Quote Originally Posted by bluechalice
Hi Guys....how is everyone...I am new here...so glad to have found this website...
Welcome to the Forum -- There is a lot of talent and ideas on this board and we hope you find it helpful.
In a couple more weeks...we'll be moving to back to Jefferson City, Missouri(end of august)...and we've never driven home before...
At first we thought of renting a u-haul and drive that plus our small car across country...but then we found this moving company and we will have our stuff shipped...so now we can just drive cross country and enjoy ourselves along the way...
A much saner way to move across the country!
I know theres two main ways to get there...northern route and the southern route...I'd like to get some advise from you guys...advise like the safest route...easiest/ shortest etc...Also...which route has the most interesting attractions...things like the Giant Skillet or the biggest ball of twine...
Where are you starting from? I could guess the location based on a radius of 1700 miles, but... One thing you have to know is that mapping programs that provide drive time seem to operate in a parallel universe and unless you are a) a professional driver with lots of discipline or b) able to employ a police escort, over a 8-10 hour driving period, you will rarely exceed an average speed of 53 mph. So the actual driving time for your trip is actually closer to about 32 hours. In order to maintain a 65 mph average you would have to either never stop for fuel, food or breaks or drive very close to triple digits much of the day. Since this trip will probably entail driving reasonably quickly, be sure to read Judy Carter's tips about the Art of the Speed Run.
I'd also like to know how I can get discounts on motels etc...thanks in advance...
Just about all of the state entry/Welcome Centers profide coupons for discounted lodging in the area. We also have some tips and suggestions for inexpensive travel here. And some there were some good tips about traveling with a family in this recent post and you might find Chris Epting's thoughts helpful as well.

Mark