Please help settle a debate b/w dh and I . . .

[RadioFanatic]

For thanksgiving, dh and I are going to Paris. The thing is, we live in Albany, NY and are flying out of JFK. Thus, we have to figure out a way to get there.

I want to just drive there and park; however dh does not b/c he is afraid we'll be too tired when we get back. I don't think so as we leave Paris at 1 pm and get to JFK at 3 pm on Sunday. So even with the time difference I don't think it will be a problem. And that way it will only take us three hours each way.

Dh wants to take Amtrak into Penn, take the subway to Grand Central and then take the subway or shuttle or whatever it is from Grand Central to JFK. I don't b/c I looked at amtrak tix which looks to be about $250 for two to Penn (which takes about 2 and 1/2 hours) plus the additional time and expense to get from Penn to JFK.

We can't do any overnights at JFK as we have to be at work the next day.

Another option is a shuttle from our airport to JFK - it would be about $250 total round trip but would take 4 hours just on the shuttle and with the times, we would be doing quite a bit of waiting at the airport.

So, anyone here been in a similar situation? Any recommendations or thoughts? Thanks!

 

[aynt79]

I would drive. That way, I'm (mostly) in control of what times I would want to leave and whatnot. If DH thinks he would be too tired to drive, he would probably be too tired to deal with a shuttle, then subway, then train just to get home. I don't know how much luggage you will have, that would be a big factor on whether or not I wanted to drag it around various modes of tranportation.

Chances are one or both of you will take a nap on the flight anyways. If you really want to drive, promise DH that you will fine and will do the driving.

 

[shortbun]

I'd drive or have someone drive me. Got any friends who would volunteer?

 

[diznygirl]

DH's option sounds more tiring!!!

I'd drive.

 

[Binkrin]

The train option isn't that bad, but I always hated taking my suitcase on the subway when I lived in the city.

If it was me, I would probably drive.

Whatever you decide, have a great time!!

 

[LBAK]

You could drive. They have an Avistar long term parking right ouside the airport and it's only about $99 for a week and there's always a $10 coupon on the net. A bus takes you to the terminal from there, it takes about 15 minutes. I think it's cheaper then long term parking in the airport.

 

[lulugirl]

I would drive.
Paris, ahhhhhh I'm envious!
Have a wonderful trip!

 

[Saffron]

I would definitely drive.

You have: hotel to airport, airport to airport, airport to car, car to home.

Or you have: hotel to airport, airport to airport, airport shuttle, shuttle to subway, subway to train, train to car, car to home.

The second way sounds way more tiring and stressful. Even though no one would be driving, you'd have to be switching transportation, layovers between shuttles, trains, subways etc or hurrying to catch whatever.

Have a great trip no matter you decide.

 

[Micca]

Drive and if the driver is too fatigued, you can take turns at the wheel. Gee, Paris for a long weekend. Sucks to be you

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I would drive just because of the "unknowns"...snow, weather issues, who knows.

Going to Paris? That is something that is only in my dreams...have fun!

 

[Keli]

No question, driving seems like the less tiring choice to me. Plus with two drivers I think you'll be doing fine.

 

[RadioFanatic]

thanks for all of the thoughts and good wishes about the trip - it's for our anniversary. I'm excited about it.

Any other opinions? Keep them coming!

 

[Honu]

I'd take a sedan or cab to and from JFK/Penn Station and the train for the NYC/Albany part.

Have a fabulous time.

 

[MareQ]

Drive.... If he's concerned about Jet lag that hits you when you get to Paris - not on the way back.

 

[Serena]

I'm going with the flow, I'd be driving. All the rest sounds way too stressful to me. If you both drive it shouldn't be too bad.

 

[MareQ]

I'd take a sedan or cab to Penn Station and the train from there.

Have a fabulous time.

Makes no sense - Albany is approx 2.5 hours away from NYC. If one were going to pay for a cab/sedan you may as well pay for it to take you the entire trip.

 

[Honu]

Makes no sense - Albany is approx 2.5 hours away from NYC. If one were going to pay for a cab/sedan you may as well pay for it to take you the entire trip.

I just edited it. I'd do the train for the NYC/Albany part and take a car from the Penn Station/JFK part.

 

[Tinks]

I would drive or do the shuttle option. Your DH's option seems, ummm, complicated. Or just long.

Have a wonderful trip! DH and I did a long weekend to Paris back before child #2. It was truly one of the best things we ever did! We loved it! Someday we'll make it back. *sigh*