I95 Places to Avoid

We have traveled North and South many times. I have tried all the "easier" routes, 81,301,CBBT,84-87. What we have found out is that timing makes all the difference in the world. If you play your cards right 95 is the fastest way. South of DC the traffic is mild compared to North of it and we have had good luck at any time of the day there. North of DC I have 2 rules. If going North, we plan to hit the area on Sunday. We overnight in the Fredricksburg area and then are on the road by 6am. Traffic is usually tame and we hit the GW around lunch time. If you aren't there by 1-2pm...you will be stuck in traffic. After that traffic is pretty mild the rest of the way North. When heading South...it is just the opposite and night travel works the best. We usually time it to hit NYC just before midnight and then don't stop till we get to Fredricksburg...usually just before sunrise.
This seems to work the best for us as we are not yet retired and our vacation time is valuable.