Road Trip from Boston to Florida
Dec 18th, 2016, 01:47 PM
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Road Trip from Boston to Florida
Me and a group of about 8 would like to take a road trip from Boston MA to Key Largo Florida. Most of us would be 18 or 19 by the time we went, and we'd like to go the summer or 2018. On the way to Key Largo, we'd like to stop by in Washington DC, Georgia, South Carolina, Orlando, and Miami. We'd like to limit the amount of stops on the way back, but stop at New York. We would have cars so we wouldn't need to rent any, and we were debating between air bnbs or hotels. All in all, how much do you think each person would have to pay in order to go? We wouldn't like to be on the trip for more than two weeks, and the maximum amount of time would like to be spent in Florida.
Dec 18th, 2016, 02:11 PM
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Some thoughts:
Boston to Washington
Washington to Charleston, SC
Charleston to Savannah, GA
Savannah to Orlando, FL
Orlando to Miami
Miami to Key Largo
That's about 8 days. It gives you time to drive between the two places,walk around town, and get a bite to eat. Some places, like Washington and Miami need more time, so I would bag Orlando. You are too old for some stuff and too young for others.
If you drive all the way to Key Largo, you ought to keep going unless you are there to snorkel. It isn't all that great otherwise. Islamorada and Key West are better.
How many airBnB's can sleep 8 and will rent to people under 21? There is an airBnB reddit. Lots of hosts don't like to rent to groups like yours because they are afraid you will wreck the place. May not be fair, but it is a perception you will have to overcome. You may have to stay in hostels. The big cities will have them. Google.
The cars are going to cost you about $10 per 100 miles for gas
Boston to Washington
Washington to Charleston, SC
Charleston to Savannah, GA
Savannah to Orlando, FL
Orlando to Miami
Miami to Key Largo
That's about 8 days. It gives you time to drive between the two places,walk around town, and get a bite to eat. Some places, like Washington and Miami need more time, so I would bag Orlando. You are too old for some stuff and too young for others.
If you drive all the way to Key Largo, you ought to keep going unless you are there to snorkel. It isn't all that great otherwise. Islamorada and Key West are better.
How many airBnB's can sleep 8 and will rent to people under 21? There is an airBnB reddit. Lots of hosts don't like to rent to groups like yours because they are afraid you will wreck the place. May not be fair, but it is a perception you will have to overcome. You may have to stay in hostels. The big cities will have them. Google.
The cars are going to cost you about $10 per 100 miles for gas
Dec 18th, 2016, 02:17 PM
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Hit the wrong button.
To gas, add tolls. I think I pay about $30 Boston to Richmond, depending on how I go. That's per car, of course. Gas is generally cheaper further south, but CT and NY are not good. Jersey is no longer cheap.
By that time weed will be legal in Mass. It won't be legal anywhere else on your route, and you are going to look like an easy arrest to a lot of people on the way.
They can find it better than you can hide it, so just leave it at home.
To gas, add tolls. I think I pay about $30 Boston to Richmond, depending on how I go. That's per car, of course. Gas is generally cheaper further south, but CT and NY are not good. Jersey is no longer cheap.
By that time weed will be legal in Mass. It won't be legal anywhere else on your route, and you are going to look like an easy arrest to a lot of people on the way.
They can find it better than you can hide it, so just leave it at home.
Dec 19th, 2016, 04:53 AM
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What about motels and hotels? Many won't rent to persons under 21.
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Dec 19th, 2016, 05:49 AM
#5
"By that time weed will be legal in Mass. It won't be legal anywhere else on your route, and you are going to look like an easy arrest to a lot of people on the way."
Exactly <B>what</B> was the purpose of <B>this</B> little rant? We already know how "old" you are.
Exactly <B>what</B> was the purpose of <B>this</B> little rant? We already know how "old" you are.
Dec 19th, 2016, 07:18 AM
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Watch it, Dukey. The nurses' aide will put paregoric in your pablum to calm the vitriol in your mouth!
What's with you lately? You have been a valuable contributor here for a long time, and suddenly it's complain, insult, whine.
Kids that age have very little experience and sometimes do dumb things or, more gently, imprudent things based on limited information that can have wide consequences. It is not unreasonable to suggest prudence to people going far from home.
