October Beach Getaway by Car?

[Anonymous]

Bethany Beach in October is fantastic. Fewer people yet most quality places are still open. The weather is often warm and sunny too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, everyone! Just can't decide. Seems like Hilton Head is the northernmost place that is likely to be warm, but it's 8.5 hours away.

I truly don't mind the driving, as long as I don't have my kids with me, though.

Why not just fly? Is it a money thing?

It is somewhat of a money thing, indirectly. If we fly, we'll probably still need to rent a car, and the flight plus car rental adds up. It's also a getaway since DH and kids, and I feel like it will come across as less of a vacation if we're just driving. Is that ridiculous? Also, I don't commute by car, so driving really isn't very onerous for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, everyone! Just can't decide. Seems like Hilton Head is the northernmost place that is likely to be warm, but it's 8.5 hours away.

I truly don't mind the driving, as long as I don't have my kids with me, though.

Why not just fly? Is it a money thing?

It is somewhat of a money thing, indirectly. If we fly, we'll probably still need to rent a car, and the flight plus car rental adds up. It's also a getaway since DH and kids, and I feel like it will come across as less of a vacation if we're just driving. Is that ridiculous? Also, I don't commute by car, so driving really isn't very onerous for me.

sans, not since. OOPS.

[Anonymous]

Ive been to the Outer Banks in the first week in October and loved it. It was warm enough to lay on the beach in a bathing suit and swim in the pool. The ocean was too cold for me personally but I'm a sissy when it comes to cold. The kids did swim. I had a great time and would do it again in a heartbeat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, everyone! Just can't decide. Seems like Hilton Head is the northernmost place that is likely to be warm, but it's 8.5 hours away.

I truly don't mind the driving, as long as I don't have my kids with me, though.

Why not just fly? Is it a money thing?

It is somewhat of a money thing, indirectly. If we fly, we'll probably still need to rent a car, and the flight plus car rental adds up. It's also a getaway since DH and kids, and I feel like it will come across as less of a vacation if we're just driving. Is that ridiculous? Also, I don't commute by car, so driving really isn't very onerous for me.

But it is a vacation! I think you are better off going to a place like Homestead with a nice spa and hot springs.

[Anonymous]

Not OP, but for a trip like that--I would much rather drive. Say you go to HH. First you have to get to the airport, park or get a ride, stand in line-- and hope there are no delays--certainly not a given these days. So, there is three hours--before you even take off. The flight is not that long--so say another two hours. Then, you need to rent the car--so, from take off to getting in the car, it is probably three hours. Then, the drive to HH (45 min?)--so there is seven hours for flying and getting there--assuming no delays. You can drive for nine hours and do not have to spend as much money--especially if there are two sharing expenses.

I know too many people who have had flight troubles lately. I'd much rather drive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not OP, but for a trip like that--I would much rather drive. Say you go to HH. First you have to get to the airport, park or get a ride, stand in line-- and hope there are no delays--certainly not a given these days. So, there is three hours--before you even take off. The flight is not that long--so say another two hours. Then, you need to rent the car--so, from take off to getting in the car, it is probably three hours. Then, the drive to HH (45 min?)--so there is seven hours for flying and getting there--assuming no delays. You can drive for nine hours and do not have to spend as much money--especially if there are two sharing expenses.

I know too many people who have had flight troubles lately. I'd much rather drive.

I am the OP, and yes, that too. With driving, you don't have to leave at the exact time you committed to when you bought your ticket. Last-minute schedule changes are still possible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ive been to the Outer Banks in the first week in October and loved it. It was warm enough to lay on the beach in a bathing suit and swim in the pool. The ocean was too cold for me personally but I'm a sissy when it comes to cold. The kids did swim. I had a great time and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Agreed- it's a nice time to go. Whether or not the water is warm enough to swim is a personal thing- we all have different tolerance levels. I grew up in New England where the water is never truly "warm" so the Outer Banks in October is usually just fine for me.

[Anonymous]

I would fly to Ft Lauderdale. Short flight. Book w southwest so you have flexibility and can cancel. If you book ahead, you can get chep car rentals. Ive gotten itvas cheap as $15 a day, i always decline insurance and gas. For 3 days, it should be no more than $100 w taxes and fees. Split by 2. Totally doable. Driving will eat up so much of your time, and cn be exhausting.