Going on a big adventure! Steps to take for a drive to MA-TX (Budget, rental)

[Shantotto]

Hello-

First, I want to say thank you for all the advice you guys have given. Very helpful and alleviates the stress of planning and moving. Original plan has changed! I'm actually going to drive from MA to Dallas during July 4th weekend with my bf who'll fly up and then we're renting a car (my car is unreliable). Big adventure. Farthest I've ever drove was BOS-DC and that's not to move.


THE QUESTION (estimated trip would take 27 hours - 2 or 3 days)

• What should I start planning?
• Is there a good route to take from Southern Massachusetts to Dallas? With good food and sights! but quick.
• Do I have to make reservations in advance for motels/hotels?
• What type of vehicle should I rent that won't guzzle up gas? Probably renting with Thrifty (discount!). I don't have any big furniture to move. So no tow thingie needed.
• Should we rely on our phone's GPS? I'll print out directions using Google maps just in case.
• If a big if, If I decide to bring a cat. Any advice on how to transport a cat?
• Advice on staying awake? No to red bull.

2-3 boxes of stuff will be shipped via UPS if it doesn't fit in the car. My desktop computer is coming with me everywhere... definitely hiding it from plain view. Bringing lots of snacks.





Thank you again!

[Shantotto]

Correction. Not using Thrifty. Budget actually cheaper for long distance >,<

[kab0906]

Have you considered flying instead?

I think this far in advance you could get good rates. When you compare that to two nights in a hotel, rental car, gas I expect you'll find the price is not that different - plus - only half a day of travel compared to 3.

[kab0906]

For example: If you flew out Thursday night from Boston on Southwest (2 free checked bags!) and were willing to have a stopover (no plane change) in St. Louis - total travel time 5.25 hours - it would cost $243.00

[ellysbelly]

I wouldn't take that drive unless you had absolutely no choice.. you can even take the cat on Southwest for $100 (in cabin).

[KathrynAragon]

I've driven from central Texas (Fort Hood) to Maryland (Aberdeen Proving Ground). It was one heck of a drive, and I did it with a U Haul, four kids under age 7 and a cat. If I can survive that, you can certainly pull this off!

Actually most of it wasn't unpleasant. I took four days to do it because I didn't want to push the kids too much, but I could have done it in three comfortable days if I'd been by myself. Personally I enjoy driving and seeing sights.

I also took a bit longer because I drove through the scenic part of the Shenandoah Mountains - but darn it, I wanted to see those mountains. I didn't take the more southern route (I-20 through LA, MS, AL, GA, SC, NC, VA, MD, etc) but that's another good way to go - less scenic but an easier drive. I went up through AR, TN, NC, VA, MD - that route. It really was beautiful and I don't regret going that way.

If I were you I'd invest in a navigation system (TomTom or Garmin sort). I think that would be very helpful and easier and more reliable than trying to use your phone. Of course, when I did it, we didn't even have navigation systems - I used a big road atlas!

Good luck!

[Dogmama50]

A couple things to check. First the one way drop off charge with the rental car and also if they allow a cat in it without a penalty or additional cleaning fee.

[Shantotto]

Oh gawd. Thank you guys. I did an in-depth research after posting this and as some of you have pointed out. Flying is more cost efficient and fast. I'll avoid the drive haahaha. Again, thank you.

I hope this thread helps someone in the future ^_^

[Shantotto]

If anyone was wondering ...
Renting a car during July 3rd dropping off a different location...the cost of car 2 or 4 door compact is: $1,071.96Taxes and fees: $1,380.02 TOTAL (USD) Not including insurance. Yowzers. And my Southwest tickets cost $120 one way. Cost of shipping Desktop Computer, Two monitors = $250 or $300. Cost to ship 4 large boxes of clothes, valuables, and books = under $200.

Yurp.

[Tcoma11]

I did this a few years back..... i highly recommend stopping in places you know you'll never go to in your life. I knew i would never travel to Maryland or west Virginia, so i made it a goal to check the states out.

Also, avoid NYC, go through northern part of Pennsylvania instead ( it's a little bit out of the way but the scenic drive is better going through the mountains than it is fight NYC traffic and confusing streets/ expensive tolls.