driving to Naples Fl. for the holidays

[FINFAN]

Hi....we heading from Chicago to Naples (about 4.5 hours further than Orlando ) to see my folks for X-mas. They are not doing so well health wise and need to see them. There are 4 of us and between airfare and rental car it will run about 1500 to fly, and we figure 7-800 to drive ( mostly due to 300 auto repair needed eventually) We have just made the decision to go and have not made the drive for a while and I am nervous about the weather (always hit rain in Chattanooga area, concerned about ice/fog etc) Kids want to drive to see the sights, but it is dark so early now, I am not sure that what they want to see will be in the daylight. I actually found cheaper airfare flying into Ft Meyers and out of Orlando than a RT into either city(go figure) but flying also seems like a hassle w/they way things are nowadays. What would you do? I like the flexibility of the drive, and lets face it, it does use a good 8 hours to fly between early check in, getting to airport etc., also weather concerns. DH can't make up his mind, and my courtesy hold expires 7a.m. on 11/21...so I am running out of time. One negative about the drive is loading/unloading the van each night. I know we could make the trip w/one night stop, but I am figuring in 2 just in case. Would you try the drive at this time of year?

Anythoughts/advice will be greatly appreciated.
Pam

 

[jtbdas]

Did you try flying into Fort Lauderdale, it is only 90mins from Naples?

 

[travelbug]

Given all the circumstances you describe, I think I would opt to make the drive. While the length of the drive is a bummer, you can be more flexible if bad weather becomes an issue. You can always pull off the road for a while and then set out again when things improve. Being stuck in an airport at holiday time if flights became delayed or cancelled could be worse. You'd be entirely at the airline's mercy at a very busy time of the year. JMHO.

I actually made the drive last Christmas from metro Detroit to Orlando with only my 17YO niece. The weather was clear and sunny the whole way down, and back again too. It was a very smooth car trip. My preference is definitely flying down and I usually do so these days, but that trip it was necessary to drive. Would I do it again? Absolutely.

I've also made car trips down to Ft. Myers a number of times, including a couple trips around Christmas/NYE. Again, I've always been really fortunate weatherwise.

Good luck with your decision. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!

 

[FINFAN]

Thanks guys,

jtbdas, yes, I have checked all possible airports, combinations....we can't depart untill the eve. of the 19th so rates are very high then up to X-mas. I would love to depart from Lauderdale and try to sneak in the Miami/Jets game on the 28th, but alas, not in the plans so far. We actually have a decent rate out of MCO on 1/1, it's the rental car that is making the costs add up.
travelbug, I am glad you have had good luck on your drives...I am literally 50/50 on this decision. The kids actually WANT to try driving, so that is a big hurdle, if we just hadn't had so many bad experiences going thru the Mtns....then again we had an emergency landing in Atlanta once and our total travel time from MDY to MCO..13 hours...PLUS to/from airports!

I think DH is not sure of the van making it o.k....he just called and told me to look into renting a van to drive down in...I think we would just fly then as I am sure it would be a grand to rent one or 2 weeks. No Fl codes to use up here when booking!
Pam

 

[judi]

We've driven down to FL a number of times in the winter months. We have been through snow, rain and even ice. The ice was a bit hairy but you go slow and use common sense and you'll be fine. We do take a weather radio with us for getting an idea of what we may be driving into and that helps. Good luck with what ever you decide.

 

[FINFAN]

well, looks like driving for us...I wish I were more sure about the decision, but in the end, I guess we put a price on our heads. We asked if it was worth $80 a day during our trip to fly over driving...during the holidays when we are all feeling the crunch...and we sold out . We will def. take our time and thanks for the weather radio advice. We have one but I would not have thought to bring it. Now to figure out the roadtrip plans.....at least we have some small control over our travel itinerary by driving. This should be interesting to say the least!