CT/NYC to Las Vegas

[Kita]

Hello all: My wife and I (no kids) are planning to drive to Las Vegas (fly back) and see the country side in late April/early May. Its more of a driving trip than a scenic trip however if something grabs our attention we may detour for a couple of hours. We are planning on driving 5/6 days for the 2700 mile trip.

Here's our preliminary plan (mostly Route 40):

Start CT (with mileage and approx driving time):

1. Charleston WV (stay at wife's uncle) 9 hrs, 43 min - 602.65 miles
2. Memphis TN: 9 hours, 17 minutes - 598.46 miles
3. Little Rock AK: 6 hrs, 51 min - 466.80 miles
4. Oklahoma City: 7 hrs, 50 min - 544.09 miles
5. Alburquerqe NM: 8 hrs, 16 min: 573.11 miles
arriving Las Vegas NV

I know that a lot of this will be open country and maybe not much to see (via the car) but I figure in late April I'd rather hit the southern states to make sure we don't hit any late snow or inclement Spring weather, and to obviously be warmer. Does this look to agressive? We can add a day if necessary, don't want to have a trucker's schedule. btw: We have driven long distances many of times.


I will be researching attractions and such later but I am curious on your feedback and to see if anyone has any comments regarding Rte 40.

Thanks so much
Kita

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

Your driving time estimates are obviously coming from mapping software, and you have to realize the terribly unrealistic assumptions that go into making those estimates, such as you will always travel at the speed limit (you will never see any traffic or have to slow down for trucks or terrain), and you will never stop (your car will never need fuel, you will never need food, and nature will never call). Here in the real world, assuming 55 mph over the long haul and including stops will lead to a much more realistic estimate of the time involved. So about 550 miles per day, with 10 hours 'on the road' is a better rule of thumb than anything canned software is going to give you. That said, your daily legs are possible, just don't go in with the illusion that you'll make those miles in the time allotted, or have a ton of spare time for interesting stops along the way. I-40 is one of the major east-west interstates and is thus well maintained and heavily travelled. As with pretty much all roads, there is stuff to see and do along it, but only if you make the time.

AZBuck