Leave no later than 4 am and you should be fine. We always stop around 8ish for breakfast and then at South of the Border. There's also an outlet mall in NC that has a place to run around (can't think of the name but it's one of the big ones.) Coming home is always our problem.

Have fun!

I would leave at 4 or 5.

If you have space in the car, consider bringing a small ride on toy and a ball. We'd stop at rest stops and let our little one ride her little ride on toy around, then play in the grassy areas with the ball, let her run around.

As far as falling asleep in the car, my 3 yo will do that on long trips, whether he has just gotten up or not. I guess the ride lulls them back to sleep!

Not OP, but I'm interested in any advice on this too, as we are driving to Myrtle beach with DS on a Sunday in June...

LOVE the idea about the schools! I can check.

We are thinking about leaving around 5am. It will kill me, but I think it will ultimately be worth it. I can drive fine at that hour, I just worry that we are going to need to entertain Perky Pete the bright-and-early-morning kid at that hour, which I am not going to be ready for! His normal wake up is 5:30-6am. Maybe I can lull him back to sleep with the videos...

Is 5am early enough?

I make this drive several times a year. I recommend leaving around 3 am. Sounds crazy, but you generally don't have to deal with any traffic leaving this early (even getting into Myrtle). Good Luck!

Wish I was going!

Can you leave real early? Be all prepared, car loaded the night before, snacks ready, and leave quietly? Some people can, some can't function at 4AM, 5AM. Place DC in car seat last thing & go. DC might sleep for several more hours. By the time you and husband are feeling the affects of the early departure, you'll get a second wind ~the sun will be up and you will have made great progress. Stop for an energizing lunch.

It has taken us between 8 and 12 hrs total to make this drive on a summer Saturday, but we have older kids and make 1-2 very quick stops (and eat in the car).

Could you leave at 4 am?

Anonymous wrote:I don't know of any specific stops, but some suggestions. Can you find some elementary schools along your route? They will have slides, swings to keep your toddler active. When we got stuck in traffic to go to the beach, this is what we did.

Also, I'd suggest some activity in the car, ie crayon and coloring, drawing, etc. Something quiet without noise.

not op, but brilliant idea about the schools!

I don't know of any specific stops, but some suggestions. Can you find some elementary schools along your route? They will have slides, swings to keep your toddler active. When we got stuck in traffic to go to the beach, this is what we did.

Also, I'd suggest some activity in the car, ie crayon and coloring, drawing, etc. Something quiet without noise.

Two questions.

We pretty much have to leave (from Silver Spring) on a Saturday morning--how early do we need to get out of the house so we are not parked in traffic? what time do things start to get really bad, and where are the pitfalls? We are not good overnight drivers, unfortunately, so I think we just need to leave in the early am & suck it up.

Secondly, are there any good rest stops for getting out and running around? We are thinking about driving for a few hours, then a quick stop, then a few more hours, then a good half hour break. I'm hoping for somewhere outside, rather than a PlayPlace (those totally gross me out). any good suggestions for places to stop?

We've done this trip several times before, but not when he's been old enough to really need to get out and run. I'm planning on relying heavily on the DVD player and snacks, but when he gets squirrely, we'll be in trouble.

Thanks1