Driving from SE MA/RI border

[Mdoyle07]

So, 'm definitely driving in August with my boys (11,7)! We're planning on leaving 8/2 around 3am and stopping for the night in NC, then on to Orlando the next day. We'll be in Orlando from 8/3-8/12. I'm looking at spreading the return drive over three days (GA, DC to see my sister, then home)

Depending on how my car checks out during it's tune-up in June, I may need to rent a car. Has anyone done this before? What rental agencies did you use/recommend? Any websites that will re-book if a lower rate becomes available?

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Yes, I have rented a car before. Go with whatever rental agency offers the best deal. Make sure you are allowed to drive out of state and get unlimited mileage.

When the price drops for a rental car, just rebook yourself and cancel your old reservation. Unlike airline tickets, there is no penalty.

 

[PattnFmly]

We have rented a car in the past to drive down, and have twice found that it was a better deal to rent for 2 full weeks (even if not travelling that long) rather than 1 week and some days. The full week rate is sometimes cheaper. Shop around!

 

[happily single]

I've done this twice alone with my three kids. Last April I used National, which I now love. I will only rent from National. We got to choose which car to take. That helped a ton as I got to pick one I was comfortable driving, it had great cup holders (super important) and the kids all fit comfortably.

Even though I have a newer car it was worth it to me to get a rental. Last April I paid less than $150 for 7-10 days (I can't recall, but it was soo cheap I almost didn't beleive it). My thought is anything can happen to your relatively new car at anytime. I don't want to risk it while over 1,200 away from home. If anything should happen in a rental the agency would just replace the car.

We left RI about 3-4:00 a.m. and stopped for the night in Lumberton, NC. I could have forged on another few hours, but the kids were planning a hostile take-over if I didn't stop. We stopped about 3:00 in the afternoon, woke up the following morning and were on the road again by about 7:00ish. Originally we had reservations at the Red Roof Inn, but after checking-in I learned the pool wasn't open yet. The manager was nice enough to let us check-out immediaately. We went to a Super 8 or Super 6 type a block or so away that had an indoor pool. It was ok, but I wouldn't stay there again.

There are tons of hotels/motels along Route 95. I also purchased a book called DRIVE I-95. which was helpful in letting you know which exits had what stores.

a HUGE FYI: Once you get passed maybe Maryland, you WILL NOT find a coffee shop. And Dunkin? Forget-out-it!!!!!!!

 

[Mdoyle07]

Thank you for all your help! My boys and I are excited and counting down the days. I'm planning on leaving around 3am, so knowing your time frame and stopping point helps confirm my plan! I'll definitely be checking National.

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

We leave Central CT at 2am when we head to disney. We are able to bypass any rush hour traffic. We stop in MD at Cracker Barrel for breaksfast around 7 am. There is 2 about 26 miles apart. it depends on the time which one we stop at. Both are easy off and on the i95. we usually spend an hour eating and stretching.

We also take 295 in MD to avoid the DC loop.

the only difference is that we stop driving in Lorton VA and put the van onto the Autotrain and let Amtrak do the rest of the driving.

IF you don't have EZpass it might be worth it to get one. It makes a big difference in traveling and the tolls.

We will be there Aug 15-23rd