How to Pack Your Car for a Trip
This is my plane luggage for my move to New Zealand. Not much because one is only allowed one suitcase instead of two since November 2009. As my carry-on is also a suitcase, that’s all I can carry anyway with 7-10 minutes for changing trains before boarding the plane.
A road trip sounds like so much fun until you remember the hassle that comes with packing your car. Fortunately, there are ways you can make the process a bit less painful. Check out these smart strategies for loading your car.
Big Items on the Bottom
Large suitcases and any other large items get first dibs on space in the trunk or cargo area. These often are the most challenging items because they take up so much space. By positioning them first, you’re ensuring they get the space they need.
Put a Small Overnight Bag in a Convenient Spot
If your road trip involves a night or two in a hotel on the way to your final destination, pack a small tote or suitcase with only the necessities: personal care items, pajamas, and one or two changes of clothes. Put this bag in an easily accessible spot such as the outer edge of the trunk. This prevents you from having to dig out a big suitcase for a one-night stay.
Keep Snacks and Drinks Handy
A soft-sided cooler is better than a bulky, hard-sided one for holding drinks. You want a container you can cram in between two passengers in the back seat or in the floorboard. When you pack snacks, put them in a soft-sided bag that you can keep within arm’s reach.
Don’t forget to pack an emergency kit. Medications, bandages, and any other first aid items need to go in a bag under the front passenger’s seat, inside a side pouch, or in the glove box.
Image via Flickr by 4nitsirk
![[Facebook]](https://www.destinationnissan.com/blogs/1121/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/facebook.png)
![[LinkedIn]](https://www.destinationnissan.com/blogs/1121/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/linkedin.png)
![[Twitter]](https://www.destinationnissan.com/blogs/1121/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/twitter.png)
![[Yahoo!]](https://www.destinationnissan.com/blogs/1121/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/yahoo.png)
![[Email]](https://www.destinationnissan.com/blogs/1121/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/email.png)
Essential Car Care Before a Road Trip
Before you head out of town for an epic road trip, make sure your car is ready to handle the strain of traveling so many miles. Here’s a list of essential car care tasks you need to accomplish to prepare your vehicle for its next big adventure.
Check the Oil
If it’s almost time to change the oil based on the interval specified in your car’s manual, go ahead and have it changed. Fresh oil helps your car’s engine to run more efficiently. Even though you can do it yourself, an oil change is a quick and affordable job your dealership can do for you. It’s worth avoiding the hassle and mess of doing at home right before your vacation.
Evaluate Your Tires
Check the treads and tread walls for signs of wear. When tires show signs of excessive wear, they’re too old to take you on a long road trip. Have your dealership replace tires that are at risk for a blow-out. If a visual inspection shows your tires are in good shape, check the pressure with an at-home gauge. If they’re low, head to your nearest filling station where you can inflate them yourself.
Get a Professional’s Opinion
Schedule time for your dealership to give your car an inspection. The mechanics can check for loose hoses, top off fluids, inspect your air conditioning, and make sure your timing belt is in good shape.
By taking these steps before you hit the road, you’re decreasing the chances that you’ll have a major car problem while you’re away from home.
Image via Flickr by badheartbull
3 Smart Apps for Your Road Trip
When you’re planning your next road trip, don’t forget to load up your phone with the best apps. Having access to a wide range of travel-related information will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Keep reading for a list of the three best apps to take along when you go road tripping.
1. Watch for Traffic Delays With Waze
Waze is an app for anyone who gets frustrated whenever traffic unexpectedly slows down or stops. Hands down one of the most handy apps for car trips, Waze provides updates on traffic conditions from actual users. That means drivers close to an accident report to Waze what they see, allowing drivers farther behind to decide whether they want to wait it out or exit off the highway and find a detour. Because it’s integrated with Google Maps, Waze also provides that data to alert you to road problems along your route.
2. Get Help From Yelp
When you want to know the best restaurant, walk-in clinic, or dealership in your location, Yelp has the answer. Like Waze, Yelp relies primarily on user-generated content. The app uses reviews from patrons to rank businesses across many categories. So if you pull off the road and want a great hamburger, Yelp can help.
3. Channel Surf With Tune In
The Tune In app gives you access to more than 100,000 radio stations across the U.S. With so many stations playing all kinds of music and news programming, you’re sure to find something to enjoy while you’re traveling.
All three of these apps are free to download.
Image via Flickr by ReneS
Rumors of a Nissan Juke or Rogue EV Coming Soon
After the release of the popular Nissan LEAF in North America in 2010, the public has been anxiously waiting for an electric version of the Juke or Rogue. It’s no secret that SUVs and mid-sized vehicles are among the preferred modes of transportation in the United States. Which is why the brand is looking to appease these customers while keeping efficiency as a top priority.
While a refreshed version of the LEAF is expected sometime between 2017 and 2018, there has been no official release time for either the Juke or Rogue, it is noteworthy that the Juke is now over 7-years-old and due for a refresh. In the meantime, stay up to date on the Nissan LEAF, Juke, Rogue and all the newest models on the Destination Nissan website! We release new vehicle specials every month and Research and Review pages to give our Albany, Schenectady, Latham, Saratoga and Clifton Park, NY customers a much information on these models as possible.
