This trip, even if you stick to an all-Interstate route, is going to be a solid two day effort. That being said, there is at least one other alternative that I would consider. Personally, I try to stay as far away from the 'last' Interstate in any direction: I-95 along the east coast, I-90 across the northern tieR especially in the northeast, I-5 along the west coast, and I-10 in the south. These tend to be heavily traveled either because they are industrialized, connect vacation destinations, or even both of those at the same time.

There is also a certain sameness to all the Interstates. It's almost as though the corridors they define are a separate state, indistinguishable no matter where they are. If you want to experience the ambience of the area you're going to pass through, you'd want to get off the Interstates for at least some significant portion of your drive.

So if I were doing this trip, I'd probably take I-20 to Jackson MS, then US-49 south to Collins, US-84 east to Valdosta GA and finally I-75 into Tampa. A large portion of the US highways along this route are four-lane divided (but not controlled access) roads with decent speed limits. They also afford you a chance to experience the area your driving through rather than just Interstateland. The difference in driving distance between the above proposed route and the two that the mapping routine gave you is minimal, perhaps 5-10% longer. The difference in time is greater, on the order of an extra hour of driving each day.

As I said, that's what I'd do. You'd have to determine if the extra time is worth it to you, but I am reminded of a quote from a Broadway show/movie, Auntie Mame: “Life is a banquet and most poor bastards are starving to death!” Or as Robert Frost suggested, take the road less travelled. At least consider the possibility.

AZBuck