Concord, NC to Tampa, FL with 3 kids

[his_kid]

Thank you, Mark. That is some good info. and I love the link to the radio station guide. We'll have an iPod, but sometimes a radio is almost easier. That does look like a great guide to I-95. I think Foy's idea is a good one, however, to just avoid that stretch. It's not THAT long that we would have been on 95 that day, anyway. I know that by that point, everyone will want to be HOME. We will definitely get prepared in case we need to re-route, or get stuck anyway, though. Once we're a bit closer to home, I can pick my way along without the interstates.

Foy, any advice on the weather I'll encounter in that area?

[Foy]

Foy, any advice on the weather I'll encounter in that area?

Not really. You may experience anything from beautiful bluebird days with highs in the 60s or 70s to a hurricane/tropical storm to freezing rain, sleet, or snow. In the last couple or three years, heavy rains made Sunday after Thanksgiving travel particularly slow.

Foy

[his_kid]

So, things have changed a tad, and we are now going to see Fort Sumter. It does add to the driving time more than it looks like it would on the map, but dd16 REALLY wants to go, and if a teenaged girl wants to go someplace to learn about history, then I take that into consideration, lol.

[his_kid]

Particularly Fort Sumter (SC), St. Simons Lighthouse (GA), Homosassa Springs, Weeki Wachee, Florida Air Museum, and Legoland (adult tickets only, not the buy adult, get child free)

Thanks for any direction you can give!

I don't have AAA, and not old enough for AARP

Moderator Note: Please don't create multiple threads about the same trip

[DonnaR57]

How about through your work? Some workplaces have discounted tickets available - - check with Payroll, Benefits, or Human Resources.

AAA is relatively reasonable. It's a nice peace-of-mind on your travels, to know that you would have emergency road service if you needed it, and a good recommended place to get it fixed. Plus the free maps, tour books, camping books, and the discounts. This is a very worthwhile membership if you drive -- even if you're "just" a commuter!


Donna

[Midwest Michael]

I'd certainly suggest you contact the state department of tourism for each state, as well as any tourism agency for the city/town where those attractions are located. Most tourism offices will gladly mail you stuff for free, and coupons and discounts are often included within those information packets.

Along those same lines, stopping at the "Welcome Centers" at each state will often have similar information.

Of course, if you're good at hunting online you can often dig up some deals. Sign up for Groupon, and/or similar coupon sites for the cities you'll be visiting. And don't overlook simply browsing the official websites of each location, as there are often coupons or deals if you purchase tickets online.

AAA is an option, but personally, I wouldn't do it just for the discounts. Its a reasonable value as an insurance policy against a breakdown, as the cost of a yearly membership can easily be less than the cost of one tow. However, I find it is very rare when I actually use the AAA discount, because most places that offer a deal to members will have better discounts elsewhere, you just have to spend some time looking for them.