“Electric Nissan Juke Or Rogue SUV On The Way?” CleanTechnica. N.p., 25 June 2016. Web. 06 July 2016.
Happy Fourth of July from Destination Nissan!
The 4th of July is a time to celebrate our freedom with friends and family. Be sure to take a moment to thank those who have served our country and to have plenty of fun this weekend!
Nissan Maxima Has Your Back
Blind Spots can be quite dangerous for drivers since accidents happen constantly as a result of poor visibility for one or both drivers involved. Nissan set out to try and combat this ongoing issue with the development of their Blind Spot Warning System. This new system is one of the new technologies that is featured in the suite of Nissan Intelligent Safety Shield Technologies and it has been designed to help be that extra set of eyes that you need in those pesky blind spot zones. This system monitors the areas where visibility is most challenged and alerts you if there is a vehicle or other object in your way when you attempt to change lanes or merge.
In a new advertisement called “Camouflage” Nissan has demonstrated the impressive capabilities of this technology. This spot features a man traveling down the road in his Maxima joined by a variety of different vehicles that all seem to blend in perfectly with their surroundings. Even with all of the other vehicles being camouflaged he is still able to keep them in his sites until one enters his blind spot just as he goes to change lanes. Luckily, the Blind Spot Warning System steps him to alert him to the presence of the other vehicle and prevent a collision.
The Blind Spot Warning System is an available option on the new Nissan Maxima, Altima, and Sentra. Stop by Destination Nissan today and take a test drive in any one of these exciting vehicles.
What To Do While Your LEAF Charges
It’s rare that we get time to sit back, relax and wait in today’s instant everything, “need it done yesterday” and working 25/8 world. However, Nissan LEAF owners know that when driving an EV, they need to be charged. Non-EV-drivers tend to get curious about this and ask questions like, “How often do you need to charge it?” and “How long does it take to get to a full charge?”. What they ask less frequently is, “What do you do while it charges?”. Truth is, it’s nice to get some things done, or just relax while waiting for the battery to get to full power. Not sure how to pass the time? Try one or more of these options!
- Get your Workout In– A lot of EV charging stations are located near parks or other great areas for a walk or run. If it’s nice enough you could even bring a mat and do yoga.
- Try Something New– If there’s a restaurant you’ve never been to or an attraction by your EV station, check it out! The time will pass quickly and when you’re done, your LEAF will be ready to go.
- Work- This is the perfect get away to get a little extra done. Take advantage of being somewhat off the grid and get your work life organized. Answer e-mails, make plans or brainstorm new ideas.
- Shop– Get everything you need for dinner while you wait. Or, there’s probably a new outfit you need for that summer party that’s coming up!
- Read– With no distractions and limited noise, you’ll be able to get a few chapters in and then get on the road.
“10 Things I Do While Charging A Nissan LEAF.” CleanTechnica. N.p., 20 June 2016. Web. 30 June 2016.
2016 Nissan Murano Page Released
The 2016 Nissan Murano is now available here at Destination Nissan and ready to be taken out for a test drive by our customers from Albany, Schenectady, Latham, Saratoga, and Clifton Park, NY. For those of you who prefer to do a bit of research ahead of time, we have now released a new Research & Review page.
To learn more about the specifics of this new vehicle we invite you to check out this page which is filled with information on the four different trim levels including all of the standard and available features such as Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, LATCH System, Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition, LED Daytime Running Lights, Available Remote Engine Start System with Intelligent Climate Control, Available Fog Lights, Available Around View® Monitor, and Available Heated Rear Seats.
Learn even more facts about this vehicle including the capabilities of its 3.5L V6 Engine and Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) by reading the full page and then stop by to see this model in person.
Celebrate Dad This Weekend
We know that there’s no one like your Dad and that there’s nothing quite like being a father. Everyone at Destination Nissan would like to say ‘Thank You’ and Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads in the Albany, Schenectady, Latham, Saratoga and Clifton Park, NY areas!
Looking for a vehicle that can take on just about any road? The 2016 Nissan Rogue can handle harsh weather and rough terrain no problem! If you’d like to learn more about the Nissan Intuitive All-Wheel Drive, we’d be happy to show you here at Destination Nissan. Come in from Albany, Schenectady, Latham, Saratoga or Clifton Park, NY for a test drive and to learn about your lease and finance options.
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
- For Drivers Who Want Smart Cars, Not Status Symbols: The 2026 Nissan Sentra and LEAF Earn Top Honors
- Destination Nissan Monthly Offers: Exceptional Value on Nissan’s Most Popular Models
- Drivers Want Fewer Problems and More Confidence: Nissan Delivered Both in the 2025 J.D. Power IQS.
- Discover This Month’s Featured Nissan Offers at Destination Nissan
- Another Win for Child Safety: Nissan Pathfinder and Rogue Named by Cars.com
