We are considering a trip to NYC next fall--friend getting married there. Jane has a fear of flying. Bus is out of the question. Map quest says 1661 miles--is that about right?

I would plan for 3 days. I can do 800 miles a day alone. If I push it I can do 1000 miles a day. Most families do about 500 miles a day. With another person you will be making more stops and there are a lot of speed traps and bad traffic areas in New England.

Don,
I use Mapquest a lot. I have found that on long trips (1,000 miles +) Mapquest is normally short of the distance I have showing on my odometer. This has been true on several vehicles so I'm fairly confident in saying this. But, that margin of error is normally within 3 to 5%. So, I'd say Mapquest is relatively close. The estimated driving time is totally dependent on the person driving, I tend to drive the speed limit + 5 mph and carry enough fuel that bathroom and food stops are more of the reasons for stopping than fuel. You can go a long way on 70 + gallons.

I try to avoid weddings and funerals, both are dramatically life changing events.

Ron

With all the driving I do, sticking to interstates, I'll drive about 600 miles a day ~ at 60 mph average speed, it is a ten hour day. In a Fiero, I stop about every three hours for Fiero fuel and pit stop. Once you get to NYC all bets are off. As you get close to NYC or any big cities traffic jams are unavoidable. Maybe a CB radio to discover why the traffic clogs.

I've been using my GPS to get around blocked highways. My GPS detour button to bypass jams coming back from the Power Tour. It took me on a nice Fiero road through N Carolina. I do like the GPS as I cannot read a road map and drive, but the GPS voice tells me where to go, but you'll have Jane telling you where to go.

I'll drive the most on day 1 as it does get tedious after a few days.

Don I use Rand McNally route planner.
And as with all route planners you can change routes, speeds driven and such.

It gave me 1678 miles.

You can plan stopovers, change certain parts of the route to allow for shorter and longer times and mileage.

It also said it would take 2 days 8AM to 5PM and the last day 8AM to 1;05PM

But that is also at certain speeds that I can change inside the program.

Steve

PS

Take your truck, you will thank me after.
------------------
Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't.
Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

[This message has been edited by 84fiero123 (edited 06-16-2009).]

Google Maps is usually pretty good at estimating travel time. It puts the 1661 mile trip at 1 day 3 hours, plus add in time for your rest stops.
If you have time to rest when you get there, a 2 day trip shouldn't be a problem. Stop over in Nashville or Knoxville TN (depending on route) and that's right at 12 hours of drive time and half way. 3 days would give you plenty of time to take your time, and arrive rested.

Micro$oft Streets & Trips estimates 1635 miles and 26 1/4 hours driving time. I have found the S&T distance calculations to be accurate and and its driving time estimates to be pretty conservative, at least in the middle and southwestern parts of the country. I can usually plan a slightly better route than the one S&T suggests if I know the local roads and conditions. FWIW, S&T running on a laptop with a GPS connected is still my favorite navigational system for long-distance driving, and it can also serve as your music (or audio books) system as well.

Guess I better figure 2 1/2 to 3 days each way, since I am totally unfamilar with the eastern seaboard. Appreciate the replies.

You gonna hang out a little while you're in NYC?

Not if we drive Rumor. Gonna be a tight schedule, unless I can get Jane on a plane. I'll let ya know as the date gets closer tho.

Jane did just say "Tell Rumor I'll fly if there's bacon".
Not exactly sure what she meant by that..

[This message has been edited by maryjane (edited 06-16-2009).]

quote Originally posted by FieroRumor: You gonna hang out a little while you're in NYC?

You can always crash the wedding Rumor? I here there are going to be several different bacon appetizers.

Jim

quote Originally posted by maryjane: Not if we drive Rumor. Gonna be a tight schedule, unless I can get Jane on a plane. I'll let ya know as the date gets closer tho. Jane did just say "Tell Rumor I'll fly if there's bacon". Not exactly sure what she meant by that..

Heh, I tried to "get" Rachel on a plane once, she didn't go for it either, I didn't ask if bacon would help.

Brad

Hey Don did you look into Amtrak? I hear they serve bacon. Just a thought.


Shelby

quote Originally posted by maryjane: Jane has a fear of flying.

Didn't you ever watch the "A Team" ? Mr T had a fear of flying. They either dosed him with something, hypnotized him, or did something else to knock him out. When he woke up, he was there.
Ah, I love it when a plan comes together, .

[This message has been edited by cliffw (edited 06-17-2009).]

quote Originally posted by cliffw: Didn't you ever watch the "A Team" ? Mr T had a fear of flying. They either dosed him with something, hypnotized him, or did something else to knock him out. When he woke up, he was there. Ah, I love it when a plan comes together, .

I found most map software & online maps are pretty accurate. and, the more input you give - the better. like where you expect to stop for the night. by doing that, you can also plan ahead for lower rates for rooms. I like to leave min 3 hours wiggle room per leg for problems & spontanous roaming.

and, also - "up north" it is construction season. check construction along your route. consider parrallels/alternates for each leg.

Real time from Okla City to Columbus (I-44 & I-70) is usually about a 16 hour drive, all interstate for me just stopping for gas. NYC is about 8 hours from here. I dont know about real time drive from Houston to Okla City leg though. I try to time myself so I dont hit any major cities during rush hours.