How far is too far to drive?

[withm]

I do 800 mile drives beween DE and MICH routinely. But I grew up doing this trip, and having made 50-60-70 of these round trips (but who's counting?) I think nothing of the distance and doing it alone.

But at this point in my life I would not do it for such a short time at the destination. My car is not so comfortable and it can take a day to recover from the stiffness of a trip like this. (I try to only stop when I need gas and combine any pitstops, resting, food with gas stop, but sometimes you just have to stop). I think I'd want 5 full days at the destination to warrant 2 full days in the car. But that's just me talking.

Is your car in good shape?
Are you prepared to deal with mechanical problems? Flat tire?
Cash for tolls, food?
Got credit cards in case of repairs or other emergency?
Cellphone?

I've heard rumors, but have not read anything confirming that gas is hard to find in some areas in the "south." If I were planning this trip, I'd follow up on that to be sure I'd be able to find gas. You are too young to remember the gas shortages of the 70s but it was very real, and you don't want to get stranded.

And finally, I heartily recommend books on tape/cd - a good thriller makes a trip like this go much faster. Get a couple from the library so if you don't like the narrator, or the story, you can try something else.

Good luck and have fun!