Last minute trip! going to DC!

[DisneyFairytale]

..and Im not kidding! I can hardly believe it.

I tend to have always been a play it safe, always behave and plan ahead type of girl and tried to make it my new years resolution to just pack and go with some of my every day decisions. My dear boyfriend(hopefully fiance at some point soon), suggested to drop everything and with his sister drive down to DC-so that's what we're doing. It's going the 3 of us adults, no children. We've both done long road trips but up to 7-8 hours not a full 24 hour trip.

We're going to share the costs of gas, hotel and food which will make it a more affordable trip, and we're taking my car which will be great on gas. My question to you, other than add coverage on the car, and set up health insurance-what other things do I need to do?

1)Any advice on what to pack for the trip as far as food and snacks are concerned?

2) Best route to drive down on?

Any other advice or suggestions?

 

[Ted in Halifax]

Where are you driving from?

We pack water ... but buy groceries after crossing the boarder. That way no issue with fruit., plus our Dollar is ok!

I am assuming you prebook your rooms. There are deals out there for example Hilton on weekends ... or use Hotwire/priceline.

I use gasbuddy to find what states and areas have the cheapest gas. For example, I leave NS with enough gas to get to Moncton NB (plus emergency), added enough to get to Houlton Maine, then on and on ... if Gas is cheapest in one state, I fill up before leaving!

Basically, cost wise, you are looking for cheap, hotel, gas and food. Now ... are there activities you want to do in DC?

Alcohol? If you drink, you can buy when you cross the border to save (on the Canadian side heading down), and if you pass a state like New Hampshire.

Ted

 

[DisneyFairytale]

We are driving from Calgary-Alta. It didnt even cross my mind, that they may not be happy with certain food items when crossing. Are there things that are absolutely a no go as far as foods?

 

[Ted in Halifax]

Here's a good link on what is permitted

see

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/de...-bringing-food-into-the-u.s.-for-personal-use

 

[mbb]

Have fun!!!

DC is one of our favourite cities
Walk the NAtional Mall, take pictures trying to "push" over the monument, pick one of the Smithsonian museums, just enjoy!!!

 

[DisneyFairytale]

Oh wonderful! thank you so much for the link. Silly question(REALLY feel stupid asking this), but the boarder is open around the clock right? Are there any must see stops that we should make along the way?

 

[lady_bug_888]

NO, not all border crossings are open 24 hrs! There are two border crossing in Alberta, the one by waterton lakes prov. park has set hours and closes in the evening. Learned the hard way on that one.

That said, I have driven to the east coast three times. My favourite route to take is to drive to Winnipeg and then cross the border there. The Trans Canada is a pretty good highway to travel. If you go straight to Montana and take the #2 you go through a lot of mountains (which can be pretty) but I find it takes longer and the trip drags on and on.

Both ways are good though so whatever you decide, have a fun trip!