Los Angeles to D.C. - First Time, Needs Tips/Input

Hi everyone.

I'll be driving my car by myself cross-country from LA to D.C. the first Monday in March. I have been doing a lot of research to figure out the costs/best routes/best places to stay. This is not exactly a pleasure trip (heading home to care for an ill parent), but I do have a bit of time (about 5 days) to make this trip and not have to go 12 hours a day, so if I can see a bit of the country in the process, at least it won't be a completely sad experience.

I'd like to hear input anyone has on this trip: most economical, most safe, cleanest, most fun route/options/suggestions that anyone can offer.

I've considered taking the I-10 > I-15 > I-40. I understand I'll hit a bit of Northern Texas (which apparently one should avoid?? No idea). I looked at places to stay in Amarillo, but I didn't find much good reviews in any of the places (except maybe Drury Inn but it's a bit costly). I think if I stay on the planned route, I could make it across with nearly $390 in gas, one way.

Also, the weather being what's it's been with the crazy storms, I'd like to avoid snow/etc. if possible. Though I love snow, I'd hate to be stranded in it in the middle of nowhere.

I have a compact car that only has 17.5 thousand miles on it. I'll be sure to change the oil and check the tires before I get on the road. I also have AAA and towing options.

That's about how far I've gotten. If you have any input on this, please share!

Thanks!

Amarillo is good quick food stopover but I would avoid night stop if possible. Albuquerque or Oklahoma City might be better option, if you can work your driving schedule.

March should be OK but weather can change in 10 minutes so it's last minute decision.

Cheers,

Hello and welcome to RTA !

There should be no need to pre-book accomodation so I would recommend checking the weather forecasts and road conditions before you depart. All things being OK I would be tempted in going up I15 all the way to I70, one of the [probably thee] most scenic Interstates of them all.

You should have quite a relaxed trip but you will be on the road for 9-10 hours a day to complete the journey in 5 days, despite what a mapping program might tell you. They do not allow for the need to rest, eat, fill with gas or account for posiible construction and congestion delays. Figure on 550 -600 miles to take 10 hours with said breaks and you won't go far wrong. Treat the journey as a marathon and not a sprint and don't get tempted to push to hard at the beginning of your journey or fatigue could set in for the second half.

Have a safe trip.

I've spent the night in Amarillo a couple times and had no issues. It's no worse than other cities its size. You don't need a 3 star hotel just to crash for the night. I stayed at the motel at the Big Texan once and at a Motel 6 the other time. Just check the room before committing, if they don't want to let you, move on to another place. If the neighborhood looks sketchy, it probably is, move on. There are plenty of hotels right at Interstate exits in small towns, they are usually safe and relatively inexpensive.

If you have a smartphone, download the hotels.com app for researching on the fly.

You will need every one of your five days in order to complete this trip at a relaxed, but workmanlike, pace. And pace is the operative word here. You will need to pace yourself so that you're not tempted to either dawdle thinking you have more time than you do, or rush at first and tire yourself out for the rest of the drive. 550 miles per day is a good amount to try to cover. A bit less some days or a bit more on others, but never over 600 (that would be illegal if you were a professional driver) or under 500.

Also, the only two workable routes are I-40 to Knoxville TN then I-81 north to I-66 into the DC area, or I-15 up to I-70 the rest of the way to I-270 into DC. The I-40 route is a bit flatter, less prone (but not immune) to bad weather, and more scenic on the eastern end. The I-70 route is mountainous in the west, particularly Colorado, could easily see significant snow in March, and is more scenic on the western end. Both routes are all Interstate meaning that grades and curves will be limited, and there will always be a passing lane.

If you take I-40, then you'll want to plan on being at least in the vicinity of the following towns for your overnight stops: Holbrook AZ, Shamrock TX, Little Rock AR, and Morristown TN. If you take I-70, then you your nightly targets would be roughly: Richfield UT, Limon CO, Concordia MO, and Dayton OH. No matter which way you go and even (especially) if you're trying to keep up a steady daily pace, plan on taking a few short breaks from behind the wheel each day.

AZBuck

Thanks, everyone! This is all very helpful.

I want to take the northern route, but I think with the weather being so unpredictable, I'll likely not risk getting stranded by myself and just go the AZ/NM/TX/OK/TN/W. VA route up to D.C. If I could help it, I wouldn't stop at all - except for scenery - but I know that's not even possible. I would like to stop in Nashville, though, if that can be done without losing too much time on this trip? Or is it even worth it?

