driving cross country NJ-WA solo?
 

The saga of my life just keeps getting better. With less than 1 month before our scheduled move from NJ-WA, boyfriend decides he doesn't want to be a family anymore,so we're officially over. Whatever.. So,now my problem is that I can't think of anyone who could take the time to drive with me. I had already determined it was more cost effective to drive across and pull whatever I can fit in the U-haul behind my truck than it is to ship truck and use moving company. The point is,my Mom hates the idea of me driving alone,as do a few of the friends. Any feedback on making this drive by myself? I don't want to scare myself out of keeping this plan.(Mom,my 2 year old daughter and my dog are flying)

UPDATE!
After reading through the threads on pets flying, I've decided the dog is driving!While I will have "someone to talk to" I don't think my dachsund is going to alleviate the fears of my Mom as say,a Rottie would..so I'll still look for responses from anyone who has done the trip solo.

Hi KLR, I drove the U haul from Ohio to Calif several years ago solo- no problem! I would go to triple A, and get a route planner for the best/easiest/quickest/most scenic route(whichever you choose). They will map out your directions, and let you know of any road work along the way. Give them about 3-5 days to get it printed out for you. I started very early in the morning, and called it quits whenever I found an area that looked relatively safe, and got a hotel room. There are several books, and lots of internet info on Hotels that will allow pets- so check that out earlier rather than later. You could even plan about where you will be for your evening rest stops, and pre-book hotel rooms before you leave- especially with the dog. This should alleviate your Mom and friends fears (as well as some of yours). Look at it as an adventure, have fun!! Suzic

I drove cross country just once, when I moved from Vermont out to Seattle. Fortunately I had a girlfriend who came along, then flew back.

But I would not be worried doing it solo. It's just waaaaay long and boring, not unsafe, IMO. It was worth it for me to have my car and what possessions I could fit inside it. I would skip hauling a trailer for ease in driving. Pack what you can into the car and maybe a roof rack, and ship anything else.

Have a crate for the poochie, for safety's sake. And take lots of music, and some books on tape to listen to. Have an ice chest so you can be more self-sufficient without having to eat roadside junk food.

As suggested above, have a good route planned out and stop when you get tired. Stick to OK looking motels near the highway.

Good luck!!

Thanks for your opinions! As much as I don't want to have to tow a trailer, I got no less than 8 quotes to ship my stuff,and it is more cost effective to just sell furniture and start again! The trailer is an absolute necessity for me,however.Even as I tear though my belongings and throw away my pack- rat stuff, I still have necessities and my daughter's belongings. What I 'm just trying to do now is whittle down from a 6 x 12 trailer to a 5x8,which will save me almost $500,not to mention being that much easier to tow!

I looked at the trip a few times, and I decided to "wing it" for hotels. There are a few chains that accept pets,so I hopefully won't have a problem. I really just don't want to plan a hotel stop every x number of hours and be locked in to that distance. Especially if I'm not tired and can continue on, or if, God forbid, a migraine hits and I lose a day altogether! I've firmed my plans and will be starting on 9/5...Can't wait!

I wish you the best of luck on your drive and in starting a "new life". I made that cross-country drive only once, best thing I ever did. Came to Seattle to look around and never left!

Truly, all the best to you. Susan