Driving from o.c. To houston texas...any tips? (Anaheim: hotels, buy)

[mrsduhon]

Hi there! I am driving to Houston from Anaheim, CA and this is my first time embarking on such a long road trip. I was planning on leaving late at night or early morning to get thru as much as I can before the sun comes up. I will have a car packed with stuff (Clothes, boxes, etc.). I plan on taking the I 10 straight thru. So I want to ask if there are any little tips that you well traveled ppl may know of such as places to eat along the way, road conditions, what to watch out for, etc. I'll be traveling alone and already know to be alert and vigilant but also wanna know as much as I need to know before I head out. I appreciate any help. Thanks1

[Charles]

How many days? It's almost 1600 miles.

Traveling with kids? If so, note where all the McDonalds play lands are on the route so when the kids finally drive you nuts you can stop and let them de-energize.

Let someone know where you are.

Bring a cell phone charger.

Lots of water.

Toilet paper.

[robbybee]

Check your spare tire. Make sure that it is properly inflated in case you need it. Do you have a AAA card or other roadside assistance?

Beef Jerkey, trail mix, candy that won't melt and other snacks will allow you to bypass all of the fast food joints. Also, take a few 5-hour energy bottles with you so that you don't fall asleep on those boring Texas highways.

NEVER let your gas tank get below 1/4 full. You don't want to be desperate for fuel in the middle of freaking nowhere!!

[mrsduhon]

Thanks for the responses. No kids, just me, myself & I. Great advice.

[pacific2]

1. Share your itinerary with a close friend, or relative and keep them updated.
2. Make plenty of brief road-side stops, even if you don’t feel tired. This will help to reduce fatigue and go a long way towards keeping you awake. Also, flex and relax your muscles if you start to feel tired during the drive.
3. Have a trusted mechanic check your car over before the trip.
4. For your own comfort, send some of the stuff by UPS, if possible. Books can be sent using postal book rates. Donate what you don't need.
5. Eat frequent small meals and skip the junk. Sugar (candy, pastries and sugary drinks) will rob you of your strength. Carry unsalted nuts, dried and fresh fruits. Be sure to have extra water. Personally, I also like complete protein powders for sustained energy. Life Basics 5 Fruit Blend is one of my favorites. I buy it at Mother’s Market& Kitchen:
Home - Mother's Market
6. Have a small emergency tool kit, as well as a small and inexpensive first-aid kit. Chances are that you won’t need either.
7. Take a battery operated radio with you. I have an Emerson radio that can be plugged in, or operated by battery or hand-winding.
8. Ditto for a flashlight (except for the plug-in part).
9. Put a blanket in your trunk.
10. Remember not to stare at the road for too long. Look around to stay alert.

Have a safe trip!

[Smokey the Bear]

Its a great drive. Everyones different though. Just take supplies you need, cameras, camcorder, and get rest either at rest stops, truck stops, or check into a hotel.

[nowincal11]

The drive isn't bad until you reach Texas. OC to El Paso is about 12 hrs 30 min. Add 2 hours due to time change. If you can't make it to El Paso, I would suggest stopping in Las Cruces, NM. At least you are in a city of some size with gas stations, restaurants, clean hotels.

When you reach El Paso, between El Paso and Kerrville, TX there is nothing. The gas stations close around 10 or 11pm. The largest town between the 8 hours of El Paso and Kerrville is Fort Stockton, which has 5,000 people. Thus, would recommend stopping in El Paso at the farthest on Day 1.

El Paso to Houston is about 11 hours, give or take a bit.

Good luck!

[DewDropInn]

Stop in Palm Springs to go to the bathroom. It is one long haul from there to your next chance. And get a book on CD for that stretch. Which I hate.

[robbybee]

I would have suggested a Trucker's Buddy but based upon your screen name, I thought that it probably wasn't applicable. ;-}

Bladder Buddy - an important purchase or gift for any big rig trucker

No worries, though. Manage your fluid intake and you should be fine, Mrs. Duhon.

[pacific2]

Originally Posted by robbybee

I would have suggested a Trucker's Buddy but based upon your screen name, I thought that it probably wasn't applicable. ;-}

Bladder Buddy - an important purchase or gift for any big rig trucker

No worries, though. Manage your fluid intake and you should be fine, Mrs. Duhon.

Not to worry, Hector has invented a Bladder Buddy to be used by all:

http://youtu.be/IdUMy9HzdWo