What are the $$ parameters?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kirby
We are also on a tight budget.
Given all you have shared with us, it might be helpful to know what the budget constraints are at this point.
Mark
Actually, I meant the whole budget
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kirby
I would like to spend less than $100 per night
Probably doable -- what is the rest of the budget?
Mark
route from Chicago to Columbus?
Hi Gang,
During my 2 months of traveling this summer, I'll be going from the Chicago area to Hilliard, which is a next to Columbus, Ohio.
I'm looking at different routes and don't know which is the best to take. I like to take back roads sometimes, but I'll get better millage and probably make better time on the Interstates.
By the time I get to Chicago I will have driven probably 8000 miles. So, the quickest route is probably what I'll be looking for.
Thanks-
Kirby
Shorter + Slower = Better Mileage
In point of fact, the Interstates often save time rather than miles or gas. Most cars get there best mileage when going around 35 mph or so and it just drops off as you go faster. So if you can (or want to) spend the time, you will save gas by taking highways with lower speed limits, as long as there isn't a lot of stop and go driving involved. Fortunately, between Chicago and Columbus you have a great alternative to the Interstate. The most direct all-Interstate route is I-65 down to Indianapolis and then I-70 over to Columbus. That route is right around 350 miles. If instead you take US-30 to Fort Wayne and then US-27/US-33 to Columbus, it's only 310 miles. There's a couple of gallons saved right there and it shouldn't cost you but 15 minutes to half an hour in time. I have driven that stretch of US-30, and as I recall it is 4 lane divided highway mostly through farmland, and US-33 is freeway quality quite a ways to the west of Columbus, so for my money, that's the way I'd go.
AZBuck
Just a thought on packing
BTW, excellent post, Nachomama! I hope you'll continue to hang around and share your great ideas!
Here's what we do about clothes packing. A separate duffle-bag for each person with their clothes. Another bag for dirty laundry. And then a small gym bag with our toiletries/my makeup, and a bit of extra room. Before checking into our room, we pack the small gym back from our big duffle bags putting in our clothes for the next day. It's so much easier taking the one small bag up to the room than the two bigger duffle bags. Especially if you're taking other things up with you like a laptop, reading materials or other entertainment items, etc.
Well, this is a family-friendly forum...
...so glad you didn't drop an F-bomb or two. I can relate and I don't even have to be all that mad sometimes. ;)
Quote:
But, I noticed some areas, like Montana or New Mexico/Arizona- where I can go hundreds of miles without a place to stop.
I think you'll find that there are a lot more places to stop for meals, fuel, and lodging in the West than you think there are. I've done my share of driving throughout the West, including New Mexico and Arizona and I've taken backroads, like mountain roads, whenever possible. I don't believe I've ever gone more than about 40-50 miles without finding restaurants, fuel stations with convenience stores, etc. And even stretches that long are rare. 10-20 miles are probably more typical.
I'm currently planning another trip through Washington-Idaho-Montana-South Dakota-Wyoming and I'm avoiding interstates, using several scenic byways out in the boonies, etc. I'm probably going into the less populated areas of some of those states, particularly Montana, and I don't think I have any stretches of more than about 40-50 miles without amenities anywhere along my route.
I think the same can be said for most of the areas in the West. In fact, stretches where there are no road services for over 40-50 miles are rare enough that there are usually signs warning you of that so you can be aware to gas up, etc. before continuing down those roads.
I think you sound like a great mother who is doing her best to have a wonderful trip with your son while, at the same time, being careful to meet his needs. Kudos for that. But I do think that you have a misconception at how spread out services are.
I hope this gives you a bit of piece of mind as you continue your planning.
Children's & Science museum discounts
Hello again! I just found out something really neat that you might like. I took my kids to the Exploreum in Mobile the other day and they have a partnership plan with a whole bunch of other children's and science museums all over the country. You basically sign up for an annual family pass for $100 and then you can get free/discounted admission to any of the partner museums on their list. Here's the link.
This is going to save me a lot of planning time (and hopefully some money) this summer!
I also have some experience dealing with the gluten issue, my mom has celiac sprue and she is on a very strict gluten free diet. For a long time she only ate cheese and nacho chips! I've noticed that there are a lot more gluten-free foods at Wal-mart and Publix in our area lately. I used to have to shop exclusively at health food stores when she comes to visit which was a giant pain. Of course, you're still going to have to do most of your meals out of the cooler, but it may be easier than you think to find gluten free.
While I'm not vegetarian, I like to find farmer's markets along the way when I travel, they tend to be cheaper and the produce is always better and I've had good luck with this site.
Hope that helps!
