PA to FL - First Time - Need Advice

[Alien VFR]

I have the option of not having to work for the next few months. How awesome is that?

I'm not rich. How bad is that?

I live in Pa and it's snowing. Some of you can relate, and for those of you who are too busy relaxing in warm weather to even read this post, God bless ya... I want to be where you are.

So that's what I am going to do. Taking my bike and heading towards the equator.

But how?

I don't have a lot of money to devote to this adventure, but I do have a lot of time. In Naples, Fl, I have an aunt/uncle and a few cousins. I grew up w/ them and they're all great. My cousins are all adults and have their own homes. So I'll be able to stay w/ my aunt/uncle free for as long as I want. Of course I won't be a freeloader; I'll buy food, etc... And I'm planning on spending at least a month or two in Florida.

Well, I've never taken a roadtrip like this before, and I'm looking for the easiest way to navigate I-95. I'm going to be towing my motorcycle on a trailer with my Honda Accord. I'm a little nervouse about getting into congested areas, especially at rush hour. I'm also interested in easy to navigate exits for gas/food/lodging; preferring exits that are easy to get off, get what I need and get back on without a lot of confusion.

So, basically, if there's anyone out there with good advice for my trip, it'll be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Johnny

[JF2CBR]

Hello!

I'm also from Pa and have traveled I-95 from Pennsylvania to Florida once and to South Carolina, several times in the last couple of years.

I never really worry about congestion and rush hour on I-95, it's one of the fastest paced highways I've driven on. Its far enough away from most cities that you shouldn't need to worry, I think once I got held up in Atlanta, but only slowed to about 60 rather than 75. I think you'll be fine no matter when you leave.

Also, there are a plethora of convenient exits with gas, food, and lodging right off the highway. Just look for the signs, most are clearly marked and allow easy access back onto the highway. Make sure to stop at "Pedros South of the Border" for some cheap fireworks.

I think there is an I-95 driving guide someone can probably link you to as well, I'm not sure if it's a book, or an ebook, or just an article, but it may be of some help.

Happy Travels,
Jamie

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America forum.

With as many relatives as you have, remember to spread yourself around a bit, and maybe even take a few camping trips on your bike to places other than Naples. Just keep in mind the aphorism variously attributed to Ben Franklin and/or Oscar Wilde that "guests and fish start to smell after three days."

As far as guides to I-95, your basic route down, the best we've found is this one with exit by exit descriptions of what's available by the side of the road. Have a great trip.

AZBuck

[Mass Tim]

I-95 is difficult to get lost on, though around Washington DC it can be congested - especially during rush hour. Granted, I've experienced this coming from Virginia, so your experience may differ heading South.

I would heartily recommend getting out there on that bike and enjoying the warmth of Florida while those of us up North are still wondering when Spring will arrive. If you stick with camping on those trips away from your relatives, you should be able to make the trip quite affordable, too.

[Alien VFR]

Thanks for the replies guys. I actually ordered that I-95 from Amazon.com last night... Florida, here I come!!!

[SouthernOracle]

You sound like a younger traveler, so just be prepared that Naples is a pretty quiet, low-key area. There is a reason your relatives chose to retire there! But you are fairly close to a lot of cool places to visit. Miami and Ft. Lauderdale are bursting with nightlife. You can camp in the Everglades and in the Keys. Closer to Naples is Sanibel Island, one of my favorite places in all the state.

On your drive down, I also recommend camping in south Georgia's Cumberland Island National Seashore. Beautiful place, wild horses on the beach, lots of photo ops.

I used to drive from south Florida to PA and back every summer. I remember DC as being the worst part of the trip, traffic and congestion-wise.

A previous poster recommended buying some fireworks - that would be a great idea but there are not a lot of places around here that allow you to shoot fireworks off. You can't shoot them off in public, like on the beach, you can't have them in homeowner association-governed communities, and you can't shoot them off in state or county parks (usually due to fire hazard).

Have a great trip!