Drive with a green foot, not a lead foot (Part II)

With your new, optimized travel route (thanks to the trip planning tips from HospitalityGreen's last week’s post), you are now ready to hit the road. Reducing the number of miles driven certainly reduces fuel consumption, but this week we will provide some helpful hints to save gas while driving.

Here is an interesting misconception. While it is better for mileage to keep the windows down for cool air while driving through town, once you get on the highway (or any road over 45mph) it is actually more fuel efficient to close the windows- to reduce drag- and have the A/C on low.

In addition, traveling between 50-60mph will provide optimal mileage for most vehicles; anything over that will burn fuel more quickly. Keeping a steady pace (hint: cruise control will help with this) instead of rapid acceleration or deceleration will also leave more gas in the tank.

Once you reach your destination, avoid idling the car for more time then you would spend at a traffic light. For any amount of time longer than that, it would use less gas to turn off and restart the car.

Hopefully, these tips will help put you in the driver’s seat of your fuel consumption (pun intended). Next week’s blog will cover green maintenance for your vehicle. In the mean time, check out these awesome Catskill staycation destinations:

Like the outdoors? Try Pepacton Cabins. Located along the East Branch of the Delaware in the Catskill Forest Preserve, this property offers a wide-variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, bird watching, hunting, snowmobiling, and options for every season.

The spa more your style? Visit Copperhood Inn and Spa in Shandaken, NY. With tons of specialized treatments and programs, it is easy for anyone to feel pampered and at ease. Don’t forget your hiking boots if you would also like to enjoy the natural splendor that surrounds the spa.

Drive with a green foot, not a lead foot

Excited about a staycation in the Catskills, but apprehensive of high gas prices? While purchasing an electric or hybrid car may be an option, there are certainly cheaper ways to save gas (and money!) during your local travels.

Before even getting into the car, think about the day’s various destinations. Are any of the stops within reasonable walking/biking distance? Can you stop at the market on the way home from Suzie’s soccer practice instead of making an extra trip during your lunch break? Or perhaps there is a more logical way to arrange your errands. Using Google Maps will ensure you choose the shortest route as well as avoid any unnecessary backtracking. Any shortened or eliminated trips add up to significant gas savings, which you can use towards a well-deserved weekend getaway.

So ease up on the gas and get the staycation fund started! The Catskills are awaiting your visit.

Looking for an exciting weekend getaway ? Try the Stone House Bed & Breakfast. Nestled in the mountainous Ulster County, this notable property is the oldest building in New York State that is open for overnight stays to the public. Be sure to ask innkeepers Sam and Nadia for a tour of the property’s remarkable architectural and historic highlights.

Looking to hit the green on your local vacation? Check out Christman’s Windham House in Greene County, New York. In addition to a restful night’s sleep at the House, the property’s two spectacular golf courses bring out the true splendor of the Catskills. We recommend the 18-hole Mountain Course for its spectacular views and over 7,150 yards of play.

Stay tuned to our next post from HospitalityGreen for tips on driving with a green foot while on the road.