"For 2,000+ Mile Round-Trip Drivers Only!" (IV)

[Yellowstonetim]

Hi! I have a question for those of you who drive about 24 hours and drive through the night.

We will be heading to Florida from Minnesota in a couple of months and we are planning on driving straight through on the way there... about 24 hours of driving. Do you find it easier to leave in the morning (around 8 or 9am) so that after you drive all night you're almost there? Or at 5 or 6 at night so you get the nighttime driving out of the way?

Im trying to figure out if one way is less tiring than the other or if it doesn't really matter.

TIA!

24 hours is a long haul which I have done only a few times. I think it is best to leave in the afternoon. You do the all night drive without being too tired. I have done a long trip with the overnight at the end and it was downright dangerous with zero traffic and fatigue setting in. When you leave in the afternoon, you do the last part of the trip in daylight when it is safer to deal with fatigue. Also, you arrive late afternoon, relax, maybe swim, then you can crash early and be ready to go the next day. If you leave at 8 or 9 am you get in in the morning, exhausted, and still have the whole day in front of you. Not fun.

Remember to do something to stay awake! I always keep a bag of some type of spicy chips/Cheetos and it works wonders when I get tired.

Enjoy!

 

[Tuffy4God]

Thanks for the input! My dh and I were talking last night. We're thinking of possibly leaving at 3 or 4 in the morning, driving for 19 or 20 hours and then staying overnight at a hotel (around midnight) and sleeping for a bit before finishing our last 4 or 5 hours. This seems like it might be easier on us.

So, I have a question for anyone who knows about traffic in Nashville. I was looking at our route and this plan would get us into Nashville around 5 or 6 pm (depending on what time we leave in the morning). How bad is rush hour traffic at that time? It will be a Thursday.

Thanks!

 

[LadyBeBop]

Thanks for the input! My dh and I were talking last night. We're thinking of possibly leaving at 3 or 4 in the morning, driving for 19 or 20 hours and then staying overnight at a hotel (around midnight) and sleeping for a bit before finishing our last 4 or 5 hours. This seems like it might be easier on us.

Sounds like a good plan. There are several towns in southern Georgia, from Macon to Valdosta, that have most of the major motel chains. Unless you're travelling right before a holiday, you probably won't need a reservation on a Thursday night. I'd pick up one of those motel coupon books at the Georgia Welcome station and plan your motel stop then.

Macon would probably be your best bet. It's about halfway between Nashville and Orlando. There are numerous motels along I-475, the bypass. Just make sure you take I-475 rather than I-75 through Macon. It's actually shorter.

So, I have a question for anyone who knows about traffic in Nashville. I was looking at our route and this plan would get us into Nashville around 5 or 6 pm (depending on what time we leave in the morning).

Augh!!!! I hate Nashville traffic. Even more so than Atlanta. And rush hour???

How bad is rush hour traffic at that time? It will be a Thursday.

I've only been in Nashville rush hour once. On a Friday night. Honestly, it wasn't horrendous. Typical rush hour traffic. I just hate Nashville traffic because of the hills leading into Nashville. Plus the sudden, abrupt lane changes. You just gotta be on your toes driving in Nashville during rush hour. And remember, you've already been driving for about 13 hours.

Good luck.

 

[dvczerfs]

Thanks for this info! I am also going to AAA to get a triptik too. I just love those things. (although will also have a garmin)

I went on the aaaa web site. I signed up and it allows you to do a trip tic and print it. I didn't print I was just curious what they had as the miles.
I use my chart like I posted earlier and on the back the same but on the way home.
I use my garmen for how fast I'm driving and the next exit etc. I gauge my self of my chart. I also carry an atlas in the back of the car. GPS is great but I'm a little old school, I like to see a map. Lol. I used it a few times but not often.

 

[Tuffy4God]

I'd pick up one of those motel coupon books at the Georgia Welcome station and plan your motel stop then.

What kind of coupons do they have? I was thinking of using priceline to book a hotel room. Do the coupon books usually have really good deals in them?

Thanks for the insight!

 

[pwdebbie]

What kind of coupons do they have? I was thinking of using priceline to book a hotel room. Do the coupon books usually have really good deals in them?

Thanks for the insight!

We did that on one trip. rates were much lower than online. But it is a game and you have to be a smart player. I walked in with the coupon book and asked for a room at the advertised rate. "I'm sorry, all the rooms at that rate have been taken." I was prepared for this. Turned to dh and said, "Let's go over there to Xyz Hotel, they told you on the phone rooms were available." It was amazing how quickly the gal behind the desk found us a room at the advertised rate. So yeah, I'd at least try using the coupon book.

 

[jm106]

Hi all, I am hoping for some reassurance- we have just under 4 months and I am freaking out about the drive from NJ!
I am more worried that I will be more miserable then the kids.

