Driving from Houston-- Tell me the good, the bad and the ugly!

[ekatiel]

How long does it REALLY take with a 6 and 8 year old in tow? Where do you stop for a hotel to split up the drive? Any other advice? We're seriously considering driving with flight prices so high. --Katie

 

[shannonstar]

It's long and boring. Bring lots of things to keep the kids busy. You will hate I-10 with a passion by the time you get past Louisiana.

I've driven it twice and am trying to do everything I can to not have to again this Thanksgiving.

 

[jacdolfin]

How long does it REALLY take with a 6 and 8 year old in tow? Where do you stop for a hotel to split up the drive? Any other advice? We're seriously considering driving with flight prices so high. --Katie

We drove from San Antonio nonstop on the way with a 6 and 4 year old and switched drivers between me and my husband. It took us about 21 hours. It is a long trip but it is doable and the kids slept in the back seat. We took movies, games etc. On the way back we stoped. The halfway point is either Biloxi, MS or Mobile, AL. It saved alot of money by driving but if I had to do it again and it would not save me more than a few hundred dollars I would fly for sure you get there faster to maximize your vacation time. As a side note if you live close to a city that Allegiant flies out of their fares can be as low as $55 just read the fine print for extra fees. We flew them and it was great saved alot but you fly into Sanford. I think however the closest airport is Shreveport so i doubt thats an option for yall. But if I hope you have a great trip hope this helps.

 

[jjmm]

I agree that I-10 is really boring. We have driven 3 times and it usually takes us 16 hrs. The 1st time we drove 10 hrs to Pensacola and the next day 6 hrs to Orlando.

The 2nd time we drove 12 hrs to Tallahasse and only had 4 hrs left the next day. We liked this the best because we were not as tired when we got to Orlando.

The 3rd time we drove straight through and it was rough since we were so tired. We do always drive straight back but getting their seemed longer. Probably because of the anticipation of wanting to be there. You go forward an hour shortly after you get to FL so that does not help.

Driving at night helps with the kids since they sleep most of the time. If we drive during the day everyone gets out to stretch and use the restroom each time we stop even though they don't want to since we try to not stop too often. Hope it all works out for your family!

 

[Planogirl]

We used to drive from Houston and I can definitely say that driving from Dallas is way worse. It's not only longer but I-20 makes I-10 look exciting.

We always liked to stop in Daphne Alabama. It's just on the other side of Mobile and has some nice places to stay. I always preferred to be past Mobile when we were ready to go the next day. If you can make it to Tallahassee, that's even better but it's tiring.

Coming back I always tried to make it to Lafayette but getting to Baton Rouge always seemed way easier. We never drove straight through.