1st time long distance trip need advice

Rick Jay wrote:
Hi!

When are you planning to take the trip?

If it's after the threat of snow, I'd recommend the "in land" route staying west of 95 until you hit South Carolina. Basically, something like 84>81>77>26>95. There are a few variations, but that's the general idea. It's a bit longer, but generally less stressful as the traffic is usually lighter. But the biggest advantage is that you can make the trip all the way down without paying a single toll west of CT. Travelling down 95 the tolls will be at least $100, and probably more by now. Depending upon where you are in New England, you might get tagged for a few in MA, NH or ME. Coming back, you'll have to pay one toll over the Hudson River east bound in New York.

If you decide to do 95, know that you can't take the tunnel under Baltimore Harbor on 95. You have to take the beltway around the city. The part of the beltway which heads towards the ocean (east bound) has another toll on it, the westward bound part does not have a toll, but it is a bit longer.

The advantage of 95 is that it is on flatter ground and closer to the ocean, so snow isn't likely to be as much of a problem. But traffic is bad any time of the day. The last time we headed down in the winter, we took the inland route. We didn't see any snow from Massachusetts, until we got to the hills in North Carolina. Nothing major, though. Fortunately.

We generally overnighted at Walmarts. There didn't seem to be much problem finding stations with access for larger rigs. At most major highway exits/entrances you'll usually have a couple of choices. A smartphone which can allow the co-pilot to "scope out" station layout could be helpful, though we didn't have that luxury when we've made the trips. We will next time, though! :)

Good Luck,

~Rick