Anyone made the drive from DC to Tampa in one day? Do-able or a big mistake?

[Anonymous]

We need to be in Tampa in December and must drive (flying isn’t an option). We stopped in Savannah the last time we had to make the trip, and the second day of driving still seemed long.

Some in our party are lobbying to leave at 6am and make the drive in one very long day. Possible? How painful?

I think we should stop—maybe around Jacksonville?

Tips on if and where to stop would be appreciated.

[Anonymous]

When you map it, how many hours is it door-to-door with no stops? Even the drive to Jacksonville will be a very long day.

[Anonymous]

we always stop in Savannah.

[Anonymous]

there is the auto train from lorton to orlando

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When you map it, how many hours is it door-to-door with no stops? Even the drive to Jacksonville will be a very long day.

13+ hours

To Tampa: With stops and traffic, I’m guessing it will be closer to 16–which is why I don’t think it’s possible.

Is Jacksonville nice or sketchy?

Savannah seemed a bit off the path the last time around, and Day 2 of driving was still a schlep. We hit traffic the next day.

[Anonymous]

8:40 to Savannah

10 to Jacksonville

[Anonymous]

Only you know how hardcore your drivers are and what stamina they have. I have friends who allow only minimal eating or drinking in the long car ride so that no one needs to stop to use the bathroom. If you do that you need only stop for gas and can push through.

[Anonymous]

Have done it many times. It’s painful. You’re leaving a bit later than we would. Honestly we prefer to stop but usually don’t. strategies for driving include packing snacks, quick stops and meals you can eat in the car. Also Bring things to entertain you and portable chargers for your devices unless you have enough ports for everyone.

It will be a sucky day but it’s one day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have done it many times. It’s painful. You’re leaving a bit later than we would. Honestly we prefer to stop but usually don’t. strategies for driving include packing snacks, quick stops and meals you can eat in the car. Also Bring things to entertain you and portable chargers for your devices unless you have enough ports for everyone.

It will be a sucky day but it’s one day.

Thx.

When you stop, where do you stop?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:we always stop in Savannah.

Same here. It’s doable without stopping but so exhausting!

[Anonymous]

How many drivers? Do you have little kids and need to stop a bunch of times?

I do a similar trip to FL. I drive and DH flies with kids. I like driving (podcasts, stay at night hotel) and can do with minimal stops, but I do break it up into 10/4 and spend the night somewhere because 10 hours is my max driving ability without fatigue, and I don't like driving in the dark.

If you have multiple drivers, I could see going straight through. As long as someone is okay driving at night.

[Anonymous]

We drove home from Florida once and the critical mistake we made was not stopping every couple hours to stretch. DH needed a chiropractor the next day.

[Anonymous]

I did this as a solo driver in my 30s, it was awesome easy drive. But I don’t need to stop much and I could drive early and late.

With kids, why would you do this to yourself?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How many drivers? Do you have little kids and need to stop a bunch of times?

I do a similar trip to FL. I drive and DH flies with kids. I like driving (podcasts, stay at night hotel) and can do with minimal stops, but I do break it up into 10/4 and spend the night somewhere because 10 hours is my max driving ability without fatigue, and I don't like driving in the dark.

If you have multiple drivers, I could see going straight through. As long as someone is okay driving at night.

Where is your 10 hour stop for the overnight?

[Anonymous]

We did this when there was snow in DC so our flight out of Tampa was canceled. Took us until about noon to find a rental car we were allowed to take out of state and got here around 2 in the morning IIRC. It wasn’t horrible (the icy Richmond and after part was) but we are both road trip people who enjoy driving.