I didn't realize over 600 miles a day is illegal for professional drivers. I know when I've driven to SF, it's nearly 400 miles and I haven't had a problem driving it under 5 hours with 1 stop - 2 tops. That route is also fairly flat, but I've never minded - I suppose because I'm familiar with it. Going through the above states, however, is a whole other challenge.

As far as cell phones, does anyone know if the signal cuts out for extended periods of time in any of the states above? This is a worry of mine.

Also, is it safe for a female to travel this road alone? Because everyone is scaring me with their stories of "killers on the road". I'm not planning on picking up a hitchhiker, but I'd also like to know what I'm up against. And since safety is an issue, I wouldn't just stay in any hotel/motel on the road. So if you have suggestions as to where one should stay on this route, I'd appreciate you sharing!

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Originally Posted by Holly-Day

Also, is it safe for a female to travel this road alone? Because everyone is scaring me with their stories of "killers on the road". I'm not planning on picking up a hitchhiker, but I'd also like to know what I'm up against. And since safety is an issue, I wouldn't just stay in any hotel/motel on the road. So if you have suggestions as to where one should stay on this route, I'd appreciate you sharing!

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It's probably a lot safer than the actual travelling on the road... going by the number of people killed each year in motor vehicle accidents.

As a solo, senior female traveller, here is how I make sure I stay safe. If you do not feel comfortable in the area, or even at reception, move on. I don't mean, if you don't particularly like the receptionist, I mean if you really feel threatened, don't stay. Always ask to see the room before you commit. If that permission is not given, move on. When checking the room, don't just check for the obvious, make sure the smoke alarm has not been disabled (a long umbrella comes in handy here) and make sure that the room has a lock which cannot be unlocked from the outside, such as the chain lock.

If all that is OK, there should be no reason why you will not be safe in either a large chain hotel or an old small roadside motel.... usually owned and run by immigrants.

Along the road, just make sure that you stop at rest areas, where there are always lots of others around. If possible, I do not travel before dawn or after sunset. Of course, always lock your car, keep a firm hold on your bag, even when washing hands in the bathroom, etc. In restaurants don't hang your bag on the chair, nor put it on the floor. Best to keep it on your lap.

You will find that most whom you meet will be very friendly. Have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Lifey

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I know when I've driven to SF, it's nearly 400 miles and I haven't had a problem driving it under 5 hours with 1 stop - 2 tops.

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As Lifey mentioned, it's far safer than actually being on the road especially when travelling at high speeds !

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Originally Posted by Holly-Day

I know when I've driven to SF, it's nearly 400 miles and I haven't had a problem driving it under 5 hours with 1 stop - 2 tops. That route is also fairly flat, but I've never minded - I suppose because I'm familiar with it. Going through the above states, however, is a whole other challenge.

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I can tell you this, if you actual drove 400 miles in under 5 hours, and made even one stop, you had to be traveling well above 100 mph for a significant portion of your trip. Even traveling nonstop, you would have to be average more than 80 mph, which means you had to be going more than 90 for significant sections of your drive.

I can also tell you that over a full day on the road there is no way you will come close to averaging 80 mph, and if you are attempting to drive at those kinds of speeds cross country, you're all but assuring yourself that you'll be spending time talking to state troopers - who will typically demand payment on the spot for out of state drivers.

Over a full day on the road, 60 mph is about the top end of how fast you can expect to travel as an average speed, once you factor in basic minimum stops for food, fuel, restrooms. That requires traveling at, or a bit above, the speed limit on interstates to even maintain that average. That's why 600 miles works out to 10+ hours on the road.

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As far as cell phones, does anyone know if the signal cuts out for extended periods of time in any of the states above? This is a worry of mine.

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There will be sections of highway where you won't have a signal. Exactly where, and for how long will depend on your phone and your provider. Of course, it is always good to remember that people traveled cross country for decades before the cell phone was even invented. If you are on interstate highways, you will never go more than a few minutes without seeing other cars and other people.

We have done both routes to get from SoCal (San Diego area) to the East coast. Five days is absolute minimum and that's with no sight=seeing outside of what you can see through the windshield. Our stops were slightly different because of our location further south than LA, and our destination further north than DC, but the advice given above is good.

Richfield UT has a number of good choices for motels, and several good places for dinner. Our favorite place to stay there has been the Quality Inn. In Dayton, we actually have stayed in Springfield at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Springfield (close to Dayton but not the same) and the Broad Street Inn in Fairborn (closer to Dayton, but a bit off I-70). Both were decent, but I'd feel safer at the Comfort Inn as a single.

