For those folks driving!

[couchpotatooo]

Yes, we are doing the dreaded heat too. Figured driving down you need alot of time, too much to take them out of school, esp. an 8 year old with all these state tests and things. We are from the east coast though and can do it in 20-21 hours. Can't even imaging how long your ride will be.

Our trip will take around 22 hours if we don't stop, but with stops for food, gas, and potty breaks it probably be more like 25 hours I think. We probably will stop half way which is Nashville and then drive the rest the next morning. Were not going till next summer 2010 but my wife is all excited about the rode trip it saving us around $1300 dollars. We will se how excited she is a few hours down the rode with the kids,

 

[nderh2o]

As the title suggests, I will be driving my family (me, my wife, and 3 kids 9,7, 5) to the world from north of Baltimore (I-95 exit 80). I don't mind driving out of my way to avoid standing in traffic and was thinking of taking 81 down to 77 and picking up 95 N of Savannah. Also, I thought it would be neat for the kids to see something else than rest stations on 95 (mountains, etc). I am planning on leaving at about 0500 in the morning and driving (- breaks) until about 4 PM. Anybody got any suggestions based upon what I am saying here? I know this is vague but I am just starting the planning.
Thanks

 

[mrstomrice]

We have a AAA membership and I just called to see if they will help us make reservations while we're driving down. I am traveling from SE PA and I want to try to make it to GA the first day, although DH think I am crazy with 2 young boys AAA will be able to help me find a hotel as we drive so we'll have a good idea of how far we can go that day. He said they will also be able to compare prices at the hotels. I think this will make my trip down much more relaxing...at least I can hope! Hope this helps!

 

[DJFan88]

As the title suggests, I will be driving my family (me, my wife, and 3 kids 9,7, 5) to the world from north of Baltimore (I-95 exit 80). I don't mind driving out of my way to avoid standing in traffic and was thinking of taking 81 down to 77 and picking up 95 N of Savannah. Also, I thought it would be neat for the kids to see something else than rest stations on 95 (mountains, etc). I am planning on leaving at about 0500 in the morning and driving (- breaks) until about 4 PM. Anybody got any suggestions based upon what I am saying here? I know this is vague but I am just starting the planning.
Thanks

So, 11 hours to get there? (I'm jealous). Any option of leaving in the early AM (like 2-3 am)? I find it very peaceful driving that time and beautiful watching the sun come up. You miss alot of traffic and kids sleep. Then they only need to survive less hours in car. We have a much longer trip than yours, so we plan on leaving at about 12-1 am. Of course, DH has days off before and can rest more before.

 

[mjones73]

As the title suggests, I will be driving my family (me, my wife, and 3 kids 9,7, 5) to the world from north of Baltimore (I-95 exit 80). I don't mind driving out of my way to avoid standing in traffic and was thinking of taking 81 down to 77 and picking up 95 N of Savannah. Also, I thought it would be neat for the kids to see something else than rest stations on 95 (mountains, etc). I am planning on leaving at about 0500 in the morning and driving (- breaks) until about 4 PM. Anybody got any suggestions based upon what I am saying here? I know this is vague but I am just starting the planning.
Thanks

Are you planning on stopping somewhere for the night or driving straight through? I live in North East, MD (exit 100 off I-95) and it's about a 15-16 hour drive straight through with a stop for dinner and typical rest stops. We left last year around 5PM, stopped in Virginia for dinner and hit the Orlando area around 9AM. My wife and I took turns driving.

I'd leave in time to avoid DC traffic and just go straight down I-95, you're looking at about an extra 100 miles to go out to I-81 to I-77.

 

[nderh2o]

We will be stopping somewhere, probably in GA, and then picking up the rest of the drive the next day. My personal pref would be to drive straight thru but with a 9,7, and 5 year old in the car, I believe that would be a bit much. Not too much fun to get to your destination to only have to sleep half a day to get back on a reg schedule. Plus the kids would prob not have too much fun sleeping in the car.
Any suggestions of where to stop over if we take 95 all the way down?

