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Thread: Driving cross country TIPS….

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    Default Driving cross country TIPS….

    So this Tuesday I will be driving…along with my cat, and 4yr old daughter….from FLORIDA to Washington state….. And im wondering if you guys have any creative ideas.
    Ive thought of everything pretty much…but I always forget something.

    **We will stop at least one night in a hotel before we get to Denver (to visit my sister and stay a few nights) then another hotel on the way from there to Seattle.

    **I will be packing food so we dont have to buy fast food…but not quite sure what to pack. Not big on sandwiches. And Lunchables don't fill us up….
    I already know I will take left overs to heat up in the hotel micro's but im talking about hearty food for the road.

    **Ive downloaded a few Itunes movies to figure out how to put on my Ipod for my daughter to watch to occupy her.

    **I will NOT be driving with a litter box… so Ill have to just stop for my cat to get out and do her thing….hopefully she stays on our potty schedule!

    Can U guys think of anything else to make this trip any better?
    Thanks!

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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    Audrina, do you have snow chains?
    The mountain passes in the PNW are a bitch right now and most require traction devices
    When life gives you lemons, make lemonade... then find someone whose life gave them vodka, and have a party.

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    Thumbs up Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    Check out gas stations along the route ahead of time. You can fig out about when and where you'll be stopping based on your gas mileage avg. Never go below a quarter tank. Some small stations still only take cash. Some towns have gas stations that close at 8pm and only take credit cards after hours. You don't want to have to stop for gas only to find you can't buy any and have no idea how far the next one is. It can be stressful and scary. Also check prices ahead of time. All gas went up .20+ nationwide but prices vary dramatically, sometimes within same city/county. Take a map, gps is not always correct or current. Take a couple blankets, flashlight, more water than you think you'll need. Just be careful.
    Thank Goodness I smartened up! The old me is dead and gone.

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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    Im moving everything I own…so I will def. have everything!

    A kit just in case of trouble…good idea I didnt think of…
    Also, I rely fully on my tomtom GPS… but having no clue where Im going I will take a map, and maybe print out some mapquest directions.
    I dont have chains and I was hoping since the snow cleared up and its been warm somewhat, that I wouldnt need to get any….
    Ill keep on eye on the weather…. Pray that it doesnt snow!!!

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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    Quote Originally Posted by AudrinaN View Post
    **I will NOT be driving with a litter box… so Ill have to just stop for my cat to get out and do her thing….hopefully she stays on our potty schedule!
    Edited - as I re-read I see you are moving and taking her with you. I'd be absolutely terrified to travel with a cat like that and let her out of the car. Cats tend to run away faster than you can stop them when woods are nearby and they spot a bird or a small animal to chase. She might even dart into traffic before you can stop her. I can't see this ending well.

    I have traveled with a cat when I moved cross country because I had no choice, but I bought an extra large travel kennel (one made for a dog) and put a kitten-sized litter box in there for my cats. I only let them out when we stopped for gas and had all the car doors shut, just to pet them and reassure them for a minute, then back into the kennel crate till we got where we were going. The motels we stopped at were pet-friendly (I called ahead to check), so we put the litter box in the bathroom at the motel and they used it fine.

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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    Hey good advice…. ^
    But I have had my cat for 6 yrs and she is the least independent cat ever. LOL She goes for runs with me --no leash-- ,well, she used to until she became an indoor only cat. Now she is scared to go outside…and doesnt even attempt. Ive taken her on short trips before, and she just gets out, sniffs around and gets back in the truck.
    I think she relaizes without her front claws, she wont do well outside. Shes a smart cat.

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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    Quote Originally Posted by AudrinaN View Post
    I dont have chains and I was hoping since the snow cleared up and its been warm somewhat, that I wouldnt need to get any….
    Ill keep on eye on the weather…. Pray that it doesnt snow!!!
    I recommend checking the DOT webcams and pass reports for CO, OR and WA before and during your trip. They have vital information on the mountain passes.

    Snoqualmie is the main pass in Washington that you will cross over as you near Seattle. Lots of snow up there recently.
    Here is their info site with webcam:
    http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/snoqualmie/
    When life gives you lemons, make lemonade... then find someone whose life gave them vodka, and have a party.

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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    Great info Margarita…thank you!!

    ::tears fall as I leave this warm beach Im sitting on….. :::

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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    I would have recommended sandwiches as a primary food staple if you had not already said that you are not big on them. They pack well, don't have to be reheated, can be very filling and are convenient for eating while driving.

    Granola bars and peanuts are also great filler snacks and can give you some distance between meals. Of course, crackers with peanut butter can also help.

    With a four year old, one of the biggest challenges is keeping her occupied. We have those dvd players that strap to the back of our headrests and they are a blessing. They only come out for long road trips, but it is amazing how many hours a 4 year old can be molified with her favorite movies.

