? for those who drive and stay over along the way

[gomomgo]

If you don't drive straight through and stay at a hotel along your route to FL, do you unload the whole car for your overnight stay? Or do you just have a bag with essentials and leave the rest in the car?

We have a van and will have the 3rd row down so you'd be able to see all of our belongings through the window.

Is this unsafe/unwise?

 

[Poohs Pal]

We use one bag to pack only what we will need along the way and then leave everything else in the van. Make's getting out and on the road in the morning so much easier. If someone has a lap top with them we would also take that in. Susan

 

[sharadoc]

Yes, we pack a separate bag for overnight. I would suggest a blanket to throw over all your belongings - preferably something dark that doesn't draw attention. Laptop goes in, too. We haven't had a problem and have done two trips in 2009. Our windows are very dark tinted, though, so you can't see inside.

Of course, the PA plates parked overnight at a hotel in South Carolina might be a giveaway, too!!!

 

[crzy4dsny]

I unloaded everything. We used one of those hard plastic roof top carriers. I unloaded that and everything from inside the truck. The last thing you want is for someone to take your stuff on your way to a vacation. Not only that, they will break your window to get in. Now you have a broken window to deal with. I even take the change out of the center console. Take everyting out. If you cover it they may break your window just to see what you are covering. If you have a gps take that out and take the holder off the windshield too. If it leaves a little circle on your windshield wipe it off. They look for the circle, if you have one they think there is a gps somewhere in the car. It takes a little extra time and effort but it is better to be safe than sorry.

 

[hearts8701]

i put everything in the trunk pillows too even if i have to stuff it in i bring in a small bag with what i'll need i also wipe the window clean when i take down my gps for the night i have drove down over 20 times never had a problem but than again i take care not too

 

[gomomgo]

I unloaded everything. We used one of those hard plastic roof top carriers. I unloaded that and everything from inside the truck. The last thing you want is for someone to take your stuff on your way to a vacation. Not only that, they will break your window to get in. Now you have a broken window to deal with. I even take the change out of the center console. Take everyting out. If you cover it they may break your window just to see what you are covering. If you have a gps take that out and take the holder off the windshield too. If it leaves a little circle on your windshield wipe it off. They look for the circle, if you have one they think there is a gps somewhere in the car. It takes a little extra time and effort but it is better to be safe than sorry.

This was my first thought. I grew up in Philly and we were always mindful not to leave anything - not even a dirty tissue - in the car. I wanted to see what others did to make sure I wasn't over-the-top cautious.

I'll sleep better with our stuff in the room anyway!

 

[Chelley00]

We take all our suitcases in, but I pack an overnight bag so we don't have to go digging through suitcases to find things. I just feel better knowing it's inside. I wouldn't want to replace clothes etc for 6 people during vacation!

 

[Hannathy]

I put just what we need and bare minimum! into a tote bag and only take that in. We also take any electronics/very valuable stuff in. Leave the rest in the car. I have found if it is so dangerous a location I can't leave normal suitcases in the car I probably shouldn't be staying there overnight!

 

[buzz5985]

We take everything in, but I have a small bag packed with toiletries, PJ's, and change of clothes for the next day. Takes very little time to carry everything in.

Janis

 

[FINFAN]

we unload everything from car into hotel room too, we are from Chicago, you learn NOT to leave anything in the open. Yes, insurance, AAA are all going to help you in need, but why tempt fate? This also forces us to be mindful of how much cr*p we pack in the first place. Besides, WDW rooms are not exactly huge, that stuff has to go somewhere when you arrive. As the others stated we put immediate needs into a carry-on as a time saver. Big tip, if you are eating on the way ( and who doesn't ), make sure you have crumbs etc cleared out if you are the type to not use your car once you get there. We rented a car once and it sat in the ASMU lot for a week... ants found it and the candy wrappers left by the previous renter..THAT was a nightmare and a precious hours spent at the CCC. So, either do a quick check each day or have plenty of plastic bags in the car to put all food stuff, wrappers etc in so you can just dispose of them.