 

[the Fidge]

Richmond Hill is where we normally stop on our way down from PA. We have stayed in the past at Best Western there but recent reviews on Trip Advisor shows its diminshing greatly. We stayed there when it first opened and it was a perfect stop right off the higway but not a commercial area by any means. Maybe some folks ehre have some more suggestions.

 

[DJFan88]

Maybe some folks ehre have some more suggestions.

I would be interested as well. Looking for family friendly areas right on the highway (well, just off it, you know what I mean), from SC to upper GA. Places you know of now that are good. Thanks.

 

[mrstomrice]

We will be stopping somewhere, probably in GA, and then picking up the rest of the drive the next day. My personal pref would be to drive straight thru but with a 9,7, and 5 year old in the car, I believe that would be a bit much. Not too much fun to get to your destination to only have to sleep half a day to get back on a reg schedule. Plus the kids would prob not have too much fun sleeping in the car.
Any suggestions of where to stop over if we take 95 all the way down?

We're hoping to make it to GA from SE PA in August. We'll take 95 and hope to get to Savannah. I'm relying on AAA to help me make reservations on my way down. They will help you find the location and the rate that works for you They are open until 9 pm week nights and 4 pm on Saturday...not sur eof Sunday hours.

 

[mjones73]

Another tip I've seen is hit the welcome center for whatever state you're gonna stop in, grab some of the deal books then look for a hotel with a good rate in the book and call them on the way.

 

[java]

I would be interested as well. Looking for family friendly areas right on the highway (well, just off it, you know what I mean), from SC to upper GA. Places you know of now that are good. Thanks.

We like the Staybridge suites right outside of Savanah - it was new 2 years ago. So I don't know what 2 years of guests have done to it. But when we went it was nice- clean and spacious. We've also stayed in Florence SC. A Hampton but that was years ago. It was nice then. Generally look for the newer hotels- safest bets on the I 95 route.

 

[Balt ravens fan]

Best Western Santee SC is where we usually stay (also coming from near you - Whitemarsh MD) - nice breakfast, clean rooms, nice little seafood restaraunt next door.

 

[debelfish]

I chose it because of the good reviews on TripAdvisor, free breakfast but most importantly queen beds!! Hope it is okay!
Elizabeth

 

[katybugsmom]

We hope to stay somewhere between Savannah and Brunswick, Ga on our way down in a couple of weeks. I picked up a Roomsaver book for Ga from one our local restaurants and looked up hotels that had good prices on Tripadvisor.com We just joined AAA so I may try to use them as suggested in an earlier reply. I'll make sure I write a review and post it here for future travelers! Everyone else should do the same!

 

[freesone]

We hope to stay somewhere between Savannah and Brunswick, Ga on our way down in a couple of weeks. I picked up a Roomsaver book for Ga from one our local restaurants and looked up hotels that had good prices on Tripadvisor.com We just joined AAA so I may try to use them as suggested in an earlier reply. I'll make sure I write a review and post it here for future travelers! Everyone else should do the same!

We stayed in the Springhill Suites in Savannah and they were great. Clean, easy access from 95(literally right off I-95 at exit 94). I believe they have AAA discounts.

 

[the Fidge]

OK booked the Comfort Suites in Kingsland GA. THe rate looks great and the review on Tirp Advisor also very complimentary.

 

[u4ik]

In April, we stayed at the Fairfield Inn at Savannah (right next to airport). It is across the street from the Springhill suites. It had a nice pool/hottub and nice morning breakfast spread. Next door is a waffle house, within a mile is a Walmart and other plaza type stores. A big plug for the nearby restaurant recommended to us while visitiing - Cheddar's. Great food (similiar to Friday's or Applebees but better) at extremely reasonable prices.

 

[mrstomrice]

FOr those booking a hotel ahead of time, how are the cancellation policies? My only fear is not making it as far as we had hoped and being stuck paying for the room. Thanks!

 

[mjones73]

I'd be sure it varies from hotel to hotel.

 

[TSMAMI]

make sure you cancel in advance so they dont charge you a fee!