jv827

I could really use some advice about planning a cross-country driving route for a move this month. My family is leaving in 10 days, and I've been trying to talk them out of it due to weather concerns, but so far they're staying firm.

So...with that in mind, I'd love some suggestions on best routes from NY to Southern CA during winter. This isn't a vacation, so sightseeing is not that important (though they're open to seeing interesting sights if they happen to be nearby.) But they're also not on a deadline, so safer and more likely to avoid potentially bad weather areas is preferred over the fastest route. I guess one benefit of no time issue (other than the extra traveling costs) is if they do encounter something unexpected, they can lay low at a motel for a bit.

I've traveled a lot, but never done a cross-country drive. I'm hoping I'll get some good advice here. Would greatly appreciate thoughts and suggestions! Thanks!

emalloy

I would wait until a bit closer to the trip and look again at the weather. Interestingly, the northern states that are used to snow, sleet, freezing rain tend to be better able to clear the major roads quickly after a storm than some of the more southern states. So if there has been snow within the last few days before the trip, stick to interstates and maybe take 80 or 70 across and head south when you need to. Head down to 40, 20, or 10 if the weather indicates that would be advisable. If you've seen pictures of Texas lately, you would not want to be going through there today.

If things look bad, don't hesitate to stop for a couple of nights and wait for things to get better. Don't try to continue if it is snowing. Best wishes for a safe trip.

dulciusexasperis

No one can predict the weather for you. Look at your TV and you'll see the current nightmare across the USA.

I'd probably opt to drive south down the coast from NYC on I-95 and then I-20 and I-10. Simply on the principle of the farther south they stay the better the weather SHOULD be. No guarantees though.

jv827

I do realize no one can predict the weather, duciusexasperis. I don't believe I asked for guarantees, simply suggestions for routes that might make more sense generally speaking, as you provided with your 95, 20, 10 route. Thank you for the specific route advice.

Thanks emalloy. After looking at maps the last hour, it's the I-70 vs I-40 vs I-20, 10 options that I've mulling over so your post definitely helps. And thanks for your good wishes. I hadn't considered what you mentioned about northern states being more accustomed to clearing after bad weather (I should have, because that's one reason the Super Bowl in the Dallas Cowboys' stadium was such a mess - they weren't used to it!) I thought avoiding the I-70 would be best during the winter, so was leaning towards the I-40. But maybe if the weather complies, it's not out of the question.

Gretchen

Right now it is all a mess--including Southern CAl!! But chances are in a week it will be clear.
I have travelled i70 many times and one time I did have to pull over and overnight in Kansas because of icy roads. It was for one night--and Kansas roads were icy--Colorado roads were cleared (about 80 miles away!!).
But if the weather is clear, I'd head that way for a while, and then drop south.
I don't think I'd drop south first on I95, if the weather map looks pretty good.
You can start south on the I81 to I77 to I85 which gradually heads south even to I20 past Atlanta, as I recall.
But watching the weather, I'd head west as much as I could before dropping south.

Ackislander

Gretchen's advice is good as is emalloy's.

In weather like that of the past week, nothing is a sure thing.

The one thing I would add is that it is much nicer to spend the night in even a mediocre motel than in a truck stop or rest area or airport. Encourage your family to stop early when the weather ahead begins to deteriorate. Have them carry good snacks, plenty to read, music or other entertainment. In a year it will be an adventure rather than a frustration!

clarkgriswold

We had the same experience as Gretchen, years ago getting stuck in Salina Kansas because of some snowy weather. Forged on out of that godforsaken (dry, no-beer) town and once in Colorado everything was clear sailing despite the snow.

It's interesting to see the gas prices go down down down as you cross the country, then WAY BACK UP out west. If you DO end up driving through Kansas, be sure to stop at Cohen's Chicken On A Tray!

tomfuller

If you dont need the car in California, consider taking Amtrak.
DW and I are now in Maryland with a rental car from Burlington IA. We'll be getting back on the California Zephyr next week.
Nights you are riding on the train you aren't paying for a hotel room.

clarkgriswold

Another good plug for Amtrak, Tom. But how many people who move to Southern California don't need a car?