I pack a small vial of hand sanitizer in my purse. That helps for those rest areas that don't have hand soap or a decent amount of paper towels for hand washing. Of course, I always carry a pack of tissue in my purse too -- rest areas are notorious for "no TP!"


Donna

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There will be sections of highway where you won't have a signal. Exactly where, and for how long will depend on your phone and your provider.

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The only stretch without service that readily comes to mind is on I-70 in Utah between Salina and Green River - 108 miles without ANY services or cell coverage. The first few miles out of each town has cell service, and there's about a 3 mile stretch right in the middle with weak cell service. No gas or rest areas with bathrooms.

If you take I-40, etc. you should have near-continuous coverage all the way.

Hi again, everyone!

Sorry for my delay in responding. The day of the move is coming up pretty quickly and there's SO MUCH TO DO: from getting my oil changed, tires rotated, brakes checked, mail forwarded, visiting AAA for their TripTik and getting a route/maps, looking up hotels, etc...it's a lot of stress.

Anyway, I've decided I'll be taking the I-40 route through AZ/NM/TX/OK/TN/W.VA. I don't want to face any bad weather situations on the road, as I'm traveling alone. It would seem that Flagstaff is not a bad place to stay the first night but reading all your posts, I'm concerned that it seems:

1) I can't drive faster than 60mph
2) It's going to take a minimum of 5 days to get across (it's a big country, I know!)
3) And state troopers...dear Lord.

I think my drive up to SF, I was driving 85-ish most of the way. When I drive alone, it takes less time because I don't need to stop as often as when with a companion. And, I can eat in the car while driving when alone. I have no idea what the I-40 looks like but I'm not planning on stopping too many places - maybe just a few sight-seeing bits on the road. If I wasn't driving alone, I wouldn't be worried about stopping here/there and driving later into the evening - but as I am alone, I'll be making less of those stops.

Since I've never been to any of the states I'll be passing through, would anyone recommend any specific must-see sites? Specifically, in Flagstaff, AZ (been to the Grand Canyon already); Albuquerque, NM; Gallup, NM; Amarillo, TX; Oklahoma City, OK; Memphis, TN (Graceland - worth it?); Nashville, TN (not a country fan, but any sites?); and West VA I suppose. The rest, I'm familiar with.

Also, what service provider have any of you found to have the best reception cross-country? I'm going to get a prepaid back-up phone from Walmart (about $15) for emergency calls in case my provider doesn't do its job on the road. However, I AM in the market for switching providers because I'm just about sick of Sprint "updating towers" for the past 2+ years which = crap service for the consumer.

Also, what hotel chains would you recommend? I was looking at Courtyard Marriott or Best Western.

Any input is welcome.

I'm freaking out about this trip but I'd really like it to be safe and enjoyable, if a bit rushed.

Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Holly-Day

1) I can't drive faster than 60mph
2) It's going to take a minimum of 5 days to get across (it's a big country, I know!)
3) And state troopers...dear Lord.

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No one anywhere said you can't drive faster than 60mph. What was said is that if you driving at or even slightly above the speed limit, (ie 75-80 mph) you will average 60 mph over the course of the day, once you factor in the most basic, minimum stops for things like fuel and food, and slowdowns for things like traffic.

Yes, it will take you 5 days to make this trip safely, and yes, if you are planning to drive 85 mph or more, you should certainly plan to spend some time getting to know state troopers.

And really, being that you are driving by yourself, you should actually be stopping more often, to give yourself a break from the road and stay focused. This is true for any trip, but when you are driving by yourself, you don't have anyone else to help keep you engaged, and that makes it that much easier to drift off or suffer highway hypnosis. These don't have to be major stops, but even stopping and walking outside of the car even for a few minutes makes a big difference. Here are some of the many places along the way that would work very well for your trip. RTA's map center can also help you find things that would be "must see" for you, based on your interest.

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Anyway, I've decided I'll be taking the I-40 route through AZ/NM/TX/OK/TN/W.VA. I don't want to face any bad weather situations on the road, as I'm traveling alone. -

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As was stated before, taking I-40 isn't going to be a sure fire way to avoid bad weather. If you really are concerned about the weather, you should be keeping your options as open as possible, and keeping an eye on the forecast. It's too early to say what will happen next week yet, but there are certainly cases where I-40 sees bad weather, that could actually be avoided by going farther north.

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Originally Posted by Holly-Day

I'd really like it to be safe and enjoyable.

