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[aprilgail2]

I drove from NY to Ohio (about 400 miles) by myself and with my 2 year old I drove from NY to Florida (24 hours) and from NY to Canada (10 hours). When she is 12 she and I are driving across the whole US and around and back again by ourselves.

 

[Kitty 34]

I've driven about 150 miles on my own.

 

[LBAK]

NY to Florida

 

[Serena]

Woman! Of course you can do this! Aftre all you've gone through, sheesh, this will be a piece of cake. It's still just driving, it's just a little farther down the road.


I was nervous my first time driving out of the state, and with my car troubles, I was nuts to think about it. But I wasn't going to let anything stop me. Yep, I was afraid, but I'm a scardy cat and if I let that stop me, then I might as well hang it up now, get my rocker, and be done with it. But, that just ain't me.
I have this thing. I get scared, and then I get mad because I'm scared and it makes me more determined to do it.

Oh my longest trip alone, was from Indianapolis to Pigeon Forge.

 

[Charade]

From where in NY? Why did they advise not going through PA (I live in PA).

 

[arminnie]

I've driven from Dallas to No. CA and back several times (about 1800 miles). Most recently from CA to Little Rock (over 2100 miles) when I was moving in 2001.

I frequently drive between Little Rock to New Orleans (450 miles). I also have driven from LR to Orlando - about 900 miles but if I go through New Orleans the trip is closer to 1100 miles.

You absolutely can do it. I don't think I could do this without my books on tape though. They are expensive to buy, but you can rent them on the road at Cracker Barrels and return them at the next one down the road. A comfortable car, a great book and a soda to sip on - sometimes I don't want to stop.
One other word of advice - and this holds for everyday life also. Lock your car when you are getting gas. Even if you are standing next to it. It is all too easy for someone to grab a purse and be gone while you are right there. Yes, you would know it, but if its gone that doesn't help. That happened to a whole family recently - one person was pumping gas and the rest were in going to the bathroom and getting sodas. A man opened the passenger door, grabbed the purse, and was OUT of there in seconds.

 

[princesspumpkin]

12 hours straight - PA to ATL. 8pm to 8am - I'm a night driver.

 

[C.Ann]

From where in NY? Why did they advise not going through PA (I live in PA).

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[Charade]

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The Albany area.. I had wanted to take 88 to 81 and continue on 81 to VA before I cut across to I95.. Due to it being winter when I make this trip, I was told it's very mountainous, exits are further apart, and I would likely run into more snow..

Any input on that?

Well, 81 through Northern PA and Virginia is mountainous so if the weather is bad, it could be a rough ride for some. However, the ride down 95 in bad weather wouldn't be a picnic either because of the heavier traffic. I wouldn't want to be stuck on either of those road during a bad winter storm. I'd find a hotel and wait it out.

If I were to have to make a choice, in good weather, I'd go the 88/81 route then cut back to 95 around Richmond to avoid the beltways around Baltimore and DC. In bad weather, I'd probably take the 95 route.

So in good weather, take 81. In bad weather, take 95.

Make sure the cell phone you use has coverage in the areas you'll be in. Most major highways have coverage from all carriers.

 

[monarchsfan16]

Thanks for all of the additional suggestions - not to mention the encouragement..

Anyone have any thoughts on what kind of traffic I might run into on I95 New Year's Eve Day and New Years Day? Good or bad time to travel? And remember, I will not be doing any night driving at all..

My grandparents left last year on New Years Eve (or maybe New Years day, it was one of the two) for Florida from NH. They said that there was more traffic than they expected all along 95, but not as bad as it could have been. I know that doesn't help much, but basically it means that things were moving steadily, with moderate to heavy traffic in places. They said though, that it was no worse than any of their other drives (with the exception of the bad weather the first day), and they've driven from NH to Florida for at least the last 10 years, usually in February or March though

 

[MosMom]

30 hours to Canada and back...twice! One time my cd/radio was broken so I had to do it without music. I made really great friends with myself on that trip.

 

[RayaniFoxmur]

I went from Toledo, Ohio to Thunder Bay, ON. By myself, on a whim, 15 hours straight. My god my car was old, my money was tight... I don't know how I made it there and back but I did!

I used to drive from Toledo, Ohio to New Castle, DE regularly when my ex-husband and I were dating... about 9 to 12 hours depending on the route you took.

I haven't done anything that big though in a long time by myself!

 

[threeboysmom]

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The Albany area.. I had wanted to take 88 to 81 and continue on 81 to VA before I cut across to I95.. Due to it being winter when I make this trip, I was told it's very mountainous, exits are further apart, and I would likely run into more snow..

Any input on that?

Holy Cow, Carol! I never even thought of SNOW!! Honestly, if it snows while I'm driving in Dec., I am turning around and heading back home....

 

[Poohnatic]

I haven't gone through all the posts, but I traveled from Frederick MD to St. Pete, FL solo. I was all set to drive it myself, but my car had other plans. Friday afternoon rush hour by Quantico, VA, killed my clutch.

My step dad paid for me to take the Auto Train down when the car was fixed. A last minute ticket for me and the car was around 400 dollars.

Would you drive from NY to VA? It's not too bad a solo drive, then you can enjoy the train for the next 16 hours!

Suzanne

 

[Serena]

Hey C.Ann, I'd get a CB too. It wouldn't hurt to have a backup incase the coverage for your phone is not that great through the mountains.
Although the language can sometimes be colorful, you can hear about how the roads and traffic is ahead of you.

 

[C.Ann]

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[Serena]

I got a portable one for $100. But it's not that great.

 

[Straitlover]

Christmas is on Monday. Personally, I would leave on Wed 12/27. That would give you 4 days to get down before the NY holiday traffic mess and would allow you a little time for tourist stops. A lot of people will be off of work that week, so I would think that the traffic around DC would be a little less.

If you make it to Brunswick, GA to stay overnight, I have stayed at the Sleep Inn at exit 36 (New Jessup Hwy). It has interior corridors, and the price was very reasonable. I got a coupon off the RoomSaver.com website.

You can do it!!

 

[C.Ann]

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[C.Ann]

I got a portable one for $100. But it's not that great.

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I'll have to check around and see what they're going for..