The warm weather is here and summer is a great time of the year to hit the road and do some sightseeing. If you're eager to do it, but just don't know WHERE to travel, we're here to help, because it turns out you should stay right here in the Empire State.

WalletHub just published 2018's Best & Worst States for Summer Road Trips. Despite some high scores, New York ranks 8th overall, with top ten finishes in some areas. And Central New York certainly deserves some credit for helping the whole state achieve its great rating.

Using 31 different metrics, the study measured three main categories (Costs, Safety and Activities) across the 50 states. New York ranked a lowly 49th in Costs, which in part was comprised of prices for camping, luxury hotels, and other lodging. But the good new here: since we LIVE in New York, we could defray SOME of THOSE costs by just taking day trips.

New York aced the other two main categories, ranking 4th in Safety (quality of roads and bridges, car fatalities, etc.) and 3rd in Activities, which factored in summer weather conditions, and access to scenic byways and historical sites.

Maine (16th) was the only other northeastern state in the top 20 overall and Wyoming was #1. Connecticut and Rhode Island finished 49th and last, respectively.

Now, we just need to plot a course for our summer road trip through New York. Your suggestions are welcome.

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