Driving From Ny To Florida

[de caps]

I will be driving from ny to Florida with my husband and three children. We plan to do it all in two days. My family thinks it can't be done with the kids in two days. Has anyone tried this before? Where is a good place to stop overnight? Thanks for your input.

Donna

[ReneCox]

I live in Florida. Do you think it will be difficult because of the weather or just because of the kids? When I was little, my parents and sister and I drove to minnesota from florida in two days without problems. Where in Florida are you going?

[de caps]

I'm going to visit my parents outside of Tampa in Sun City Center. They don't think the kids will want to be in the car for long periods of time. They are 2, 4, and 7. We have gone to Pennsylvania without a problem, but that was only 5 hours in the car. They can watch movies and play video games and sleep. I can't afford to fly so that is why we are driving. The train is so much more that flying too. I'm hoping for the best. They are really looking forward to going. We are also going to spend some time at Disney.

[CarlaB]

My kids have always done well travelling in the car. I would stop in/near a major city because you will be able to find a hotel. I would also recommend deciding how far you are going to drive, pick a hotel in the city you plan on stopping in, and making a reservation. I can't tell you how many times we had trouble finding a hotel room because of a convention or other event and had to drive past the time we were ready for bed.

When the kids were younger, we'd stop at a place that had a playground, we'd eat and let the kids play, then the kids would eat in the car.

[Guhlia]

You can absolutely make it in two days. We took our two year old last year (two day drive) and she's three this year and we made the trip again just a few weeks ago. It was a piece of cake. Granted, we're in PA, so we're a little closer to FL than you, but... I'm sure you can make it. We always stop in Savannah, Georgia, but that might be a little unreasonable for you since you're north of us. We start at about 11am the first day and drive all day until midnight. We pack a cooler with lunch so we only have to stop the first half for gas and bathroom breaks.

I would highly recommend investing in an entertainment system for the back seat if you don't already have one. We packed up our entire dvd collection for the trip, and I think she watched most of them. We wouldn't try to make the trip again without a dvd player for her. We got a dvd player that had two screens so that you could hook up a video game to the second screen if so desired so that there were two seperate activities available. Also, be sure to take any portable gaming systems, puzzle books for the oldest child, coloring books, snacks galore, and a cooler with water and juice. You may also want to bring a cozy blanket. That's a LONG drive and there's nothing quite like cuddling up in a cozy blanket when you want to take a nap.

You might want to plan on stopping in South Carolina. That will be far enough past halfway that your second day of driving won't seem as bad as the first. We always try to make it 3/4 of the way so that we can enjoy the evening of the 2nd day in Florida.

There are several Outbacks on the way, but not many. I think we found two in North Carolina. That might be a good place for you to stop for dinner on your first night. Just make sure it's not a holiday because they close for EVERYTHING! They closed two hours early for Super Bowl and we were stranded with no food. We ended up having to eat fruit from a gas station because we couldn't find anything else safe at that time of night other than Wendy's and DD won't eat Wendy's.

There are Wendy's and McD's at almost every exit. We ate a lot of apple dippers and side salads from McD's and chili and baked potatoes from Wendy's. The big truck stops almost always have fresh fruit for sale which makes a great snack.

Good luck with the trip!!!

[lorka150]

i dont see why you can't do it in two days for sure - i'm just north of you in ontario, and many of our friends have done it in 1. have a blast!

[de caps]

Thanks for all the votes of confidence and great ideas. We are all looking forward to our trip. I bought the gluten-free dining guide to bring along on our trip this way I'll where we can eat state to state.

We do have a video game system and dvd to bring. What would we ever do without those.

Thanks again for all the ideas.

Donna

[melrobsings]

my ex hubby and i did it in 18 hours with no sleeping....PLEASE DON'T DO THAT!!! it was HELL!!!!

actually that's a bit of a lie.....i slept the whole time! lol it was GREAT....but i was thrown when we got there. have fun! and Cracker Barrel is the ONLY way to eat!

[de caps]

We decided to fly now. I think the kids might be too small to sit in the car for two days. We'll probably drive next year.

[jkmunchkin]

My husband (boyfriend at the time) once suggested driving to FL (we're in NY also). As I looked at him like he had 6 heads I asked him, "are you kidding me? we can't even get to the mall without fighting!!" LOL!! That was the last time he ever suggested that. Hehe.