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Obviously, we share your desire and aim to help make not only your trip but every trip discussed here meet those criteria. Read back through all the advice you've gotten so far and you'll see (we hope!) that every bit of it was directed towards that end. And each and every bit of it had the same basic premise in mind: This is a long-haul drive that needs to be treated as the work it is. You need to keep a steady pace and take two or three 'time-outs' during each day to take a break from the otherwise unending monotony of being behind the wheel for hour after hour, day after day. Specifically, I'd refer you to my previous answer where I laid out for you towns that should be your target for each day, and gave you a link to restful stops just off the highway that won't slow you down too much. Others have advised you and tried to allay your safety fears. This trip will largely be what you make of it. Plan as best you can, and then enjoy the adventure!

AZBuck

You should not have any significant gaps in cell coverage all the way across with any major provider, as long as you are within 5 miles or so of a numbered Interstate highway. If you insist on buying a backup, get one from a company that uses the Verizon network.

Any of the hotel chains should be fine for a quick overnight stay, there's nothing that would make me recommend one over another unless you are a member of an affinity program. All the chains have budget, midrange, and high end properties. I usually stay at hotels right at Interstate exits in smaller towns or in the suburbs of big cities, and I'm happy with budget range. If you are going to stay around a bigger city, if possible stay on the eastern side so you don't have to fight the morning rush on your way out.

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Originally Posted by Holly-Day

Since I've never been to any of the states I'll be passing through, would anyone recommend any specific must-see sites?….Albuquerque?….

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Here’s an older post with links to a bunch of stuff in Albuquerque, Grants, and Santa Rosa, including some places to eat.

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Originally Posted by Holly-Day

I'm freaking out about this trip but I'd really like it to be safe and enjoyable, if a bit rushed.

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Getting ready for a trip like this can be hectic, but once you get out on the road it’ll be fine. :-)

A quick and cheap stop in Albuquerque would be the Rio Grande Nature State Park. There's a short hike along the Rio Grande, which is a really dirty river at that point. Another place for a few hours, if you're interested, is the National Nuclear Museum. Lots of history and the science of nuclear energy there. It's not far off of I-40.

Another place along I-40 that might be worthwhile for a restful stop: Petrified Forest National Park. Even if you only drove north through the Painted Desert portion, got out and took a walk, it's beautiful.

Western I-40 is really very pretty to drive through!


Donna

I just wanted to share (belatedly) that my above trip went very well, with a few minor hiccups (clean/safe hotels were challenging in NM). I took the 40 from LA to the 81 (destination: Northern VA) and made it in 5 days. Some days felt longer than others, but it was rather exciting and I mostly enjoyed it. I traveled alone and seemed to do well, though arriving at destination cities at 1 am and trying to find hotels were, at times, a bit scary. But at least hotels were plenty because it was March and low season.

That's why it's painful for me to have make the trip back to LA. :( Not only do I have to leave behind a critically ill family member, but I was also hoping a job situation in NoVA would pan out, and it didn't. To say I'm disappointed is not even the tip of the iceberg. :'(

It's now 3:30 am EST and I'm getting on the road for the first leg of my trip in 5 hours. I didn't get a chance to plan out the trip (long story) so I don't even know my route. I do know I want to take a northern route instead of the 40, due to the very warm southerly weather. I recall some here had suggested the 70 on my trip East but I avoided it because of inclement weather. The 40 - stopping in Flagstaff, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, and Nashville - worked out very well.

But now that I need to make my way back to LA, my phone mapquest only gives me options from the 80 or 40. I am leaving from Northern Virginia in a few hours but I'm not sure where my first night in a hotel should be? I thought Columbus, OH (open to suggestions) via the 70 but again, my phone (only internet atm) is only showing 80 or 40 routes....so I'm at a loss. Any ideas how/where I'm supposed to go: i.e., via 70, but not zigzagging all over the country? What cities should I stop in? I need to be in LA by Thursday evening, unfortunately not flexible due to obligations there.

I'll await in hopes that one of you might be awake and can give me pointers/some help? I'm still packing, so I'll be up a while yet.

I'm so tired already... :/zzzz

Thanks!

Oh, bless you, AZBuck. Just reading over your response from my original trip and maybe I can use the 270 to 70 to 15 route and make my first city Dayton. Is Columbus, OH nearby? How do I make my mobile map app to give me this route as an option??

I'm re-reading everyone's response and it's helpful, again!

Did I mention I'm really tired (and been crying for 3 days)??

