First Time Driving

[graphite1326]

We have always flown from upstate NY to Orlando and used the bus service to our resort. This trip, in September, we thought we would take a few days, since we have the time, and drive down and also seeing a few sights along the way. It looks like about halfway is in the Carolinas. We were wondering where a good place to stay over night there to break up our trip.

Also, any places we should see along the way?

Another question I have; when you get to the gate at your resort what information does the guard need? If any.

 

[graphite1326]

IMHO the key to avoiding DC traffic is to get through between 10pm and 6am. We've never had a problem and did the speed limit doing it that way.

Went through DC at 2 in the morning at a snails pace.

 

[Figgy1]

Yeah I was thinking of using 81 to Winchester and then use RT 66 over to 95 south of DC

You need to take into account the extra time that takes compared to DC

 

[graphite1326]

You need to take into account the extra time that takes compared to DC

Thought about hitting Monticello in Virginia to break up the trip. That would put us on 81.

 

[allgiggles]

IMHO the key to avoiding DC traffic is to get through between 10pm and 6am. We've never had a problem and did the speed limit doing it that way.

That works as long as they're not doing any major construction or there's no accidents (our son ran into both of those issues on 2 overnight drives through DC). My husband and I don't travel during the night, so it's not an option for us. But we've breezed through DC on a few trips even during the day -- definitely remember doing that on Memorial Day one year. Also, many of our southbound trips were on a Saturday so no real business traffic to deal with. I'm sure that has helped with our success rate.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Timing when driving is everything. But DC traffic is notoriously bad, even without construction, slowdowns or accidents . Driving through on holidays and weekends when work traffic isn't as heavy certainly can be better but still no piece of cake.
My advice to drivers as well as advice from countless others... AVOID at all cost.

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

DO NOT STOP AT SOUTH OF THE BORDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's time I'll never get back. The kids begged for years to stop and we always got away with it's too early or it's too late, the one time we couldn't get away with either

Hard disagree. I do not recommend it for an overnight stay, but stopping for a short break is a must for my family if ever we drive by there.

It is a reasonably good place to stop for gas.
Reliable for restrooms.
Sure, the gift shops have a lot of cheap/tasteless stuff, but I've also found some great (inexpensive) stuff there.

 

[Lilofan]

Hard disagree. I do not recommend it for an overnight stay, but stopping for a short break is a must for my family if ever we drive by there.

It is a reasonably good place to stop for gas.
Reliable for restrooms.
Sure, the gift shops have a lot of cheap/tasteless stuff, but I've also found some great (inexpensive) stuff there.

Only gas at South of Border is (2) Sunoco stations and (1) Shell. The Shell I don’t recommend. It’s in a desolate part of the road and abandoned buildings nearby.

 

[Lilofan]

Timing when driving is everything. But DC traffic is notoriously bad, even without construction, slowdowns or accidents . Driving through on holidays and weekends when work traffic isn't as heavy certainly can be better but still no piece of cake.
My advice to drivers as well as advice from countless others... AVOID at all cost.

We have had better luck driving through DC in I-95 between 11am-3pm during the weekday. Traffic is moving. Weekends are a zoo on the road.