winniethepooh

We are planning to go on a road trip from NJ to Florida. Traveling with 2 kids ages 7 and 3. We can also just go to the Carolinas, and return.

Any suggestions/ideas on how best to do this? Planning to leave around Dec 25, which is in 3 days. The whole trip can last 8-10 days. Is that enough?

Thanks

J62

Is that enough for what?

To stay warm somewhere until spring returns to NJ? No.

If you're looking for a warm escape then the Carolinas won't be good enough. The high today in Myrtle Beach SC was 41.

Orlando_Vic

If you figure 2 days of driving (each way) that leaves just 4-6 days for Florida. Where in Florida do you plan to go and what are your plans once there? It is a big state.

I think you need to do some basic planning regarding your final destination in Florida. The road trip (i.e. the driving part) is a no-brainer.

girlonthego

This is not an enjoyable ride. It is 95 the whole way.
I would drive as fast as possible and spend your vacation in Florida where the weather will be warmest. You will need at least two driving days. We drove many years ago to Florida from NJ with our 7 month old. We drove 24 hours straight and were just about blind upon arrival. Breaking the driving part of the trip up into two days will make it easier.
If you do this, pick an interesting place to stop for the night. So, at least it is enjoyable. Best wishes!

Debi

We did this from CT some years ago (minus the kids), and really enjoyed it. We had books on tape, and music. We took 2 days to get to Florida (just too stressful to drive straight through for me). I would go all the way to Florida. Once you're in Florida - there are SO many neat places to go, it just depends on what you like. I think 10 days is good - assume 4 days driving there (2 down, 2 back) and 6 days there - sounds perfect. You could do a few days in Orlando (pick a park - any park), and then maybe go to the West Coast. I love visiting Hommasassa (didn't spell it right) - it's one of my favorite West Coast places....

GoTravel

Agree to just drive straight through.

The high in Myrtle Beach for tomorrow is around 70 degrees.

I-95 will be packed and very busy.

If you can drive at night it will be much more pleasant.

jasmine3

Since I just did this with my 3 kids and husband....

Drive straight and trade off every few hours.

My recommendation is to stay in Fla. We were also in GA. (Savannah) and it was cold. Enjoyed Fla. the most!

p.s. that 95 South drive is boring.....

karameli

Echoing what Jasmine said -- with two drivers, you can go straight through. Yes, even with young kids. Bring loads of activities, coloring books, music, travel games, etc. Play the license plate game when they get bored on I-95. But overall, I think eighteen hours (Trenton to Tampa, for the sake of averages) straight through will be less stressful than four nine-hour legs and checking in and out of two extra hotels along the way. Plus, you'll have an excuse to zonk out at the pool your first day in FL

winniethepooh

Thanks for the great responses. At least I feel this is doable. We will have 3 drivers, so driving straight through sounds like a good idea. I'm feeling more comfortable with that based on your responses.

We're not decided where and what exactly we want to do. We always wanted to do a road trip, but never did due to time constraints. Will driving to Miami be a long stretch? The kids want to go to Orlando, but we took them there last summer. Not sure if I want to do that again.

Any ideas on some places to go - seeing lighthouses, (I've heard of some forts), beaches (of course), etc?

Thanks

goldtwins

Does anyone know how to estimate the tolls along 95?

basingstoke2

goldtwins - starting from where? After Baltimore, there aren't any until somewhere in Miami I believe(there may be one small toll near Richmond, Va but I am not sure about that.

sinehat

No tolls on I-95 in Virginia, including Richmond.

persimmondeb

There did used to be tolls on 95 in VA., quite a few years ago. So anyone who remembers one is not crazy, but it hasn't been there in at least a decade, and maybe more like 15 years.