What's with you lately? You have been a valuable contributor here for a long time, and suddenly it's complain, insult, whine.
Kids that age have very little experience and sometimes do dumb things or, more gently, imprudent things based on limited information that can have wide consequences. It is not unreasonable to suggest prudence to people going far from home.
Dec 29th, 2016, 06:40 AM
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I would also remember that prior to a road trip, you need your car services, possibly new tires, an oil change, etc. So there is that cost too. Road trips are not necessarily the cheapest. I would definitely say AirBnB would be the cheaper option, although for that size, it would probably run about $200 a night or more in places like Charleston for an AirBnB. Also, I second that a lot of places like AirBnB will not rent to a younger crowd. Even as 30 year olds having a bachelorette party (with NO partying!), we had a hard time renting for a large crowd. I have a hard time adding that up without really thinking about it, but road trips generally are not SUPER cheap.
Dec 29th, 2016, 08:45 PM
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Sounds like a fun roadtrip! I can't speak to the other parts of your trip, but I can give you a few tips on South Florida & Key Largo from a locals perspective.
Hotels in South Florida and the Keys will have minimum check-in age requirements, while hotels generally use 18 some in south Florida use 21. You might consider inviting a slightly older sibling to help with this.
Hotels in general will also require a credit card at check in, while Airbnb's are prepaid when you book. You can use a debit cards to check in at a hotel, but they put a large hold on your account. Depending on how often you are checking in and out of places, you could run into issues. You can use a parents credit card for a hotel, but it's a hassle. (They'll have to coordinate with each hotel, fill out credit card authorization forms, etc.) and even then, if I recall correctly you still need a card at check in. Someone else can confirm, since it's been at least 10 years since I had to do this.
I agree with everyone Airbnb or homeaway will be your best bet in Miami and Key Largo, since that large of a group would require multiple rooms and room prices will already be on the high end. You will find Airbnbs that don't ask questions and let you instant book, but those are usually not the best as far as quality and cleanliness.
Book early and read reviews. Keep in mind that from the start of spring break (1st week in March here) until basically the end on August the rates in Miami/Key Largo will be high. Even the run down "party" hotels will be charging over $150 a night. You can save money by avoiding major holidays/events. I paid $250 a night on Memorial Day weekend in Miami for a hotel with 1 full bed, cement floors and a bathroom that you couldn't stand in and close the door at the same time.
You might consider spending the night in Fort Lauderdale instead, you'll get better rates and it's just a 45 minute drive to south beach. Honestly Fort Lauderdale beaches are just as nice, and most bars on South Beach in Miami ID to get in after dark. 18 and over clubs on South Beach are rare. You'll have a better chance of finding places you can get into in Fort Lauderdale.
Did I mention read reviews? In Miami in particular, 2 blocks can mean the difference between million dollar condo's and government housing. If you see prices significantly lower in one area, there is probably a reason. That's something to keep in mind when looking at Airbnb's.
In Key Largo Home rentals are very common, and it's the best bet it you're spending more than a week. You will find budget motels in Key Largo, but a quick search for hostels came up empty. I did find one hostel/motel in Key West, the rate in Feb. is $58 per bed per night. It's called the seashell motel.
You'll also want to think about what you want to do in Key Largo. I love Key Largo/Islamorada, it's definitely my favorite part of the Florida Keys. That being said, what makes Key Largo fun is having access to a boat, jet ski, etc. Other than private hotel beaches, and John Pennekamp Park, there are 2 small "beaches" that I know of. The nicer rentals will give you access to some basic equipment like kayaks or paddle boards, but other than that all other activities will be on the expensive side and there will be age restrictions for those rentals as well.
For what it's worth, I think Key West would give you and your friends more options on things to do, economical places to eat, and places to have a good time with out busting your budget. There will also be more options on places to stay, and in a wider range of price options.
That's just my perspective, as someone who spent her college years enjoying the best that South Florida has to offer.
Hotels in South Florida and the Keys will have minimum check-in age requirements, while hotels generally use 18 some in south Florida use 21. You might consider inviting a slightly older sibling to help with this.
