Presidents day 2026: your escape plan from NYC without traffic or hidden fees
Presidents Day weekend (February 16–17, 2026) is the perfect excuse to leave the city and make the most of a short holiday. But without planning, it can quickly turn into a logistical nightmare — long bus lines, crowded airports, and hidden fees at rental desks.
Drivo has put together a practical guide with destination ideas and tips to help you prepare, so your Presidents Day getaway is smooth, stress-free, and actually fun.
How to prepare
Winter roads in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut can be tricky, with wet snow and ice on bridges. Economy-class rentals often come with worn-out all-season tires — not ideal for safe winter travel.
Here’s how Drivo makes sure your ride is ready:
- Winter tread: All cars have tires with at least 5mm of tread depth.
- Winter package: Heated seats, heated mirrors, and remote start come standard in Fullsize and SUV classes. Step into a warm car, not an ice box.
- Maintenance check: We personally inspect antifreeze levels and tire pressure before every pickup.
For groups of 4–5 people with luggage or skis, an Economy sedan will be cramped. Drivo recommends vehicles like the Chevrolet Traverse or Chrysler Pacifica to keep bags in the trunk, not on your lap.
Where to start your trip
All Drivo offices are convenient, but starting your Presidents Day getaway from Brooklyn is often the fastest option.
You save time compared to picking up a car at JFK, LGA, or even in Manhattan: fewer lines, no airport shuttles, and a quicker exit onto the road.
Where to go?
Here are a few great destinations with tips on traffic and parking for Presidents Day weekend:
- Philadelphia (The Quick Hit): Perfect for a 48-hour getaway. Parking at Reading Terminal Market costs $18/day with validation instead of $40. Beat the rush by leaving Brooklyn Monday before 2 p.m.
- Washington, D.C. (The Power Move): Take toll roads to bypass Baltimore if there’s traffic — saves up to 40 minutes. Near the Capitol, parking can cost $42/day; Union Station garage is $25 with a quick Metro ride to downtown.
- Annapolis & Alexandria (The Hidden Gem): Avoid crowds with waterfront charm and easy parking.
Why choose Drivo?
Germ-Free Interiors:
After the pandemic, many rental companies scaled back cleaning to a quick wipe. Drivo goes further:
- Disinfection of all high-touch surfaces (steering wheel, handles, screens)
- Ventilation system cleaning
- Cabin air filter replacement every three rentals
- Strict odor control (no leftover tobacco or food smells)
- Sanitization before every pickup is standard, not optional.
21+ Rentals: Sedans Without Young Driver Fees
Many U.S. rental companies charge hidden age surcharges for younger drivers. Drivo does things differently:
- Economy and Fullsize categories (like the Nissan Altima) are available from age 21.
- Total cost is visible at booking — no $100 surprises at the counter.
- You’re not limited to subcompacts — pick a comfortable sedan for longer trips.
Your weekend plan is ready. Let's go?
Presidents day 2026 is a test of your organization. Choosing the right car class and leaving during the 04:15–05:00 a.m. window determines whether you spend your weekend in a museum or stuck in highway traffic.
By early February, 90% of the Drivo fleet is usually booked. Pick your car today to lock in the price and stay independent of bus schedules.
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