Have you ever driven cross country all alone??

Show all answers

coop

Yes I have and never had a major problem.
Plan your trip so You will have a place to sleep every night.
Do NOT become friendly with strangers.
Have your AAA card with you.
Carry 2 or 3 cans of "Fix A Flat" with you which can usually get you to a place where you can have a tire repaired or replaced if needed.
Stop every few hours to get out of the vehicle so you can walk around a little. This helps keep you awake on a long drive.
Someone where you are leaving and someone where you are going should have your itinerary and you should probably check in with them from time to time.
Do NOT pick up any hitch hikers.
Watch for speed traps in Missouri, Oklahoma and New Mexico.
Say your prayers every night and don't forget to breathe !!
Blessings on your journey.

Gerry D

Kumara,
I have driven across the country by myself (twice) and loved every minute of it.

If I could make any suggestions it would be to first have a game plan to when you want to leave in terms of date/time and stick with it. Second, before departing get a trip tick from AAA, even if you have a GPS computer for your car. Take two rolls of quarters with you - surprisingly enough toll roads in the least likely places show up all the time - keep this in an easy area for you to reach. Lastly, push the drive but also know when to stop to eat and sleep for the evening - don't push it so far that you fall asleep at the wheel. Bring bottled water with you for the trip - it really is the best thing for you.

Best of luck, have fun, stay safe, and when you can - smell the roses! I would simply love to see my American Southwest again.

Gerry :)

newpandaexpressawesome

Make Cd's with your favorite music, and just sing along for hours and drink monster energy drinks. I drive 10 hours regularly, sometimes it ends up being 13. Just crank the tunes and rock out.

SusieQ

Many times! Bring lots of good music, books on cd, coffee and your cell phone (an ear piece tho, don't hold it), and lots of stops to stretch.

Gray

From Virginia to Idaho and back. Umm, don't do anything stupid and you'll be fine. If you get tired, STOP! My stupid car broke down each way, but that was over a year apart. Having contacts along the way is a great thing.

susie m

i have. and i stayed in road as much as possible only stopping for gas bathroom and snack. all at the same time.

John R

Hi Kumara, Indeed I have and it is an experience I would recommend to anyone. Take your time and see the sights along the way. One suggestion is to plan ahead and make reservations at places you want to stay. After a long day of driving it can be a real pain to get into a place and all the accomodations are taken. Enjoy your trip!

TEM

Yes, twice. Make sure you know where you're going and where you're sleeping. I personally recommend youth hostels. Make sure you have roadside assistance in every state you'll be driving through. And make sure you have a really good road atlas, a recent/new one PLEASE. Of course these days a cell phone is a plus.

While you're on the road, you'll stop for gas, food, snacks, bathroom, whatever...USE YOUR HEAD. Don't look/walk like a scared victim wannabe. Lock your car, especially if you take a nap in it!!!! Don't show off your money or credit cards! Don't talk to anyone who even remotely gives you the creeps! Be aware of your surroundings. And for pete's sake, keep to well populated stops. Truckers are usually good eggs, but don't get into a truck with one...where you see lots of trucks parked is a good sign that the food's good and the place is clean.

And for heaven's sake...play some really good loud music, sing along, and have a damn good time!!!! The open road is WONDERFUL!!!

Jeff

4 days!! You will make good time on the first day or two. After that 8-10 hours a day will be enough. Get behind a speeding truck and stay there! No drafting, just far enough back to be following.

little eagle

Stop and rest every 3 1/2 hours, and don't drive more than 10 in one day.

Jean Valjean

yes! Plan ahead, get maps.... and plenty of food....
GOOD LUCK!!

Shannon

Yes, many times. Usually via camper---picture the VW camper. I shall assume you are driving a sedan.

Start early the first day. Stop early that day (4ish). Start early the second day and stop late as you can. You are just getting into the swing of it. That is part of going long distances. Another part is to stop early for a full dinner, say 5-6ish and get back on the road 7-8ish and keep going until tired. Dinner is sturdy--steak. All this is for distance driving.

The worst time to travel is 4 to about 7 when the sun is low and it might have been a hot day. Notice that most of the big truck drivers get off the road about then...and return to the road later.

Talk radio is great for passing the time. Take frequent short breaks to do something pleasureable---look in a thift shop, look into a stream, watch an auction..... Short stops.

Have a picnic basket of treats....fruit, nuts, drinks.....

Call a friend/lover each day....late in the day.

Hope this helps..... cheers.

micko

don't pick up any hitchhikers and don't rob any banks!

kim45237

No I haven't yet, but I plan on making a trip from Ohio to Nevada when I move to Nevada. I have thought about how long each day I want to drive, I'm thinking about 10 hrs. I have also looked at hotels to stay at in each city on the way. Think about the money you want to spend on food. Make sure you have a good cell phone just in case of emergencies. Allow yourself extra days for weather, breakdowns, etc... I, too will be by myself, but the excitement of moving out there will make it all worth it.

HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE

SuziQ211

I haven't Kumara, but I wish I could help you out or go with you on your long drive. I know it has to be scary & intimidating, but I think you've been given some good advice here. When are you leaving & please let us know when you arrive safely! Good Luck to you, Girl!!!

charlie_t101

no i haven't driven across country but i have flown around the world all alone.''with no offense to any of the ladies'' but my suggestions would be travel with a friend especially if your female.avoid staying all night at those small town motels.and stay on the main roads all the time.

jay b

Oakland Ca. to Little Rock Ar. all by myself, no breaks except gas and red bulls.....25hours.....i don't recommend this, no sleep = hallucinations

Sasha L

No.
But it shouldnt be scary.
I love your icon!
its better then mine!
its like the best one i'v ever seen!

musicman47

Nope, the last time I traveled a long distance was when me and my family visited a relative in New York.

californicationized

no i would get so bored!!

â™¥ Emily â™¥

im only 11. I cant

Jessica

fight poverty at freerice.com!

ooo....
well its cheaper to fly, cos if u drive, you have to pay for food, gas, lodging, etc. its actually cheaper to fly. its shorter, and theres free food, and lodging isnt necessary and gas is included in the airline fee.