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

[HappyMommy2]

Please help me decide if this is a ridiculous idea!

DH is deployed overseas and I'd like to visit my parents for about a month soon--in time to catch a family wedding and other family events. Problem is, we live over 2000 miles away! We live off the beaten track (and so do they) so airfares are sky-high, even with flexible dates and routes. Also, I know no one who can watch my cat for so long, and I can't imagine boarding him at the cattery for a month. So kitty would have to fly with us (an expensive and difficult proposition, as I've discovered through much research).

I'm leaning toward driving. We have a reliable car, the kids (and cat) are reasonably good on trips (though we've never taken one this far with them), and I have relatives along the way so I'd probably need only a night or two in a motel. But I'm SCARED! Just me, alone on the road with the kids--it's not a fun thought. I can't imagine checking us all into some strange motel along the highway somewhere. And what if we broke down?

I really want to take this trip, and I am starting to get motivated for it, but I need to get some objective input on whether this is a reasonable idea or not. Is it something you might do if you were in my position?

Thanks for listening!
Janet

 

[Pop Daddy]

dont do it

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Wow, 2000 miles all alone is a big undertaking! Is it possible for someone to fly out to you and then help you make the drive, or the other way have a friend drive with you and then fly home? I have taken driving trips alone with me kids and dog to catch up with DH (he travels for work often), but never that far. What is inbetween? Could you stop at one of the realitives or someplace fun for a few days to rest up? How would the road conditions be, that far you're sure to hit some bad weather right now. I know if you want it badly enough you can do it but definatly have a plan B and even C just in case!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Sure, I would go for it but I would take ALOT of stops and only travel a set amount of miles a day, shoot for 500 miles a day.
Plan your route, pick your hotel to get too, one that allows pets.
Have a cell phone and only travel during the day.

Its doable just do alot of planning ahead of time.

 

[DebbieB]

I can't imagine driving 800 miles to Florida as the only driver. What if you or one of your kids get sick or you have car problems? You're alone with 2 small kids and a cat. Alot braver than I would be.

 

[AZKathy]

Nope, no way, no how. <a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_2_91.gif' border=0></a>I would not do it by myself with a cat let alone two very young children. Maybe if they were teenagers, but not at that age.<a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/12/12_7_3.gif' border=0></a>

 

[Antonia]

Could you travel by plane or by Amtrak for most of the way (somewhere ON the beaten path) that is affordable for you and the kids - and cat- and then rent a car for the last leg of the journey? I think if you could fly or take a train to within a few hundred miles of your family's home, then I would consider it. But one adult female with two kids and a cat for 2000 miles - that is pretty risky. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[TiggersPal]

I am not an alarmist... I am an adventurer. However... I agree, probably the best plan is to ask a friend or family member to accompany you during the trip IF you cannot find another way there cheaply. The cat, I'm sure would be no big deal, but having two small children - is a higher risk.

Amtrak would be better, but not sure if they take pets. Easy enough to find out.

Gosh, this is a tough one. Whatever you decide, take good care of yourself!

 

[mamajoan]

Hi, In 1994 I drove a uhaul truck from Illinois to California by myself.
It was after the death of my parents and I was bringing a truckload of memories to my home in California.

I had a cell phone and lots of time alone. It was lovely.
I was only a wee bit scared one time during the trip. That was when the Uhaul broke down and I had to call a mechanic to come out to I80. All went well and I traveled on.

I did a road trip from Ca. to IL. this summer.. with two teenagers. My ds was 15 and has his permit so he could help with driving.
It was actually a grand trip. I am planning on doing it again!

That being said.. taking a road trip with small children is a whole different undertaking. If you plan on making numerous stops you can do it. Is it possible to stop at the relatives so that you can sleep and the kids be awake..playing, so that you can get some driving in while they sleep? Just a suggestion. Or could someone drive with you? just another suggestion.
Be smart, Be aware, Be secure.... and prepare for Murphy's law.. cause if it may happen... it will happen!

I was a Marine wife for 12 years.. you have to have an independent spirit to live with the Marine Corp

Best wishes for a safe trip!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Could you find a friend who might drive with you? Or a college student who would share the drive? I think I'd want another adult on the trip.

I drove from Houston TX to Montgomery AL once. It wasn't that far that I couldn't do it in one trip. I had four cats with me (we were moving and my husband had already started his new job). I had a flat tire. The cats got hot in the car, one got out of her carrier on the interstate and almost got run over.