Hints or suggestions to ease the torture? It's keeping me up at night. I do not want to stop over night as I hate that it takes 18 hours, I imagine adding an over night would be worse to me(more wasted/lost vacation time.) We do audio books already, I do not sleep in the car normally. The last time I drove to Fl was 1990.

We have an 8+ hour drive for summer vaca so I am hoping it will go well and make me feel that Fl is doable.

 

[dvczerfs]

We did that on one trip. rates were much lower than online. But it is a game and you have to be a smart player. I walked in with the coupon book and asked for a room at the advertised rate. "I'm sorry, all the rooms at that rate have been taken." I was prepared for this. Turned to dh and said, "Let's go over there to Xyz Hotel, they told you on the phone rooms were available." It was amazing how quickly the gal behind the desk found us a room at the advertised rate. So yeah, I'd at least try using the coupon book.

good job pw!!!! Im guessing they figure you are tired, just want to get off the road and will take the room at a higher rate. good job!!
I ran into a hotel that my room didn't have hot water. they said they were booked and couldn't give me another room.( the parking lot was empty) after a discussion, I got another room. there is a hotel on every corner along the interstates.

 

[dvczerfs]

DD!!!! haven't seen you around lately????? busy packing??????

 

[BC1836]

Hi all, I am hoping for some reassurance- we have just under 4 months and I am freaking out about the drive from NJ!
I am more worried that I will be more miserable then the kids.

Hints or suggestions to ease the torture? It's keeping me up at night. I do not want to stop over night as I hate that it takes 18 hours, I imagine adding an over night would be worse to me(more wasted/lost vacation time.) We do audio books already, I do not sleep in the car normally. The last time I drove to Fl was 1990.

We have an 8+ hour drive for summer vaca so I am hoping it will go well and make me feel that Fl is doable.

Where is your departure from? If it involves the Turnpike, it won't be the most pleasant start (especially at the merge) if your drive involves rush hour traffic. Speaking of rush hour traffic: avoid southern MD, DC and northern VA at that time!

Once you get through northern VA (and parhaps, Richmond), it should be fine until Jacksonville/Orlando at rush hour.

Other than that, be well rested and alert. And the time will pass.

All the best.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

Hi all, I am hoping for some reassurance- we have just under 4 months and I am freaking out about the drive from NJ!
I am more worried that I will be more miserable then the kids.

Hints or suggestions to ease the torture? It's keeping me up at night. I do not want to stop over night as I hate that it takes 18 hours, I imagine adding an over night would be worse to me(more wasted/lost vacation time.) We do audio books already, I do not sleep in the car normally. The last time I drove to Fl was 1990.

We have an 8+ hour drive for summer vaca so I am hoping it will go well and make me feel that Fl is doable.

You can do it. I've found the drive gets easier as I get older. (I thought it would be the reverse.) And since your last drive was 24 years ago, I will assume you are at least a few years older. Plan plenty of stops and throw in an hour for stopped/slowed traffic. Traffic is definitely heavier than 1990. But cars are a lot nicer, too. The southern section of the drive is still a lot better than the northern. Also, what time do you plan on leaving? The earlier you leave in the morning the better chance of getting by the northern traffic problems and the more time you have to make it in one day.

Audio books are great, I don't know what ages will be in the car, but we always plan to make plans for the vacation while driving, its lots of fun and gets everyone excited. We still do it even thought the kids are grown! You will be fine!

 

[dvczerfs]

Happy Father's Day!!!! Off to breakfast with dd. last father day I had to meet her at the magic kingdom at the pop corn stand by dumbo. Lol.
Keep the shinny side up and drive safe!!!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

DD!!!! haven't seen you around lately????? busy packing??????

I haven't started packing yet. Lol
I'm trying to get through the last full week of school. Need to finish report cards, final paperwork and clean up room. I hate all that stuff!!
And to top it all off, I'm being observed by 2 principals tomorrow for a new job. UGH!!!! What a week.
I will be in full packing mode next weekend.

But I keep thinking, I will be in FL in less than 2 weeks. I think we're going to leave between 4 and 5am. If we're lucky and don't hit a lot of traffic that should bring us to our overnight stop around 5:00 to eat dinner and get to bed early for the rest of the drive.

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[ddluvsdisney]

Happy Father's Day!!!! Off to breakfast with dd. last father day I had to meet her at the magic kingdom at the pop corn stand by dumbo. Lol. Keep the shinny side up and drive safe!!!

Happy Father's Day to you!!! Have a great b-fast.

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[jm106]

Where is your departure from? If it involves the Turnpike, it won't be the most pleasant start (especially at the merge) if your drive involves rush hour traffic. Speaking of rush hour traffic: avoid southern MD, DC and northern VA at that time!

Once you get through northern VA (and parhaps, Richmond), it should be fine until Jacksonville/Orlando at rush hour.

Other than that, be well rested and alert. And the time will pass.

All the best.

Thanks, not heading to Turnpike, we live close to 78 near PA so I think we will do 78 to 81.