    In any event, good luck!

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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    I would print out alternate mapquest directions just in case there is a bad snowstorm that comes up and a road is closed or is too snowy. It helps to know as much about your route and alternate routes as possible in case something like this comes up, having alternate routes can save you time and money.

    Also, keep somewhere in the back of your trunk a little emergency kit. Put Duct tape, a few tools, flashlights with extra batteries, matches, etc. It sounds crazy but the last time I drove across country, the windshield wiper came off of our car in a bad windstorm. Of course, we were 100 miles form a gas station so that duct tape helped hold everything together until we could get to a service station. If you don't have snow tires, keep a bag of kitty litter handy in case you get stuck in snow or something. I usually buy a case of bottled water and take with me on long trips, since it is a lot cheaper than buying water from the gas station. That's all I can think of right now, have a great trip.

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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    Absynth….. Thank you!

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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    Oh another great thing to have handy is babywipes, but for more than obvious reasons. You mentioned packing your own food, and if you eat things like granola, rasins, or fruit when your driving your hands get really sticky. So babywipes or handi wipes and viola! no more sticky hands.

    Also another thing for maps, I always highlight the route I am taking and then highlight an alternate route in a different color. It seems silly, but when your eyes are tired from driving it helps so much to just look at the highlighted color and seeing right where you are. This may seem silly, but once you get into remote places like WY, Montana, etc you don't know if your GPS or cell phone will get signal.

    Wear really comfortable clothes like a track suit, that way you can jog around and stretch out at a rest stop. The road can be so hypnotizing and I find that it helps to really wake me up and energize me if I walk or jog around the rest stop path.

    Put a pillow in your driver seat to support your back too! The pillow also comes in handy if you need to take a power nap or rest your eyes too.

    Earplugs! If you stop at a hotel there's no guarantee it will be a quiet one. Once I stopped at a hotel in WY and there was a wedding reception in the lobby, with a DJ, crazy drunk people, oh, and don't forget the people blasting thier car stereos and partying outside. My hotel room was so noisy! For this reason I always bring earplugs with me when I travel.

    That's all I can think of at the moment. good luck!

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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    Sunflower seeds (specifically in the shell) are fantastic for keeping yourself awake.
    "The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind."
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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    If you have done so already, see if you can take your car in for routine maintenance on Monday, such as oil change, checking fluids, checking your tires, and anything else that should be checked before a long trip.

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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    I second emergency kit, maps and thoroughly checking all the details before you go, weather, hotels, gas station distance...all super important.
    If you're not big on sandwiches, you could pack some food in tupperwares, stuff that holds well and can easily substitute a real meal, like slices of grilled chicken, sliced fresh veggies and fruits, or making a salad from a lot of different sorts of veggies, again with chicken or smoked salmon or something else you like; heck you can even pack cooked rice. All those things hold well (since it's not hot outside it won't go bad) and it's easy to handle. Assuming you'll stop somewhere by the road to eat, of course. Also, stuff like raw almonds, walnuts, etc, it's good to snack on. A LOT of water. Oh, and if your daughter doesn't take long drives well, maybe you should consider getting her some motion sickness meds (safe for kids, of course). Vomitting kids (or a cat!) are not a great addition to a long trip.

    Nothing else from me but good luck!

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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    I got used to sandwiches from living on the road half the time. Easy to pre-make and grab. You'll get there and start to like them too!
    A granola bar / peice of fresh fruit is what I eat for breakfast or lunch pretty much everyday! Same thing .... grab and eat. Easy.
    I hit Wendys ( chili + side salad ) for a $2 "real" meal. I hit subway a lot too. I used to eat way WAY more than I do. I still eat out when I travel but I HATE wasting food and restaurant portions are always too big for me.

    Boy .... did you look at a map and TRY to find the furthest points from each other in the U.S. ?
    You'll be ok ! You can DO THIS ! I didn't read the other replies very well, but I would recommend getting AAA. I STILL NEED TO DO THIS myself though! In the last two three months I've paid $100 to get my car out of a snow bank slide in Montana and another $50 for a lock out from me being a dumb ass. I think AAA would have covered both !

    If it were me, I'd stop at a hostel instead of hotel one of those hotel nights you have planned. They usually accept families and some accepts pets but you'll have to check. The reason I suggest this is for the kitchen access. You can have a real kitchen to prepare your cooler for the next couple days and then you won't have to lug your kitchen stuff out of your car.

    Whoever said EAR PLUGS is dead on! Make sure you get some that you KNOW work ! I was just caught three days ago and bought these terrible ones only to find myself sharing a hotel with a SNORER. I like my friend but he kept me up almost all night and then next day was SHOT. You can't be tired driving your family! Make sure your ear plugs fit right .