A good samaritan helped me fix my tire and I was on my way. When I finally arrived about 1.5 hours late (my husband was getting nervous), I told him that I was moving back to Houston and he could stuff this new job. Then I broke down into tears and told him what happened. Of course, we stayed in AL for about two years before he got another promotion. This time he didn't go on ahead and leave me to close up, pack up and sell the house. We promised each other we would never do that again.

This was before cell phones by the way. When we moved to Montana, we got a cell phone after a few years. Only they didn't have any service for most of the state, so it didn't do any good. We got AAA road service, but they didn't have service either for most of the state.

 

[Sleepy]

As a fellow military spouse whos hubby is also on deployment, please take my advice.....DON'T DO IT!!!!!! You are asking for trouble. When my father retired from the AF, we moved from DC to Washington state. It took us a week to get there and we had a cat with us too. My brother and I were 7 and 8 years old, so that made it easier on my parents, but the trip was miserable for us. Your kids will be so sick of riding in the car and you will tire of hearing them whine. We were lucky that the car did not die, but can you imagine what it would be like to be alone and have a major problem? With a cat and children? I am gutsy but not even I would go on that trip alone. I would not even want to do it with my husband. I did it as the kid on 2 different occasions.....we eventually moved to SC years later. If you can't fly, I would not go, but it's your decision. We have enough headaches being left behind during a deployment....don't ask for more.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>I think if you plan ahead, and break your trip into four parts, you can do it. Also, get a cell phone if you don't have one already.

I've made several trips that are 800 miles or so non-stop (12 hours), ever since the kids were small, and I wouldn't hesitate to go on a 2000. But you need to be smart about it - how long are you going to be with your parents? Is it worth the 4-day drive to visit & go back? Also, drive during the day, not nighttime, just to be safer.

However, if you're uncomfortable about driving the distance by yourself, see if someone will drive with you (maybe one of your parents can fly out & drive with you?).

Good luck on whatever decision you make.


*****

I realize that I'm in the minority here, and the others might have better advice for you.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Originally posted by Antonia
Could you travel by plane or by Amtrak for most of the way (somewhere ON the beaten path) that is affordable for you and the kids - and cat- and then rent a car for the last leg of the journey? I think if you could fly or take a train to within a few hundred miles of your family's home, then I would consider it. But one adult female with two kids and a cat for 2000 miles - that is pretty risky. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I agree with this advice.

 

[letfuller]

with my 4 and 7 year old by myself. After looking at the amount of time in the vehicle, having to stay in motels, etc... I opted that it was too dangerous. Too many things could go wrong and with my young kids, just too scary for me to put them in that situation. Ultimately, you would probably do just fine and make it to your destination. But then there are all of those news stories that remind me there are crazy people out there and you would be an easy target. I think of the girl from North Dakota, the little girl still missing from Minnesota (Hibbing, I think). I, personally chose not to take my road trip, that is not to say you shouldn't.

Could a friend take the trip with you and fly back? Could one of your parents fly and drive with you?


I echo others: don't risk it. Too many unplanned things could go wrong. But then I tend to think of all the things that can go wrong. I make those mountains out of molehills really well.


Linda

 

[poohandwendy]

I would do it. But I would definitely split it up into a 4 day adventure. That is only if I had an extremely reliable car, a portable DVD player/TV, a cel phone and took major interstates (no scenic routes). It will be a hard trip, but I think I would do it. I would make it an adventure for the kids with many stops! How does your DH and family feel about it? The furthest I went with my kids (when they were younger, sans DH) was 1200, miles one way. It was long, but fun.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[FreshTressa]

I'd do it.

BUT, I would increase my cell phone so I could call from anywhere just in case and I would book all of my hotels ahead of time and have directions. I would also plan my meal stops ahead of time.

Nothing worse than driving around lost trying to make a decision with tired/hungry kids!

 

[AirForceRocks]

I would do it too. But I would make all of my reservations ahead of time, preferably at national chains (you can get some really good prices on the internet) with interior corridors.

I drove 900 miles once with a 4 yo and a 2 yo, with no TV and no cell phone. But if you have those available, it would be HUGE help. The cell phone is a must.

 

[Cindy B]

I would do it as well. As long as you preplan the hotel, (look and research and book ahead of time) it wouldn't be too bad.

I've done many trips with my kids, without TV and other things in the car.

How confident are you? That is the big question.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

If you do go on this trip, join AAA. They will map out your entire trip. They can help if your car breaks down. Learn how to change a tire by yourself and know where your spare tire is located. Buy an inexpensive VCR/DVD player for your children. Most importantly get a mobile phone.

Lori

 

[Pop Daddy]

if you break down your at the whim of any nut driving along the highway, dont go