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[C.Ann]

Okay then..

 

[NeverlandClub23]

When I used to live in Cincinnati I made the trip from there to VA a couple of times (one of the times moving my stuff home by myself) which is about 11 hours and was always in the middle of the night. It's not fun driving by yourself (except for the peace and quiet and time to think about everything you've ever wanted to!) but I made sure only to stop once for gas and to do so at a nice, well-lit gas station. I had a 2002 Jeep Wrangler that I used for awhile and then traded it in for a 2005 Mercury Mariner. They were both reliable but the trip in the Mariner was sooooo much more comfortable. I also drive to NC (about 4 hours) every weekend by myself. That isn't bad either. I do sometimes wonder what I would do if I got a flat tire in the middle of the night. I know how to change it but I don't know if I should, being a young woman and alone. Just be aware of your surroundings and protect yourself as much as you can.

 

[ElizaB39]

When I was 23 I drove from NOrthern MN to Memphis TN, about 1000 miles, and I did it over a period of 3-4 days. Just me and my little red Chevy Cavalier.

2 years later I drove about 700? miles from Memphis TN to Springfield VA in two days, towing a small Uhaul behind that same Chevy cavalier, never going over 45 MPH.

Currently, I am 42 and I never drive, DH does! But I would!

My 71 year old mother routinely drives from Northern MN to the Twin Cities, down to Rochester and back North again over a period of 5 days, I think it is 700 miles round trip.

You CAN do it! I KNOW you can!

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I routinely drive from NJ to FL alone, for my Disney trips. I guess I done the drive about 16 times or so. Up until January, I was doing the trips in an older Honda Accord - the last time I took it, it had 195,000 miles on it and was 11 and a half years old! But I knew it was running fine at that time, and had no problems. I do have a newer car now.

When I first started doing these long distance trips alone, some people I know thought I was nuts. But I realized I would never go anywhere or do anything if I didn't just do it myself! Can't just wait around for others to join you, I would still be sitting around waiting and waiting! But I-95 is fairly easy to drive, and I also look for hotels with interior corridors, and I am willing to pay for a good brand hotel, too (like Hampton or Fairfield).

Like another said, I love being alone in the car, listening to my music, and hit the open road!

 

[merryg]

Aiken SC to Vallejo, CA---about 2800 miles. Amazing the things you will do when the man you love is so far away.

merryg

 

[Sherrypooh]

I drove from Groton, CT to Leesburg VA to orlando and then orlando back to groton ct just me on the trip down and two teenagers and me on the way back. It was prolly 24 hours home and we took our time. It was not bad... and I was the only driver. I did I95 the entire way... except in florida. Not a fun trip, but doable.

Hope it helps.

sherry

 

[threeboysmom]

Carol, we're in this together!! I'm driving alone (well, actually with 2 kids) but for me that seems even scarier... I'll be heading from NH to Orlando the beginning of December. To say I am scared is an understatement! LOL! Honestly, I've never driven more than 2 hours without having someone else take over the wheel. I just can't do it...I really hate to drive!! So this trip ought to be quite interesting... (BUT I'm going to WDW - just have to keep telling myself that along the way)

What I'm most scared of besides the incredibly long distance is getting lost. If I get lost, I am *toast* - I have no sense of direction WHATSOEVER. I plan on staying on Rte. 95 as much as I can. And I plan on spending one night at a hotel maybe in VA or NC, but maybe I should switch that to two nights...

I do have a book that lists every gas station and every eating place and every hotel located along Rte. 95. Hopefully, that will help me. You might want to look into that if you haven't already.

Sounds like you picked your hotel/s ahead of time? I guess I have some research to do. We should compare notes...

 

[mecllap]

Sure you can do it!! Now I can't remember if your list included having a cell phone and car charger (or a tracfone) -- also remember your phone numbers for family, friends. You can have just as many problems driving around home as on a trip. You can have your auto club (AAA?) make a map for you of the fastest route, but why not consider making a vacation trip out of the drive? Head for some historical or scenic spots and see some of the country while you're on your way (sounds like you can make your own schedule).
I've done tons of driving alone, and had a couple of flat tires, etc. over the years -- but it's all worked out fine.
There are lots of motion sickness prevention options now, if you want to give more thought to going by train.
If you're an extra cautious driver, you might be better off taking interesting, older highways, instead of freeways (if you're pokey, try to stay in righthand lane as much as you can).
Driving alone, on your own schedule, can be a really fun experience.

 

[chyam]

I have driven to Wisconsin from Florida several times, and I too am not a good night driver, I usually got started early in the morning and if I happened upon a large city during the rush hours I would simply pull over and have my breakfast, lunch or dinner and give the road a little time to thin out. It also gave me a good break that way, I carried a few snacks but wanted to make sure I gave my eyes a break by eating my meals in restaurants. I also was off the road by at least 7pm to get a good rest and sleep. I figure if I have to pay for a room I may as well enjoy it a little also! You will be fine.........we women are a stronger lot then many give us credit for! I happen to like the LaQuinta hotels for a moderately priced chain.

