Driving from Philly to Houston Texas (Philadelphia, Harrisburg: how much, hotel, move to)

[Movinggirl123]

Hi All...

I am planning to move to Houston Texas the first of July. I was going to fly there and have my minivan shipped there( $1000). Since it will just be my son and I, I am wondering if it will be cheaper and easy to drive there. I've never done a cross county drive before and anticipate that it will be long and tedious but also a fun adventure for my son and I.

I am also no good at reading maps but have been brushing up on my navigational skills since I am sure my GPS will loose the signal here and there.

Any advice, suggestions or experience????

[maf763]

It would certainly be cheaper even with hotel costs. In addition to the $1K shipping, you'd save on airfare. It's about 1500 miles so if you're willing to drive 8-10 hours a day, it will take 3 days. You can go interstate pretty much the whole way which makes getting lost pretty hard to do.

[Phil A. Delphia]

Plan to stop at a select few places that would interest you, whether it be a city, a landmark or a baseball stadium, etc. to break up the monotony of interstate driving. How much you try to do depends on how many more hours you're willing to add on to trip. The trade off is that it could be a great bonding experience, taking in certain experiences with your son that you may never get a chance to do again. Also, if you're son is of driving age, he could spell you here and there behind the wheel.

[Pine to Vine]

We made the opposite move about 18 months ago. Two nights on the road will be get you there without killing yourself. From Philly, I would avoid 95 and pick up 81 South just west of Harrisburg. Follow various interstates through Knoxville and Birmingham until you hit I-10 just outside New Orleans. From there it's a straight shot.

To prep, use Google maps to print out an exact route using 81 and study it before hand so you'll know where you need to change highways in Knoxville and Chattanooga (1400 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 to Houston, TX - Google Maps). With a GPS, it becomes even simpler. If your GPS cuts out, it will only be in the most remote areas and simply stay on the interstate. The drive is fairly scenic until you hit I-10.

[Jeanie Beanie]

Cool

Just do it.

[Movinggirl123]

Thanks for the vote of confidence everyone!!!!! I am totally looking forward to it. My son is not of driving age..he's 11..but he is of talking age...so I have no fear of falling asleep at the wheel!!...lol

[Movinggirl123]

Originally Posted by jm02

We made the opposite move about 18 months ago. Two nights on the road will be get you there without killing yourself. From Philly, I would avoid 95 and pick up 81 South just west of Harrisburg. Follow various interstates through Knoxville and Birmingham until you hit I-10 just outside New Orleans. From there it's a straight shot.

To prep, use Google maps to print out an exact route using 81 and study it before hand so you'll know where you need to change highways in Knoxville and Chattanooga (1400 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 to Houston, TX - Google Maps). With a GPS, it becomes even simpler. If your GPS cuts out, it will only be in the most remote areas and simply stay on the interstate. The drive is fairly scenic until you hit I-10.

Awesome! Thank you!