Thanks everyone!

To glc: No cell coverage in UT could be a huge problem. omg...

(sorry, I'm replying on my phone and it's not allowing me to quote whom I'm responding to).

Wow that's a heck of a trip ahead and it doesn't look as though you have had much sleep. The first thing I would say is that if staying safe means arriving back in LA a day later then that is what you need to do. Secondly I would say 100% stop and get some paper maps as you shouldn't rely on electronics at the best of times. Thirdly if you are more comfortable taking the route you came on then that is worth considering, you have air con right ?

If you want to take I70 then with the aid of Google maps I have come up with the following stops to space your journey. I have taken Winchester VA as a start point. First night. Terre Haute IN [578 miles] then Abilene KS [558 miles] then Vail CO [550 miles] then St George UT [534 miles] before arriving in LA [388 miles] So as you can see, with the last day being shorter, you have room to stop a little earlier if you want on days you might become weary.

I hope this helps if no one else is on line before you leave, but remember safety and paper maps should be your priority.

Plan 'B'. If you were to make it just west of Indianapolis tonight [500 miles for an esier start] then stop around Topeka KS [545miles] Denver [540 miles] Cedar City [580 miles].

Good luck

Hi, Southwest Dave. I'm still up and packing. O_O Thank you so much for your help!!

Before I read your post, I decided to make my first stop Dayton, OH based on the earlier posts (back in February 2014) and even confirmed they had rooms available so I could walk in. Is Dayton not a good first stop?

My starting point is Vienna, VA. Going by just my phone map to the Dayton/Springfield hotel, it gave me a bunch of route changes from the 495 to the 68 to the 70. Miles just under 500 (I can't double check or this reply will be wiped out!) and a 7 hour drive, not considering bathroom/fuel breaks (I only go when very necessary - very Spartan!). The rest of the way, I hadn't figured out as I want to finish packing and sleep a couple of hours (maybe). Thoughts?

Paper maps....um, how does one do that? Maybe I'll stop in AAA on the way somewhere before UT??

How come this forum doesn't have an app?

Thank you, I'm very appreciative!

First, getting paper maps should be - and should have been - a priority before getting on the road. I think you'd be a lot less stressed if you could see with your own eyes, and your own brain, where you should be going and not having to hope that a computer is giving you good information. AAA is an option for a maps, but it is far from the only one. Pretty much every gas station on earth sells maps, or a cheaper option would be to stop at a Walmart or your favorite big box store and pick up an Atlas for about $10. Every truck stop - and even many gas stations - will also sell atlases, although they may be a bit more expensive.

Dayton may be an ok place to stop, but it really depends upon how much (how little?) sleep you are starting with. Since it sounds like you've had little to no sleep, don't force yourself to get that far. If you feel even a little fatigued, you should be getting off the road ASAP. By the time you start to notice that you are drowsy, your driving skills have already started to significantly decline. You should have no problems finding a room tonight anywhere along your route, and you don't have to look for a major city like Dayton - just keep an eye out on the road signs, you'll notice that nearly every exit says there are lodging options.

With the lack of cell phone coverage - relax! The interstates are traveled by thousands of people every day. Just like people did roadtrips for decades before there was GPS or Googlemaps, they also did roadtrips long before there even were cell phones. If you do have a problem, you won't ever be too far away from someone else who could help.

Sorry I had to leave for work earlier. As above, any gas station should have state maps on the shelf. If you make it to Dayton then you could look at Kansas City, Denver and Cedar City as 'targets' for overnights, but the same rule applies, if you start to feel as though you have done enough, look for available lodgings before you get weary.

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How come this forum doesn't have an app?

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The site and all the trip planning resources within, are all free to members and I have learnt that the costs to make it 'mobile friendly' would be huge.

Holly, if you see this in time, there is a Wal-Mart right on I-70 at exit 26 in Ohio, near Dayton. You could pick up an atlas there. If not, there is one at exit 156 near Richmond, IN, on the south side of the freeway and one at exit 104 near Greenfield, IN, also on the south side. Also, any Flying J, Loves or Pilot truck stop will have the same atlas, probably about $3 more than Wal-Mart will charge.


Donna

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Originally Posted by Holly-Day

... not considering bathroom/fuel breaks (I only go when very necessary - very Spartan!).

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Holly, I hope you don't mean you'll cut down on fluid intake, to prevent you having to stop too often at rest areas. This could actually be counter productive. Keeping yourself well hydrated, especially in an air conditioned car, helps to keep you focused and alert. Be sure to drink ample water whilst on the road. On the other hand coffee, tea and other drinks containing caffeine are actually dehydrating.

