Anyone Driving from NY? Questions

[Goofygirl17]

We're taking our 3rd road trip from Southern CT next Saturday. It's just my DDs, DD12's DF and me. I've driven twice before and had a great time both times. The first trip we went down 95, the second trip we did the inland route.

Definitely taking the inland route this time. Took 19 1/2 hours compared to 21 for the 95 route and was a much nicer ride.

Have fun

 

[disneymom06]

We're taking our 3rd road trip from Southern CT next Saturday. It's just my DDs, DD12's DF and me. I've driven twice before and had a great time both times. The first trip we went down 95, the second trip we did the inland route.

Definitely taking the inland route this time. Took 19 1/2 hours compared to 21 for the 95 route and was a much nicer ride.

Have fun

What is the inland route?

 

[Goofygirl17]

From shoreline CT

95 south
Exit 21 to Tappan Zee bridge/white plains
merge onto 287 west
Exit 15 onto 287
Exit 21B onto 78 west
merge onto 81 south
Exit 81 merge onto 77 south
keep left at fork- 26 east
exit 169A onto 95 south.


I got this route from people the 2000+ miles thread. It was a MUCH nicer ride than 95. Much less stressful.

 

[RK13]

We would drive (for the first time to FL) if we go to WDW this fall. Do any of you feel anxious about driving so far away from home? Also, would the trip be so short and then on the trip knowing you have to drive all the way back?

Our first trip we drove, and we are driving again this summer. My mistake was taking 2 1/2 days on the way down. On our way back, we stopped near Richmond, VA, which was about 13 hrs. Made the 7hr drive home bearable.

For our Aug trip, we are staying in Florence, SC which is about 12 hrs for me. This leaves about 6-7 hours the next day. We'll arrive at checkout and chill by the pool and hit the park fresh the next day.

 

[sticker231]

We have driven down several times and now prefer to drive. It takes us about 15 hours and we drive straight through. We leave around 7 pm, so we miss all of the traffic and the kids sleep for a good portion of the ride. For our car it takes two gas stops on the way down, so figure the cost of filling your tank 6 times into your travel expenses. Still is cheaper than flying for our family of five. And the kids love being able to bring a few extra things they wouldn't be able to cram into a luggage, such as their own pillows.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Well look at it this way vacation time is valuable and do you want to spend that much time of it in a car?
Also what about things beyond your control like traffic tie up that lengthens the time in the car, car trouble - would hate to rely on a mechanic I know nothing about to fix my car - what if he doesn't have my part and I have to spend another day in a city I had not planned to visit and I am stuck in a hotel room while my car is repaired, or terrible weather. I can't imagine the folks who are trying to drive to Fl over the next couple days or the people who are trying to leave Fl over the next couple days with all the flooding and road closures.

Those are just a couple things to think about.

 

[disneymarie]

We would drive (for the first time to FL) if we go to WDW this fall. Do any of you feel anxious about driving so far away from home? Also, would the trip be so short and then on the trip knowing you have to drive all the way back?

I have terrible anxiety, the first trip was one flying down, driving back with the son as they came by auto train. The next one was a drive down and then I got to take the auto train home. This was nice to have the car there, and it was packed with whatever we choose.

Last week we came back from a drive down and back, I think by this time i was exhausted on the drive back sleeping off and on. BUT, I hated the I 95 crazies. If you leave 2 car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you, some nut is going to cut right over. Then the cars in front of us trailed so close they would have to lock up the brakes when someone did that to them.

The one part that I take xanax for, or valium the last few years is feeling like something will happen to one of the family members at home. I am on the phone checking on everyone, worry and fretting most of the vacation.
it has gotten better, not cured, but better

I perfer to fly on off days when rates are low, and find a rental if I desire on Hotwire the last minute. I carry trip insurance too.
The two hr direct flights out of our area i handle so much better then the 2 day of 10 hrs on the hwy,.

Many, Many do the drive, it is my anxiety that really cripples me from relaxing on the drive. I will likely end up on a drive again, but will use my points and AAA discount to take the Auto train one way if I have a choice.

it allows you to sleep overnight and be there in the morning so another day on the road is not needed.
Just thought I would mention that.
di

 

[fairytinkerbell]

Thanks for the replies. I still have no clue what to do. I guess we won't decide until the week before. I won't have much dinng plans I guess, all will be taken. Not sure if I'll be adventurous in the fall to drive to FL. Usually in that stay close to home mode during that time.....

 

[disneyboarder]

My brother and I drove from PA to Los Angeles, CA once (actually, he did the driving, while I acted as navigator). It took about 4 days with restroom stops and hotel stays. It was a great trip, though-- much more relaxing than rushing to catch a plane, bus, or train.

I'd definitely recommend using a map service, like Maps On Us or MapQuest. Also, try to figure out how far you want to travel between rest stops. Try not to drive for more than 2 or 3 hours at a time, and stretch your legs for at least 15 minutes at each stop.

I'd also recommend packing some snacks and a cooler full of drinks. It will save alot of money as opposed to buying them at the rest stops.

Hope you have a great trip, and be sure to give us all the details when you get back!

 

[dana1003]

Thanks for the replies. I still have no clue what to do. I guess we won't decide until the week before. I won't have much dinng plans I guess, all will be taken. Not sure if I'll be adventurous in the fall to drive to FL. Usually in that stay close to home mode during that time.....

I'm glad u posted this. I am in the same boat right now. Hubby wants to go to his parents 50 th anniversary party in Pensacola and I am on the fence about driving. The party is July 22 and I still don't know what to do. It's cheaper to drive for sure but the drive is what scares me. We ve never gone longer than 3 hrs with the kids and we ll be driving from nj. I have anxiety about driving also. Accidents, kids whining etc. then again I like the idea of having our own car and being able to pack it with all our goodies from home. I don't know wht to do either