Hotels in general will also require a credit card at check in, while Airbnb's are prepaid when you book. You can use a debit cards to check in at a hotel, but they put a large hold on your account. Depending on how often you are checking in and out of places, you could run into issues. You can use a parents credit card for a hotel, but it's a hassle. (They'll have to coordinate with each hotel, fill out credit card authorization forms, etc.) and even then, if I recall correctly you still need a card at check in. Someone else can confirm, since it's been at least 10 years since I had to do this.
I agree with everyone Airbnb or homeaway will be your best bet in Miami and Key Largo, since that large of a group would require multiple rooms and room prices will already be on the high end. You will find Airbnbs that don't ask questions and let you instant book, but those are usually not the best as far as quality and cleanliness.
Book early and read reviews. Keep in mind that from the start of spring break (1st week in March here) until basically the end on August the rates in Miami/Key Largo will be high. Even the run down "party" hotels will be charging over $150 a night. You can save money by avoiding major holidays/events. I paid $250 a night on Memorial Day weekend in Miami for a hotel with 1 full bed, cement floors and a bathroom that you couldn't stand in and close the door at the same time.
You might consider spending the night in Fort Lauderdale instead, you'll get better rates and it's just a 45 minute drive to south beach. Honestly Fort Lauderdale beaches are just as nice, and most bars on South Beach in Miami ID to get in after dark. 18 and over clubs on South Beach are rare. You'll have a better chance of finding places you can get into in Fort Lauderdale.
Did I mention read reviews? In Miami in particular, 2 blocks can mean the difference between million dollar condo's and government housing. If you see prices significantly lower in one area, there is probably a reason. That's something to keep in mind when looking at Airbnb's.
In Key Largo Home rentals are very common, and it's the best bet it you're spending more than a week. You will find budget motels in Key Largo, but a quick search for hostels came up empty. I did find one hostel/motel in Key West, the rate in Feb. is $58 per bed per night. It's called the seashell motel.
You'll also want to think about what you want to do in Key Largo. I love Key Largo/Islamorada, it's definitely my favorite part of the Florida Keys. That being said, what makes Key Largo fun is having access to a boat, jet ski, etc. Other than private hotel beaches, and John Pennekamp Park, there are 2 small "beaches" that I know of. The nicer rentals will give you access to some basic equipment like kayaks or paddle boards, but other than that all other activities will be on the expensive side and there will be age restrictions for those rentals as well.
For what it's worth, I think Key West would give you and your friends more options on things to do, economical places to eat, and places to have a good time with out busting your budget. There will also be more options on places to stay, and in a wider range of price options.
That's just my perspective, as someone who spent her college years enjoying the best that South Florida has to offer.
Jan 4th, 2017, 02:11 PM
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If you only have 14 days, you're going to have to cover a lot of territory each day in order to have some time in New York City as well as the Florida Keys. So if you can do 500 miles or so each day with three days on the road, each way, you will have about 8 open days for NYC and the Keys (Boston is about 1600 miles from Key West).
Key West would not be more economical than Key Largo or Islamorada. I live here. Lodging and food are expensive. But IMHO Key West is much more beautiful, interesting, and fun than most of the Keys (I admit I am biased). It's good that you are doing some advance planning for the summer of 2018 so you can prepare your budget.
There is a hostel is Key West, just on the edge of Old Town, the Seashell Motel. Check out reviews, see if they take reservations way in advance.
If you use Craigslist to find rentals in the Keys, observe craig's rules about sending deposits. There are a lot of rental scams in the Keys. And many of the airbnb listings for Key West are illegal because the landlords do not have the required rental licenses from the city. The city is cracking down on these and you don't want to get stuck with your illegal rental being closed down.
You might want to start skimming the Key West Citizen newspaper as advance reading to get a feeling for this interesting corner of the U.S. The paper covers much of Monroe County (which is the county of the Keys). The newspaper's website is: keysnews.com
Some specific driving info for Florida:
>>Get a Florida Sunpass (go online to the website). You breeze through toll stops and you pay electronically from the amount you put on your card.
>>When you do get on the road and are traveling toward Miami, take the Florida Turnpike to go around metro Miami, swinging west. Do not take I-95 through the center of town.