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Originally Posted by Holly-Day

How come this forum doesn't have an app?

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Besides expense, your best information when on the road are, as mentioned all along, good paper maps, and the ability to read them. Resolve at this point, never to hit the road again, without good paper maps.

Lifey

[QUOTE=Midwest Michael;156416]First, getting paper maps should be - and should have been - a priority before getting on the road. I think you'd be a lot less stressed if you could see with your own eyes, and your own brain, where you should be going and not having to hope that a computer is giving you good information.

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Originally Posted by Midwest Michael

First, getting paper maps should be - and should have been - a priority before getting on the road. I think you'd be a lot less stressed if you could see with your own eyes, and your own brain, where you should be going and not having to hope that a computer is giving you good information.

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No kidding! I lost reception somewhere in the before Cumbreland, MD and it was gone for hours. I got lost. I finally stopped in Gainseville, MD and they gave me directions and some lady happened to also stop there from OH and she gave me a better route. Map is necessary on the 1-70, not so much on the 40 where I lost reception a total of 10 minutes the ENTIRE route. On the 70, I've lost hours of reception. I will get a map in the morning (it's now 11:30 p.m. and I barely arrived to my hotel in Springfield, OH).

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Dayton may be an ok place to stop, but it really depends upon how much (how little?) sleep you are starting with. Since it sounds like you've had little to no sleep, don't force yourself to get that far. If you feel even a little fatigued, you should be getting off the road ASAP. By the time you start to notice that you are drowsy, your driving skills have already started to significantly decline. You should have no problems finding a room tonight anywhere along your route, and you don't have to look for a major city like Dayton - just keep an eye out on the road signs, you'll notice that nearly every exit says there are lodging options.

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In hindsight, it was too far for me, actually. I'm bone-tired and my eyes look like Dracula. But I made it. SO MANY COPS in OH, and they're hunting people at every exit. Be forewarned, travelers!

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With the lack of cell phone coverage - relax! The interstates are traveled by thousands of people every day. Just like people did roadtrips for decades before there was GPS or Googlemaps, they also did roadtrips long before there even were cell phones. If you do have a problem, you won't ever be too far away from someone else who could help.

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I know, I'm too dependent on my phone and without it, compeletely at a loss. Lesson learned. :)

Thank you!

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Originally Posted by Southwest Dave

Sorry I had to leave for work earlier. As above, any gas station should have state maps on the shelf. If you make it to Dayton then you could look at Kansas City, Denver and Cedar City as 'targets' for overnights, but the same rule applies, if you start to feel as though you have done enough, look for available lodgings before you get weary.

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Thank you. I was just checking on my route for Kansas City and it seems realllly far? Like 9.5 hours far? I've driven for so long today and I've got another 2100 miles to go. KILL ME NOW. Going East was much more fun, and I'm dreading this trip back. I think (hope) it's all the personal things weighing on me and I don't want to return to LA. I wish I could enjoy the trip a bit more, but I find that perhaps the desert roads of the I40 were more peaceful? And more straightforward. The 70 cuts in/out a lot, so you have to pay attention ALL the time.

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The site and all the trip planning resources within, are all free to members and I have learnt that the costs to make it 'mobile friendly' would be huge.

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Makes sense. I understand. Thank you. :)

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Originally Posted by DonnaR57

Holly, if you see this in time, there is a Wal-Mart right on I-70 at exit 26 in Ohio, near Dayton. You could pick up an atlas there. If not, there is one at exit 156 near Richmond, IN, on the south side of the freeway and one at exit 104 near Greenfield, IN, also on the south side. Also, any Flying J, Loves or Pilot truck stop will have the same atlas, probably about $3 more than Wal-Mart will charge.


Donna

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Thanks, Donna! I will do what you suggested or go to the AAA nearby and have them map it all out for me, if they have the time. :)

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Originally Posted by Lifemagician

Holly, I hope you don't mean you'll cut down on fluid intake, to prevent you having to stop too often at rest areas. This could actually be counter productive. Keeping yourself well hydrated, especially in an air conditioned car, helps to keep you focused and alert. Be sure to drink ample water whilst on the road. On the other hand coffee, tea and other drinks containing caffeine are actually dehydrating.

