Driving from So. Cal to MD with 2 teens and a small dog

[Trac]

I think the subject line says it all! Looks like I'll be transferred to MD - I want to drive there (mid February I hope) - what an experience for my kids! We are in a 1988 Honda (need to get a full check up) I'm a single mom with 2 teens and a small dog (Bischon). I've been looking at routes - looks like the I-40 E would be the best way up to the I-70 towards DC and into MD. I've read traffic is yuck through DC but I'd still like to drive through it - a grand destination for the kids to see......I've been checking weather sites for mid-February, making mental lists on what to take....so advice now is all I need for the actual driving, some activities (journal, digital camera....what else?) to keep the kids from killing each other or the dog, keeping my sanity while trying to enjoy the country....driving tips, anything! Thanks in advance....I'm just hoping this transfer works out and we'll get to experience the travel!!!

[Rabbit]

I've read both your recent posts and wanted to offer suggestions. There's so much to see on a cross-country trip - wonderful places that will become lifelong memories for your children. What I don't see, however, is the time period you'll have for the trip, which makes a huge difference. I'm about to start my 10th trip next month and would be happy to recommend places to visit, lodging, etc., if you could tell me how much time you'll have on the road. I've kept weblogs of all my trips, including places I loved and others to avoid. Feel free to email me or leave a response here. (I'm also in So. Cal :)

[Rabbit]

I've read both your recent posts and wanted to offer suggestions. There's so much to see on a cross-country trip - wonderful places that will become lifelong memories for your children. What I don't see, however, is the time period you'll have for the trip, which makes a huge difference. I'm about to start my 10th trip next month and would be happy to recommend places to visit, lodging, etc., if you could tell me how much time you'll have on the road. I've kept weblogs of all my trips, including places I loved and others to avoid. Feel free to email me or leave a response here. (I'm also in So. Cal :) Debbie, aka Rabbit

[scuci@earthlink.net]

Hi I was wondering if you would have any recommendations for driving to washington d.c. or north virginia in 4 days?
what sights to see and where to eat or sleep? best routes to take?

my husband and i will be driving to d.c. He will be interning at the Smithsonian for 10 weeks. It'll be our first long distance road trip.

hope to hear from you.

This is 2700 miles in 4 days. You really won't have much time for anything else but driving! The most direct route, and probably the fastest will be I-40, I-44, I-70 and I-270. Your overnights fall in the vicinity of Gallup, NM, western Oklahoma, & Effingham, IL. St Louis would be a more natural stop, but that leaves you with an extra 2 hours of driving on the 5th day. Bob

yup! lots of driving. Any rest stops (restaurants)you would recommend? we like to try new restaurants that are not part of the chain.

my husband will tag team and will try to drive 10 - 12 hours a day with a Honda Civic. thanks for the feedback.

sharon