HW 10 or 40????

[Donna]

Hi -

I'm taking a trip from California to Florida alone in August. I've went to get a Trip Tik thing and they suggested that I take HW 10 all the way since it's the quickest route. But a man in line interrupted and said he'd recommend me taking HW 40 all the way. He says it's more scenic, but the woman at the AAA counter disagreed.

So I'm looking for more opinions. Anyone here have advice? I would like a direct route but I don't want to drive in isolated areas since I'll be alone. I have plently of time to get to Florida but not a lot of money.

Also, any suggestions on miles per day? I've heard most people do about 400.

[Mark Sedenquist]

Donna,

I imagine you were referring to traveling on Interstate 10 and/or Interstate 40? HW 10/40 doesn't really exist.

As far as routes go, I-10 is the most direct. The furtherst south I-40 goes is Little Rock, Arkansas. So if were to use I-40 you would have to drop down to I-10 or some other road to pass thru Mississippi and/or Alabama.

In their way they are equally scenic, although most people would probably prefer the path I-40 takes thru New Mexico and Arizona.

Driving alone is a great way to travel. There are lots of posts from women who do it regularily. The interstates are fine, but you might consider adding some sidetrips to national parks along the way.

Have a nice roll!

Mark

[Donna]

Yes, I meant Interstate.

So you think I-10 is better? I guess I was just worried because the guy at the counter made it sound like the route through Arizona and Texas is completely isolated. So I started imagining that the heat and the isolation and being alone wouldn't be a good combo! He said it's all desert and hardly any stops or hotels. Is that true?

[Mark Sedenquist]

Donna,

Barring a nuclear war, I doubt you could ever travel along any length of I-10, at any time of the day or night, when you didn't pass or see another vehicle at least once every 3-4 minutes. I-10 is one of the most heavily traveled routes in the USA.

I can only speculate that the "counter guy" hasn't actually traveled on I-10 for at least the last 10 years or more. But for the record, I-10 in Texas passes through Houston, San Antonio and El Paso. In New Mexico, Las Cruces, Deming and Lordsburg are the bigger cities and in Arizona, one will pass through Tucson & Phoenix. Plus there are scores of smaller towns and cities on the way.

In fact, I really doubt it would be possible to drive any section of I-10 greater than 10 miles and not find a exit featuring a store, motel, or other example of non-isolated human establishment.

If you have decent air-conditioning the trip will be fun and relatively relaxing. If you are susceptible of getting bored, pick up a CB and chat with the truck drivers from time to time.

If you were looking forward to being isolated, I think you would be disappointed by traveling on I-10!

Mark

[Donna]

Okay, that's good to know. I guess the I-10 may be the way for me to go.

Thank you for your input. It's hard to know what something will be like when I've never been there, so I appreciate your help!! :) :)

I have expierence on I10- I have been from Mobile Al. to LA. Not all at once, but i would highly suggest that route. There are great places to see in Texas. If you like Caves- then the Sonora Caverns is for you, San Antonio is a must see, Houston is also GREAT! If you want to take a side trip in houston, you should defintly see Space Center Houston at Johnson Space Center- Clear Lake and also go to Galveston, TX. The one place to be careful along your journey is in Louisiana. DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT!!!!!! Isolation is very limited on I10, but it may seem like you are seeing the same stuff over and over out towards west texas. Just be careful out there and have a blast!~