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I did mean that, actually. But since the weather is warmer, I had a big more water and had to make a stop soon after. I know hydration is important, but I hate making so many stops when I have SO far to go. But I know what you mean. Thank you. :)

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Besides expense, your best information when on the road are, as mentioned all along, good paper maps, and the ability to read them. Resolve at this point, never to hit the road again, without good paper maps.

Lifey

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I was very short on time or I'd have stopped by the AAA in DC to pick up maps and a paper route. I did that on the way over to DC from LA, but couldn't do the same going back. I'll try to do so in the morning.

Now I'm going to try to get some sleep, because the drive was even MORE brutal without sleep. I guess I also have a lot on my mind.

Thank you, everyone! I'll check in as I can, cell reception permitting (right now, I'm on the hotel computer).

Thanks again!

One final thing: Besides Kansas City, MO...is there anwyhere else that I can make my 2nd night's stay? It's really far...and seems it'll be actually warm tomorrow (Monday).

Thanks!

When you get tired, just look at the signs before each exit, they will list the hotels at each exit. There will be plenty of choices all the way between STL and KC.

@glc But is that the best way anyway, KC, MO? I know I have to make the drive, I just....ugh, it feels so long.

I think you are taking you're driving times from your mapping program which are not realistic in the real world where cars need to stop for fuel, humans for food and rest and then other elements like construction and congestion delays. You need to add about 20% to those times for a more accurate accoint, for example Kansas City would be about 11 hours on the road. As I mentioned these were 'target areas' to keep you on track for arriving in LA on Thursday, but you should stop when you have had enough, there are always alternatives and you do have a little time to spare. Columbia MO is approx 490 miles which should be just under 9 hours with breaks from the car to stretch and clear your mind. When you feel rushed or under pressure these breaks are important, remember you are doing a marathon and not a sprint and trying to cut back on stops is counterproductive.

I really hope you managed a good nights sleep and set out this morning feeling more relaxed and positive, as I can sense your tension which is not going to help you in any way, shape or form. It's not easy, but try and clear your mind, dust yourself down and look at this as the start of a new adventure, everything will look different with a positive mindset and feel less tiring. You have beautiful scenery to look forward to, especially west of Denver and we are all routing for you. [Excuse the pun] lol.

Dave.

Thanks, Dave! I'm actually still awake. I have so much tension, even a sleep aid hasn't made a difference. I suppose part of the difference is that, leaving LA, I had a lot more hope and returning, there's not much of that atm. Maybe a bit of sleep will help.

But I'll be honest, not having phone reception bores me. Traveling on the 40, I caught up with all my phone calls, etc but I couldn't even make it through 20 minutes without dropped calls and lack of reception for long periods of time. I said I'm dependent on my phone, it's true. But traveling alone can be dull unless I break it up with calls, photo uploads, etc. First world problems, I know. lol But long drives also give you time to think...and worry about things. I'll try to be more positive. I'm also thinking the trees on either side of the road gets a bit suffocating after a while, no? In a way, I suppose the open desert roads of the 40 were preferable (also, my state of mind). You're right, I have to be more positive.

I got a late start from DC to Springfield, OH...left at 1:15 pm and arrived at 10:30 pm. I felt very antsy/restless...but I have hope for the views post-Denver. :) Will there be snow?? That's the other difference: winter/cold/snow makes me feel happy while warm weather...not great.

Thanks so much for the support...it's much appreciated!

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Originally Posted by Holly-Day

Will there be snow?

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The Colorado Department of Transport web site http://www.cotrip.org is currently reporting dry conditions on I-70 through the Rockies, but I guess you'll see snow on the tops of the mountains. I just tried to view the webcams at the Eisenhower tunnel but it's the middle of the night there so it's impossible to see anything other than the road.

Good luck. Try to stop for the night when you're tired if possible, and that doesn't need to be in a big city.

I think there's a long stretch of I-70 across Utah with few if any services, so it would be a good idea to fill up with gas in western Colorado (the Grand Junction area) or eastern Utah.

@John259 Wishful thinking for snow on my part! :) I'd read on this forum that there are 108 miles through Utah with no reception. How does one survive?? Snow on the ground somewhat would cheer me up!

Another thing I noticed is that I had to fill up my tank 3 times (from the half-full mark between DC-To-Ohio) only vs twice while driving the 40 in March 2014. I've barely used my a/c, so what gives? Elevation??

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Originally Posted by Holly-Day

Another thing I noticed is that I had to fill up my tank 3 times (from the half-full mark between DC-To-Ohio) only vs twice while driving the 40 in March 2014. I've barely used my a/c, so what gives? Elevation??

