How far is too far to drive?

[sundial]

Or by Amtrak. My late sister-in-law used to travel by train and it was dirt cheap compared to bus or plane. I think the most it cost her was $35 on the Texas Eagle Amtrak. She got to sleep as well and there were few travelers with her.

[SouthernBelle]

It's doubtful she could take amtrak, it certainly doesn't run to Nashville, so I doubt it runs to Chattanooga.

As far as the gas situation, it has freed up a lot. There was one weekend where it was hard to find, but shouldn't be any problem now.

[sfa]

I'd do it. With a AAA card and a cell phone and a couple of books on tape, long distance driving is fun!

Greyhound is also an option. It's not cheaper--$272 for the round trip. And it's slower (you leave midday on Friday, arrive early Saturday morning, then do the same thing in reverse on the way back) with a couple of transfers along the route. But if you're concerned about driving alone, it's not a bad solution.

Sarah

[tulip]

I think it'd be okay as long as you have your oil changed and the car checked out (pre-trip inspection) beforehand, have your up-to-date AAA card, and make sure to stop every couple-3 hours for stretching and a rest of about 10-15 minutes. Cell phone is a must, too. Also, check your oil every time you stop for gas.

Gas is a real issue in Atlanta area, which includes Chattanooga. It's very expensive and sometimes hard to find, so plan to fill up at half-tank; don't wait until you're empty. My mother and brother live in western NC and have had trouble finding gas, and when they do it's about $4.50 for regular (it's $3.50 here in central Virginia and there are no shortages). The gas has also been rationed over the past month, so they were not able to fill up when they did find a station (only allowed $30, which isn't very much at $4.50).

I have a friend who drove from Austin to North Carolina all by herself to see me years ago. It was the first time she had ever been out of Texas (she was 20)! I was so proud of her!

Have a good time!

[Tuckervill]

I have done 800 miles in a day, but it's not pretty. Last year I drove to the PNW, and I stupidly schedule a 900 mile day. I had to stop in Salt Lake City and take my son to the movies so I could have a long nap.

I put in a 13 hour day across TN and Arkansas on Friday. There were no gas shortages, but the gas was high between Nashville and Knoxville. Chattanooga will be getting into shortage country, near Georgia, I hear Atlanta has been hit pretty hard, but you'll be almost home by then.

What you can do is split the driving up a little. Leave late on Thursday night, drive until you get tired and pull in somewhere to sleep until morning. You can probably make it at least to Arkansas if you leave around 6 or 8. Since you're so young, you are probably more awake in the later hours anyway.

Then, either get a cheap room, or pull into a rest stop and nap in the car. I have been known to pull into remote exits with no gas stations and pull off the side of the road and sleep for hours. Some people find this dangerous. I do not. The more remote the location, the better, for me. I have a couple of regular spots on I-40 between Little Rock and Ft. Smith.

I have been known to nestle in among the big rigs on an exit, too. I don't like that as much because they are loud and they always have lights on. I don't want lights because it means someone can easily see inside my car. I feel safer if no one can tell who is in my car.

Another tip--if you have a laptop, you can pull up into any cheap interstate motel parking lot and use their wi-fi for free, check the rates at the places you can see from there, and pick the cheapest one before you go in!

Have fun! I'm sure your parents will be happy to see you.

Karen

[tulip]

Make sure your parents are planning a getaway of their own that weekend! It would be a shame to drive all that way just to find out that they're not there.