We have made a number of trips from the Pacific coast to the Mississippi River and back. For us planning on an overall pace of 50 mph with stops is a relaxing drive and we try to avoid days with more than 10 hours on the road. I still work full time, but still limit a day's travel to 500 miles unless bad weather is chasing us. Try to enjoy the journey as much as the destination and long trips will be more enjoyable instead of what seems like work due to hard seat time trying to push schedule.
The preparation for our short weekend trips and long 3000-5000 mile trips really does not vary with the exception that I try to pack enough clothes to avoid doing laundry while away. For me, this is vacation and some household chores can take a back seat until I get back in the grind of the work week.
