Cross-Country Car Trip

[mrbigstuff]

I vote eight hours max, but all you'll want to do at the end is collapse, and your legs will hurt.

[Racer X]

We spent our last day at Jellystone, left the park about 6pm, and drove home from there to Seattle non-stop (except fuel/potty, and rock shop stops). I bet that would have killed you then.

[Ombligo]

To maximize your time, consider flying to a central east coast local and renting a car. You save time/hotel/meal costs of the long travel days. Then you can also turn the car in while in the city's and save large parking fees (a car is not needed to get around, and you really don't want to try). You'll likely only need a car during the family visit days.

The cost may come close to a balance, but even if it is a a bit more, the wear and tear you avoid on you, your car, and the relationship with your wife makes it worth it.

[IronMac]

What car?

[mstudio]

I voted 10 because I usually do at least that amount when driving alone. If my wife is with, we actually do a little less since she always wants to stop sooner for the night. As others have said, there are many variables. Do you like to drive? Is your car up for the task? I personally love to drive and I hate flying so I look forward to long trips.

[DinerDave]

Personally, I can do 10-12 hrs, but unless you are just trying to get from here to there quickly, slow down. This is a trip that you will most likely not repeat, so research a little about the towns, states you will drive through and see where to pull off the main highway and sightsee, shop, etc.
There is a whole world out to see, might as well be a sponge and soak it in.

Dave

[OWC Jamie]

+++How much is too much when you're stuck in a car driving? +++

Really depends on the driver(s) and the comfort of your car.
I've done Cape Cod to Jacksonville Beach in 22 hours. A lot. I've done Cape Cod to LA, 2.5 days of driving with short naps at night, jumped in the Pacific, rested for a day and driven back in a week. Driving at night sucks because it becomes ashore. This is a beautiful country and if you keep your eyes open and drive anywhere, anyplace it is a wonderful experience and hardly boring. More so if you can get off the interstate and take your time.

If your car is less comfortable and you have cardboard seat ( a thin pillow might help ), you can't adjust the seat position periodically along with the steering wheel position then stop more often to stretch your legs and body and go for a short walks. I find adjusting the seat and steering wheel position frequently , usually just one notch helps.

The DC and New Jersey to Hartford/Boston commuter traffic can be horrendous. I try to avoid being in it 6-10 AM and 3-7 PM by driving this section at night . A GPS or smartphone that will take you on an alternate route to avoid being stuck in a creeping parking lot or avoid an accident would be nice . Surface roads might have their own issues but at least you're moving.

[BernDog]

IronMac wrote:
What car?

[Rick-o]

I wouldn't do more than 4 hours a day, myself. I would try to plan my trip so that I could actually enjoy the drive instead of regretting it.

I do understand time is a consideration with most people. Been there and done that! But if I can avoid marathon driving sessions, I will.

[Filliam H. Muffman]

Driving more than 8 hours can be a good cutoff for taking a flight instead of driving... unless you specifically have a goal of experiencing driving on those roads (19 of America's best drives).