Will be driving son to college Boston to Savannah (about 1000 miles). Figure halfway point is somewhere around Washington, DC - might prefer to do a little more than half the trip first day with a slightly shorter second day (maybe 550 miles + 450 miles)

After reading post about driving cross country am now concerned about security of items that will be in minivan - don't want them stolen, van broken into obviously. Also don't want to unpack everything. Any suggestions for hotel with more secure parking facility. Or as second choice motel-type place where we can park right in front of room - probably somewhere just south of DC on I95.

On trip north, have considered slight detour to go over Chesepeake Bay Bridge (or whatever official name is) because I have never done that. Any comments on that route. Thanks all.

There are a lot of motels near the exits for Fredericksburg (Exit 130 or 133), about 40 miles south of DC. Can't tell which one is safer, but you can search for them on websites, and call to inquire about their parking situation.

Also some near the Potomac Mills mall in Dale City, if you don't want to go as far as Fredericksburg; and some near the King's Dominion theme park about 30 miles further.

And are you talking about the Chesakpeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel on Rte 13 between Virginia Beach and the Delmarva peninsula? Rte 13 is not a very fast road (4-lanes total, but with occassional traffic lights), but is very relaxing compared to I-95, especially around DC. It's a longer route, as you need to take US58 going east from Emporia to get to Virginia Beach.

[There is also "Chesapeake Bay Bridge" on US 50/301 between Annapolis and the Maryland eastern shore, which is not what I'm talking about.]

Perhaps try stopping off in Richmond overnight and leave for Savannah the next morning, should only be 6-7 hrs the rest of the way. Are you talking about the Chesepeake bay bridge in MD or the bay bridge/tunnel in VA? bridge/tunnel toll is going up to $12.00 for cars.

Thanks for replies - I guess I am not sure what bridge I am thinking of. I remember hearing about some very long bridge over Chesepeake Bay that was built in last decade or so that is supposed to be an engineering feat and rather a nice view. Or maybe I am more confused than I thought - any idea what I might be thinking of.

I think you're talking about the 17-mile bridge/tunnel complex from Virginia Beach to the Delmarva peninsula on Route 13. It's a pretty amazing drive.

The original bridge and tunnel was built in the 1960's, and they built a parallel bridge in the 90's. I've done it before and after the new bridge was completed. More information here: www.cbbt.com

Don't forget to get off at the restaurant/fishing pier, located on one of the man-made islands for the tunnel portals. Nice view from there.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge near Annapolis, MD is bigger and taller, but isn't different from many such bridges in the world.

If you go to www.freetrip.com and put in Boston to Savannah, and check the hotel $ range, it'll give you the driving directions, mileage and driving times, and links to hotels too. It looks as if Richmond, VA is a good stopping point. Best of luck gail!

rkkwan figured out which bridge I mean. Thanks.