitting the road and really getting to know this beautiful and stylish location.