I-81 from Washington DC to Charlotte
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I-81 from Washington DC to Charlotte
We are a group of 7 who will be arriving in Washington DC from South Africa on 25 December. We will be driving from Washington to Orlando with a 1 night stop enroute. We were considering driving the I-81 and stopping in Charlotte for the night. What I would like to know is what the weather conditions are like on that road in late December and is this a good idea or would another route be better. Our return journey will be on the I-95 and we were hoping not to do the same route twice. I would appreciate some advice.
#2
You are probably going to be "repeating" at least part of the I-95 segment if you go to Charlotte first. From there the fastest route to Orlando eventually takes you to I-95 south anyway. Going via Charlotte adds about 100 miles to your trip.
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 23,138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You could possibly hit some winter precipitation - snow or a greater concern - ice. Pay attention to the weather forecast. Ice storms in western VA and NC are awful, as they do not have a lot of equipment to treat the roads. This type of weather is a possibility, not a certainty - so just pay attention. Also, at that time of year we have the least amount of daylight per day. Much of this road is rather isolated and not well lit - so plan your travel day accordingly.
This route also has a lot of truck traffic - but on 12/25 it should be much less. They don't really bother me, but looking into your rear view mirror and seeing a monster truck grill on your tail can be a little disconcerting to some.
You did not ask, but I am guessing you are renting a 7-8 passenger mini-van. Some of these are not great in bad weather, others are OK, but none are great. And be aware that these type vehicles do not have a lot of room for luggage and seating for those in the back is cramped.
This route also has a lot of truck traffic - but on 12/25 it should be much less. They don't really bother me, but looking into your rear view mirror and seeing a monster truck grill on your tail can be a little disconcerting to some.
You did not ask, but I am guessing you are renting a 7-8 passenger mini-van. Some of these are not great in bad weather, others are OK, but none are great. And be aware that these type vehicles do not have a lot of room for luggage and seating for those in the back is cramped.
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It would be interesting to know what vehicle is being used, if it is only one. A "mini-van" would be inadequate even if there are some children in the group.
Not sure I agree that they are not good in all weather--they are very heavy vehicles--rented in Colorado and they do fine.
On a major holiday there is probably not much to be gained from not just heading right down I95--the traffic around the cities should be minimal and the higher elevations on I81 north of Charlotte could be iffy for weather.
With a group of 7, two cars might be more useful in the long run so everyone doesn't have to go everywhere all the time once you are at your destination.
Not sure I agree that they are not good in all weather--they are very heavy vehicles--rented in Colorado and they do fine.
On a major holiday there is probably not much to be gained from not just heading right down I95--the traffic around the cities should be minimal and the higher elevations on I81 north of Charlotte could be iffy for weather.
With a group of 7, two cars might be more useful in the long run so everyone doesn't have to go everywhere all the time once you are at your destination.
#5
Why are you driving rather than flying? The drive across SC is a screaming bore, and while there may not be much traffic going south on the 25th there probably will be coming back. If I wanted an interesting route I would take a few days and go down the coast.
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If I wanted an interesting route I would take a few days and go down the coast.
Well, if it is meant to really go down the coast rather than stay on I95, I will helpfully offer the way to do it.
Come south on I95 and at I40 go east to Wilmington, NC, and then head down the coast on Route 17. You'll go through Myrtle Beach, Georgetown (a lovely Revolutionary War era town worth a drive through of the historic district), Charleston, where you can again access I95. This will add very little time or distance to your trip, but will be a lot more interesting.
Don't overlook the chance to have some real southern US BBQ on the way! Let us know what your route will be and we'll let you know some choices.
Well, if it is meant to really go down the coast rather than stay on I95, I will helpfully offer the way to do it.
Come south on I95 and at I40 go east to Wilmington, NC, and then head down the coast on Route 17. You'll go through Myrtle Beach, Georgetown (a lovely Revolutionary War era town worth a drive through of the historic district), Charleston, where you can again access I95. This will add very little time or distance to your trip, but will be a lot more interesting.
Don't overlook the chance to have some real southern US BBQ on the way! Let us know what your route will be and we'll let you know some choices.
#8
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You will be leaving on Boxing Day, December 26, then?
Good, because many services will be on very limited schedules -- if not non-existent -- on Christmas Day.
This is true enough on I-95 but even more true on I-81, which is much more attractive but much more rural for much of its length.
Reverse your journey and return via I-81.
Good, because many services will be on very limited schedules -- if not non-existent -- on Christmas Day.
This is true enough on I-95 but even more true on I-81, which is much more attractive but much more rural for much of its length.
Reverse your journey and return via I-81.
#11
What type of vehicle will you rent to move 7 from Washington DC to Florida?
The coastal route is much less likely to have winter weather than the I-81 route.
How many of the 7 will be allowed to drive?
The coastal route is much less likely to have winter weather than the I-81 route.
How many of the 7 will be allowed to drive?
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ratdog1218
United States
30
Dec 31st, 2011 04:10 AM
OldTowner
United States
4
Nov 2nd, 2009 06:19 AM