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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    Florida to Washington State?

    I-10 to Las Vegas
    I-15 to Salt Lake City
    I-85 to Portland, Or
    I-5 into Washington takes you to Ft. Lewis / AFB McChord and on to the Navy at Bremerton.


    Avoids the mountain passes and the winter storms that shut down the freeways in the mid west.

    If you do come to Denver, it is worth it to drive to Cheyenne then west to Salt lake city. Gas is cheaper in Wyoming and it is actually quicker than I-70 and I-15.

    The U.S. Mail is your friend. You can mail a package under 70 inches and 70lbs.

    Package up a bunch of "I need it when I get there" stuff and mail it, flat rate.

    Save you gas not hauling the stuff and schlepping it in and out of hotel in dicey neighborhoods.

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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    I was just watching the news and there was a story about a couple in Washington that slid off the road in their jeep and were there for 5 days before someone came along, noticed them and rescued them. Even then, the rescuer didn't see the vehicle but one of them had gotten out to take a leak. No one knew what route they were taking or where they might be. They survived off of jelly beans and melted snow. No cell phone??? Anyway, you are probably staying on more frequently traveled roads but I would make sure someone knows your approximate location on a semi regular basis and the intended route. Check in periodically if you get into an area that looks like it may be an issue. Best of luck and enjoy your trip!!

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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    Quote Originally Posted by carmen_b View Post
    I didn't read the other replies very well, but I would recommend getting AAA. I STILL NEED TO DO THIS myself though! In the last two three months I've paid $100 to get my car out of a snow bank slide in Montana and another $50 for a lock out from me being a dumb ass. I think AAA would have covered both!
    That is excellent advice!
    AAA is not very expensive and really pays off if you need a tow, run out of gas, a battery change/charge, or a flat tire repair.
    It also give you free maps for anywhere in the country... including their TripTik planner which highlights the exact routes of your journey (more than one route per trip if you want it).
    When life gives you lemons, make lemonade... then find someone whose life gave them vodka, and have a party.

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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    rest stops and gas stations have motel coupon books which allow you to plan where to stay for the night.

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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    Most things have been covered already here...so I'll just add a few practical tips that my husband came up with:

    1) Check the spare tire is properly inflated and legal tread depth. Check all fluid levels - including the battery water level and screen washer bottles - and fill up the tank.

    2) Make sure the jack works.

    3) Carry a spare Petrol can with at least 1 gallon of fuel.

    4) Carry water for the radiator, a can of oil - and boards and blankets. Carry a set of 'jump leads' in case of a dead battery. Also, carry a small tool kit, a torch (flashlight), matches, batteries (for the flashlight) and a luminous Warning Triangle to place in the road, in case you break down.

    5) Make sure the Cell Phone is fully charged and carry a car charger too.

    6) Keep a wallet with some money in it in a secret place in the trunk....just in case you lose your own.
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    Quote Originally Posted by ArmySGT. View Post
    If you do come to Denver, it is worth it to drive to Cheyenne then west to Salt lake city. Gas is cheaper in Wyoming and it is actually quicker than I-70 and I-15.
    I-70 is an AMAZING drive, though. It's sooooo pretty.

    Car adapter for the ipod. I don't know if they make them specifically for the ipod (I'm sure they do)... but even just a USB adapter will work fine.
    That way your batteries don't die midway through the day or something.
    Quote Originally Posted by camille27 View Post
    i am losing my fucking mind and i really just want this chloroform dream because i think that would just get me right with jesus.

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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    Make sure to have a planned route with itinerary, and make sure a responsible person has a copy of both. Stick to this route and have a routine daily check-in time by text message or phone call to allow your safety assistant know you are ok. Always include present location in these reports. Have these check-times at least once per day, and set a maximum non-contact time before a contingency plan goes into effect.

    This is a basic requirement for anybody going anywhere 'untethered' for any amount of time, and could seriously save your ass.

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    Default Re: Driving cross country TIPS….

    The trip went very well… Not a single problem. I took I-70 for a while, it was pretty. Ive never been anywhere west of Tennessee so everything was so---awesome and new to me, the mountains, the wind turbines, the oil pumps, the flat lands, the mountains again, the winding roads…. I really loved the drive. We stopped at every states welcome sign (missed 1 or 2 cuz I couldnt pull over!). We kept our eyes open for sandy from sponge bob in Texas, visited my sister for a few days in Denver, slept over night in Oregon (omg beautiful state, and great view from our hotel). I went off my plan to stop at a specific hotel at a set time, because I just wasnt tired at all and didnt wanna waste time sleeping, leaving me with an even longer drive.
    Anyways, me and my daughter and even the cat enjoyed this drive, Im really glad I didnt ship my truck and fly.
    Thanks for all the tips guys!!! I used a whole bunch of em!

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