Should I drive 2000 miles by myself with my 4yo, 2yo, and cat? *UPDATE PG. 3*

[my3kids]

I am a terrified driver and a big chicken in general, but yes, I would do it, and I have done it! Just this summer I decided to see America and put my kids in the back seat and off we went. I wouldn't trade our month on the road for anything and would do it again in a heartbeat. It was an amazing adventure.

Interestingly, everyone also tried to discourage me. My sister insisted that she come to help with the driving. Others thought I'd turn around before I hit the Mississippi River. I went against all that, and drove alone coast to coast and back. Close to 10,000 miles and 4 weeks later I returned home, more proud and confident than I'd ever been.

It was a wonderful trip, and even now when I get on our little tiny highway through town, I get the urge to just keep on going and start a new adventure.

 

[browneyes]

I hope if you do it, your kids travel better than mine do. When my ds was that age, driving 100 miles was rough.

 

[peg2001]

If it were ME, I'd drive to the nearest main city and fly to the main city nearest your destination, rent a car, and drive the rest. I would find other arrangements for the cat, like a pet sitter coming in every few days to refresh the food and water and clean the catbox. This would be much less stressful for the cat than traveling by car or air.

Best of luck in whatever you decide.

Peggy

 

[mickeyboat]

Don't do it.

4 and 2 is too young to be strapped into car seats for 4 days 8 hours a day. There are too many things that could go wrong. A two year old will not be entertained by a DVD player for long. What if you break down? What if you get lost?

Can you afford for your mother or father to fly out one way and drive with you? Please look into other alternatives suggested here. Maybe the airline offers a good child or infant fare.

Denae

 

[kozmo]

No way!!Its just not "safe" business in my book,to many things could go wrong!You say ,you have relatives along the way,would one of them be willing to drive with you????Going alone,you could be considered a target or easy mark>

 

[jsmith]

Another spouse of a deployed soldier weighs in-If it is the only solution I would do it but explore other options first.
1. don't take the cat-they are independant creatures and left with plenty of food and access to water would need some to check on her about once a week-my SIL and both have cats and usually just get someone to check once in a while when we are gone-greater risk that she will run a way or get lost or hurt traveling and will make the trip tougher.

2. I agree with the poster that said drive to a major airport and then fly-if you are 8 hours or less from a major air port you should be able to get reasonable fairs to another major airport-and someone from your family might be willing to pick you up at your destination so you did not have to rent a car and drive by yourself with the children.

3. If you are going to do it-if you car insurance is USAA check to see if you have Roadside assist-much like triple A but cheaper and a part of many USAA Policies.

4. Set reasonable distance goals and make reservations ahead of time. Don't push your self or the children too hard or you will be miserable the entire time. To keep costs down as you travel and to be a little more secure, look into lodging on military installations rather than on the economy. Cheaper and easier for you to get assistance if you need it.

5. Check with your FRG, Family Support Center or other resources to see what you can get in the way of assistance-They may be able to help or put you in touch with people who can

Good Luck!

 

[Kallison]

I wouldn't do it but I'm a giant wuss. There is an invisible force field that keeps me in my town, I hardly ever leave it.

 

[HappyMommy2]

Wow, I can't thank you all enough for your great responses. You gave me a lot of new things to think about. I am going to have to give this a lot more thought. I am fairly confident and I try to be adventuresome but I don't want to be foolhardy!

Just some notes as I continue to "think out loud": jsmith, thanks for suggesting staying at millitary installations--WHY had I not thought of that?? They rarely allow pets but if I end up not taking the cat that would work out great. Also, if I do drive we will definitely spend two or three days at my relatives' house along the way, for a nice break.

Flying does seem like the better option if I can somehow find a decent fare. As many of you suggested, I'm going to widen my "airport radius" as I search for better airfares this evening. I just can't believe that $600 per person for the 3 of us (or $500 on Hotwire) plus $200 for the cat is the best I can do. I'm also going to check on the possibility of having one of my parents fly as far as my relatives' house and then drive with me the rest of the way, and then have someone do the reverse on my return trip.

Wish I could reply to everyone's comments. I did read and carefully consider each one, though! Thank you so much. Any additional input is very welcome!

Janet

 

[my3kids]

Can't you take a cat along as your carry on luggage....a small carrier that would fit under the seat in front of you at no charge?

I am used to having to go pretty far to an airport for a resonable fare. My nearest airport was over $1000 to Atlanta. By driving an extra 1.5 hours, the fare was $102.

 

[Disneyglobegirl]

I was in a similar situation over Thanksgiving - We live about 1000 miles from my family and we were planning a trip back for Thanksgiving - well something came up with DH's work and he had to stay overseas until the day before Thanksgiving so it was either cancel the trip , get plane tickets or drive. It was me, 2 kids (7 & 9) and the dog. We ended up buying my dad a planeticket - he flew down and then drove back with us - it worked out very well - DH ended up flying to where we were and then we all drove back together - If someone can fly back to help you with the drive look into getting a round trip ticket even if they do not use the return flight - it is much cheaper then a one way. Also get a DVD/VCR Tv for the drive - we have been traveling with the kids this way since they were babies and it is so worth it!! I also pack lots of extras for the kids that they do not know about and they get a "Surprise" through out the trip - new movie, new colorbook/crayons etc. You may want to check out www.biddingfortravel.com - this site tells you how to bid on Priceline for great prices on hotels and flights.

Be safe!

 

[HappyMommy2]

Here's an update, since you were all so helpful and concerned for our well-being

I bought plane tickets! Spent 5 hours online researching EVERYTHING last night (and praying for wisdom!) after the kids went to bed, and in the end I decided to shorten our trip to 3 weeks instead of 5, leave the cat at home (he can handle 3 weeks with our neighborhood pet-sitter coming over every day to give him some attention), and fly. We will have to drive 3.5 hours to the airport, but the fares at that airport were HALF what they were from our local airport, so it's well worth the drive!

Thank you again for all the help. I imagine everything would have been okay if we had driven the 4000 mile round-trip, but I think I'll save that kind of adventure for when my boys are a little older!

Janet

 

[Pop Daddy]

where tired of you now.

 

[mickeyboat]

I'm glad to hear that. I think those arrangements are a great compromise for you. Have a wonderful time.

Denae

 

[Mishetta]

Pop Daddy was giving you great advice in a very short post! I held back from responding to your thread before but now that you've decided to fly.....I'm soooooo happy for you.

We took our first big trip from MI to FL last month with our 2 y/o & 8 y/o. While our oldest son did great, it was a complete nightmare traveling with the 2 y/o. As someone posted, the TV or DVD player does not hold their attention for long & they just don't understand why they are strapped to their car seat for so long. He did a lot of screaming & my ears will never be the same!!

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[nativetxn]

I think flying will be easier on everyone. Have a wonderful trip!