>>When you leave Florida City, at the very southern part of the Florida mainland, Route 1 becomes mainly two lanes and the speed limit is usually 45 mph, dropping down to 30 mph as you pass many little towns on the Keys. State troopers watch the limits. Drive defensively. There are many accidents and fatalities on this stretch of Route 1 toward Key West. Some drivers (not you) drive aggressively, pass when they shouldn't, show road rage trying to get to their destination. We just had a really bad smashup a couple of days ago on mile marker 16. Drive defensively! (I know I'm repeating myself.)
You will have a great trip!
Key West would not be more economical than Key Largo or Islamorada. I live here. Lodging and food are expensive. But IMHO Key West is much more beautiful, interesting, and fun than most of the Keys (I admit I am biased). It's good that you are doing some advance planning for the summer of 2018 so you can prepare your budget.
There is a hostel is Key West, just on the edge of Old Town, the Seashell Motel. Check out reviews, see if they take reservations way in advance.
If you use Craigslist to find rentals in the Keys, observe craig's rules about sending deposits. There are a lot of rental scams in the Keys. And many of the airbnb listings for Key West are illegal because the landlords do not have the required rental licenses from the city. The city is cracking down on these and you don't want to get stuck with your illegal rental being closed down.
You might want to start skimming the Key West Citizen newspaper as advance reading to get a feeling for this interesting corner of the U.S. The paper covers much of Monroe County (which is the county of the Keys). The newspaper's website is: keysnews.com
Some specific driving info for Florida:
>>Get a Florida Sunpass (go online to the website). You breeze through toll stops and you pay electronically from the amount you put on your card.
>>When you do get on the road and are traveling toward Miami, take the Florida Turnpike to go around metro Miami, swinging west. Do not take I-95 through the center of town.
>>When you leave Florida City, at the very southern part of the Florida mainland, Route 1 becomes mainly two lanes and the speed limit is usually 45 mph, dropping down to 30 mph as you pass many little towns on the Keys. State troopers watch the limits. Drive defensively. There are many accidents and fatalities on this stretch of Route 1 toward Key West. Some drivers (not you) drive aggressively, pass when they shouldn't, show road rage trying to get to their destination. We just had a really bad smashup a couple of days ago on mile marker 16. Drive defensively! (I know I'm repeating myself.)
You will have a great trip!
Jan 4th, 2017, 02:27 PM
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Hostels in general are great ideas, and there are several on your route. Trouble is, the parking could be expensive, so you'd want to take that into account.
How do you feel about camping? Because that honestly might be your only option if you aren't willing to do hostels. There really aren't many hotels that allow you to rent a room at that age, and you'd still need at least 2 rooms. Camping would be a lot cheaper. And even then, as someone mentioned, it's not all that cheap to road trip. Everything adds up. Be sure that you have roadside assistance, because locksmith and towing can really add up. Maybe you have newer cars, but at 18, my friends mostly had Junkers that could not have been trusted for a road trip like that. And it's only fair if everyone chips in on gas, preparation, repairs (I'm assuming only 1 or two of you even have cars).
I think mentioning weed is odd too. But I will agree that you're going to look like an easy target for tickets so I'd play it really smart and stay away from bad situations.
Orlando is unbelievably hot during the summer but so is the rest of the area, I guess. Water consumption is really important!
How do you feel about camping? Because that honestly might be your only option if you aren't willing to do hostels. There really aren't many hotels that allow you to rent a room at that age, and you'd still need at least 2 rooms. Camping would be a lot cheaper. And even then, as someone mentioned, it's not all that cheap to road trip. Everything adds up. Be sure that you have roadside assistance, because locksmith and towing can really add up. Maybe you have newer cars, but at 18, my friends mostly had Junkers that could not have been trusted for a road trip like that. And it's only fair if everyone chips in on gas, preparation, repairs (I'm assuming only 1 or two of you even have cars).
I think mentioning weed is odd too. But I will agree that you're going to look like an easy target for tickets so I'd play it really smart and stay away from bad situations.
Orlando is unbelievably hot during the summer but so is the rest of the area, I guess. Water consumption is really important!
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