You can do it. I've found the drive gets easier as I get older. (I thought it would be the reverse.) And since your last drive was 24 years ago, I will assume you are at least a few years older. Plan plenty of stops and throw in an hour for stopped/slowed traffic. Traffic is definitely heavier than 1990. But cars are a lot nicer, too. The southern section of the drive is still a lot better than the northern. Also, what time do you plan on leaving? The earlier you leave in the morning the better chance of getting by the northern traffic problems and the more time you have to make it in one day.

Audio books are great, I don't know what ages will be in the car, but we always plan to make plans for the vacation while driving, its lots of fun and gets everyone excited. We still do it even thought the kids are grown! You will be fine!

My Jeep is brand new so that helps I am sure. Admittedly, I am old but haven't yet started to enjoy car rides(2 years ago, I actually had my first/only panic attack ever when driving on bridge from Philly airport after Disney.)
We plan to leave about 7 pm and drive at night. I am a night owl and DH is used to waking for work between 3-4 am regularly(drives 5-12 hours for work to Mass and Maine.) We plan to arrive on Saturday but are using points for a hotel so we can stop if had to.
Kids are 6 and 8 1/2. I have a road scavenger hunt for the kids. Not sure how else to make it fun.I worry about comfort too, in boosters, so they sleep. I tried pillow pets, they stink.
Thanks for encouragement, I hope it goes as good as your experience

 

[GoSox50]

dd, we are leaving from Mass in 19 days and heading down 95 for Disney. Thinking of leaving at 3-4 in the am... how far do you normally go on the first day? Won't have hotel reservations on the road cause I don't know how far we will get the day before July 4th.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

dd, we are leaving from Mass in 19 days and heading down 95 for Disney. Thinking of leaving at 3-4 in the am... how far do you normally go on the first day? Won't have hotel reservations on the road cause I don't know how far we will get the day before July 4th.

We usually stop in Fayetteville NC. That's about 12 hours w out a lot of traffic.
You could probably get to SC easily but we stop there bc we have our dog w us. The pet friendly hotels are what limits us.
Safe travels.
Let me know if I can answer anything else.

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[dvczerfs]

I haven't started packing yet. Lol
I'm trying to get through the last full week of school. Need to finish report cards, final paperwork and clean up room. I hate all that stuff!!
And to top it all off, I'm being observed by 2 principals tomorrow for a new job. UGH!!!! What a week.
I will be in full packing mode next weekend.

But I keep thinking, I will be in FL in less than 2 weeks. I think we're going to leave between 4 and 5am. If we're lucky and don't hit a lot of traffic that should bring us to our overnight stop around 5:00 to eat dinner and get to bed early for the rest of the drive.

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Happy Father's Day to you!!! Have a great b-fast.

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thank you!!! had a great breakfast, went to sharons favorite place, cracker barrel!!! it was even better because I didn't have to pay, dd bought breakfast!!!

good luck on the new job.

i gave dd her fathers day present on Saturday, yes i gave her a fathers day present. ill post a picture when i get it down loaded. i had one of her costume tops she wore in the mk and had it put in a frame. there was a picture i had put in it of her and i last fathers day in that costume and also made a name tag to put on the costume.(the tag was just card board but it looks real) it looks really good and she loves it!!!! it was also the first costume we seen her in.
just a note, no, we didn't take the costume. Disney sells things to the cast members in a place called cast connections. it is behind the mk and they sell everything from costumes, t shirts, toys, computers,anything in a resort they no longer use, you name it. i use to love going in there!!! of course a cm has to take you in and they do check your id. dd got a lot of stuff there.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

thank you!!! had a great breakfast, went to sharons favorite place, cracker barrel!!! it was even better because I didn't have to pay, dd bought breakfast!!! good luck on the new job. i gave dd her fathers day present on Saturday, yes i gave her a fathers day present. ill post a picture when i get it down loaded. i had one of her costume tops she wore in the mk and had it put in a frame. there was a picture i had put in it of her and i last fathers day in that costume and also made a name tag to put on the costume.(the tag was just card board but it looks real) it looks really good and she loves it!!!! it was also the first costume we seen her in. just a note, no, we didn't take the costume. Disney sells things to the cast members in a place called cast connections. it is behind the mk and they sell everything from costumes, t shirts, toys, computers,anything in a resort they no longer use, you name it. i use to love going in there!!! of course a cm has to take you in and they do check your id. dd got a lot of stuff there.

That sounds like a really cool gift. Can't wait to see the pics.
Yay for Cracker Barrel. The closest CR to me is about 40 min. Away near some outlets. We always eat there after shopping.
So it's kind of a treat to eat there on our way to FL bc we don't eat there often. My boys love it there!

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[dvczerfs]

That sounds like a really cool gift. Can't wait to see the pics.
Yay for Cracker Barrel. The closest CR to me is about 40 min. Away near some outlets. We always eat there after shopping.
So it's kind of a treat to eat there on our way to FL bc we don't eat there often. My boys love it there!

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