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Not elevation in itself as far as I know, but climbs will certainly reduce your fuel mileage, and higher speeds will too. The truck drivers who vlog on YouTube often say that a headwind affects their fuel mileage but I doubt if it would affect a normal car very much.

Can you play music in any way when you're offline? Has the car got a CD player that you could maybe buy a few discs for? Just an idea.

ps I just thought of something - a couple of stormchasers from Iowa recently drove non-stop from New York to Los Angeles via I-70 and I-15 in the west, streaming live dashcam footage on YouTube all the way. I didn't watch all of it, but I think the only places they lost the signal for any significant lengths of time were through the tunnel under the Hudson after leaving Manhattan, and through the Virgin River Gorge on I-15 through Arizona. They might have had a special aerial to help boost their signal though.

Stay safe.

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I'd read on this forum that there are 108 miles through Utah with no reception. How does one survive??

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You really are reliant on that phone aren't you ! ;-) You will be fine, imagine those pioneers heading west in wagon trains with no roads and no gps ! The human race survived a long time without them.

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Snow on the ground somewhat would cheer me up!

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I would be thankful of fine weather given your circumstance. The last thing you need is weather disruption with your timescale. The forecast is good for travel.

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Another thing I noticed is that I had to fill up my tank 3 times (from the half-full mark between DC-To-Ohio) only vs twice while driving the 40 in March 2014. I've barely used my a/c, so what gives? Elevation??

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I doubt you are using significantly more fuel, just filling up sooner than you need perhaps, although it's good to combine rest breaks and topping off your tank. If you filled up close to your departure point and then filled twice on the way and still have half a tank left you have only used one and a half tanks of petrol for 375 miles. Anything over half a tank left means less used.

I'm quite sure you didn't get across country on 4 tanks of fuel, [filling twice] as that would require a 20 gallon fuel tank and a return of 32.5 mpg.

Please try to sleep !

I'm going to make a suggestion that you're going to think is crazy, but I actually think would be the single best thing you could possibly do to make this trip much less stressful, much more enjoyable, and increase your safety 100 fold.

First thing in the Morning, drive to the nearest post office, address an envelope to yourself in LA, and mail your phone home!

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Originally Posted by Holly-Day

But traveling alone can be dull unless I break it up with calls, photo uploads, etc. First world problems, I know

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That's not a first world problem, that's a problem for everyone else who is on the road with you! Do we need to explain just how dangerous this kind of distracted driving is? Not only is it dangerous, I can pretty much assure you that its making your trip less enjoyable - as you are less able to enjoy, or even notice, what's around you, and it is only increasing your stress/obsession/lack of sleep over where you will or will not have a cell phone signal.

If you really can't find a way to drive without putting down the phone, you shouldn't be driving at all.

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@glc But is that the best way anyway, KC, MO? I know I have to make the drive, I just....ugh, it feels so long.

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Once again, you are relying on your phone instead of maps, and that is only adding to your lack of understanding of what is actually ahead, and that is only adding to your stress.

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I'd read on this forum that there are 108 miles through Utah with no reception. How does one survive??

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There is 108 miles between gas stations, that doesn't mean you will be without cell reception at all times - that's going to depend upon your carrier - although coverage will likely be spotty. The last time I was through there, I had a signal at times, but I couldn't tell you how often it was there or not there, because I wasn't focused on it!

People survive by focusing on driving - and the amazing views that are though that area. Fewer people survive when they have their eyes focused on a phone while operating a 2 ton machine at 75 mph.

Seriously, I understand you are stressed about this trip, but you are being stressed about all the wrong things. The fact that you aren't sleeping and are so focused on your phone has me very concerned about your safety - distracted and drowsy driving are right next to drunk driving when it comes to causes of fatalities on the road. Based on how little sleep you've gotten, there is no way you should be looking to get to KC tonight, and even Columbia as Dave previously suggested is probably too much.

After you've hopefully gotten some sleep, have a relaxing morning, get a good meal, stop and pick up a map and look at what you've got coming up on the road ahead. Get in the car, put down the phone, and enjoy the road. Stop a few times to get a break from the road, and wherever you are late this afternoon, start looking for a place to get off the road relatively early. That will make this a short day, but don't worry about that, and certainly don't worry about trying to get to a specific destination tonight. Pull off the road before you're even drowsy - much less before you are overtired, like you clearly were last night. That will let you hit the "reset" button of sorts and set yourself up to have a good trip the rest of the way west.