 

[claudia]

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My stepdaughter has suggested that I not bother with the bypasses around Baltimore, DC, and Richmond - but rather stay right on I95 the entire way so I don't take a wrong turn.. Any thoughts on that?

I think that is good advice...especially since you are a little nervous about this.

 

[DVCLiz]

I drive from NC to Orlando whenever I take a solo Disney trip and don't feel like flying.

C. Ann, it's not a bad trip at all. I thought I95 would be terrifying, too, but it's mostly just a regular two lanes in each direction interstate just like the ones around your state. The only part I prefer to do in daylight is around Jacksonville. I have never taken that bypass, but I might next time - Jax has bridges and quick lane changes. It's fine as long as you're not in rush hour traffic, but that's a bypass I might take. Otherwise, I believe I'd stay on 95 through the other cities.

Have a safe and fun trip!!!

Oh, DON't stay at SOTB - the previous poster was right - it's a dump, and a scary dump at that.

 

[C.Ann]

...........

 

[BeNJeNWaFFLe]

You can do it!

My mom used to drive from LI to Tampa Bay every year, twice a year for close to 10 years with just me and my brother along for the ride. She started doing it when we were young, maybe 4 & 6. She would probably have rather driven alone!

I do suggest staying on I95 as much as possible. There are signs all along the way saying what hotels, gas stations, and restaurants are at each exit. We used to stay at the Hampton Inn in Florence, SC and in Roanoke Rapids, NC and never had a problem with either. I will give a word of warning. Now I haven't taken that drive in 6 years but I remember that the rest stops would close at night, I think about 8pm. So you might just want to keep that in mind.

I took a 700 mile trip from LI to Michigan when I was 19. I had 3 friends along, me being the only driver. On the way home they fell asleep so I was basically alone. Don't be stupid like me. Stop often to rest your eyes. Also drive during the daytime. I was stupid then and have now learned my lesson.

 

[nuke]

Aiken SC to Vallejo, CA---about 2800 miles. Amazing the things you will do when the man you love is so far away.

merryg

Ain't that the truth!

I drove from Chicago to San Deigo, 2073 miles.

 

[mamajoan]

After my mom died, I drove a UHaul truck from Illinois to California in 1994.
Since then I have driven with the kids from CA-IL-CA twice. No problems.

Altho in 1994, the UHaul broke down in North Platte, Nebraska... frustrating but it got fixed. I enjoyed my trip alone. It gave me lots of time to cry, talk to my mom who was gone, sing with the radio, eat junk food and enjoy the scenes of the US.

My best trips for traveling long distance alone.

Cell phone with earphones

Medicine and perscription refills in the car with you at all times.

Your favorite CD's

Your absolute favorite junk food.

Talk to strangers.. yes enjoy their company when you stop... Laugh alot.

Get out of the car to eat meals... Eat at least one good meal a day at a restaurant.

 

[froglady]

Sounds like you've got a safe trip planned. You're driving during the day, and will stop at sunset. That also makes it easier to get a hotel room; I drove from DC to JAX and left DC at 9PM. I was still able to find a room at 11PM.

I also like the Hampton Inns...internal corridors, and usually a nice breakfast.

I find that books on tape (or CDS) are a nice break from music. I remember listening to Runaway Jury on a trip from NC (8 hours driving) and also Story of Pi (PA to JAX) Comedy CDs are also fun.

I ended up stopping about every 2-3 hours, as my legs/back would get tired. One stop would be at a rest area, the next for food and gas.

And I agree with the JAX bypass...I HAVE to drive 95 in rush hour, and any other time, but would take 295 if it weren't so out of the way. BUT, it can be just as bad in rush hour! There always seems to be a tie-up on the Buckman Bridge.

If you come through on 95 late in the afternoon, DO NOT stay at any motels except those on JT BUTLER until you get south of the city. Heck, give me a call and stay with me.

 

[LindaG4458]

C.Ann, you can do it!

We (dh, dog, and me) are getting ready to drive to Vero Beach the beginning of October. I would agree, stick to 95 and don't take the bypasses around the cities. The only place I might differ from that advice is the DC beltway which is 95 to the east. If there are construction delays we take the beltway to the west instead until it rejoins 95 south. I've been driving through both Baltimore and Jacksonville and it is not that bad. DH gets nervous riding with me but it doesn't bother me to drive there.

We do the trip from northern NH in three days, staying at exit 5 on the NJ turnpike and exit 20 or 22 in Lumberton, NC. It would be nice to go further south for the second night but we always seem to get tired and want to stop when we get to Lumberton, so now we plan on it.

 

[C.Ann]

...

 

[LindaG4458]

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What is "JT Butler"? Would I be better off going over to the coast and down that way rather than through Jacksonville?

JT Butler is an exit south of Jacksonville. There are several hotels there at the exit. We stayed at the Best Western after one of the hurricanes hit Vero two years ago (they had electricity and air conditioning and we didn't). It had indoor corridors and we'd stay there again.

 

[C.Ann]

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