Driving cross country

[9dreizig]

Driving next week from NV to NC to see 95 yo step dad. What’s everyone’s observation on the status of rest areas and hotels across the country?

[Scott Douglas]

What route you taking?
Last time I went cross country was '15 to KC Mo.
Back then most of the rest areas were fine. Stayed in low buck hotels to save money (Motel 6) and they were OK for a place to sleep.

[KNS]

With all the loss in business I would think the hotels are extra vigilant about cleanliness though I would still follow your own personal precautions. There probably won't be a whole lot of guests.

Rest stops - just use common sense.

[Scott Douglas]

To be safe, I would not assume that hotels are even open. I'd check ahead of time to make sure they are.
Is this going to be a xcountry blast or take your time drive?

[GH85Carrera]

For the state run rest stops is a total "who knows" situation.

Just use an app like Booking.com. It will list the hotels in the area you are looking to stay at, and you can book the room with a few clicks.

Good luck. Traffic is likely to be back to about normal by now.

[Scott Douglas]

My biggest concern back in '15 was trying to find gas that didn't have corn in it. I didn't want it to ruin the gas lines from the inside out.

[Seahawk]

I've been to NC twice and VA three times since March.

No issues at all - I would book in advance, however. I stay at the same Hampton Inns in the two place I go for business and they have remained open - no breakfast buffets, however.

I also use this app when I travel: https://tracker.gasbuddy.com/

Enjoy!

[speeder]

I’ve also driven from CA. to WI. twice since the pandemic began and there are no issues w rest stops, motels being open or anything else. And that was when things were a lot more closed than they are now.

My only advice would be to err on the side of caution wrt to hand sanitizer after pumping gas or anytime you get out of the car, face mask or bandanna, wash your hands a lot, etc. Motels were dead and I always asked for a room that no one else had been in for a week or more. Can’t be too careful if it really doesn’t even inconvenience you much.

Have a safe trip.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

My biggest concern back in '15 was trying to find gas that didn't have corn in it. I didn't want it to ruin the gas lines from the inside out.

Many states mandate it, and you have no choice. Oklahoma and Arkansas have corn free gasoline. With many states there is simple no choice except something crazy like race gas.

[9dreizig]

Ok good advice I've driven it many times. The real concern is the rest stops to pee the dogs.. Taking the north route out at least.. Only real concern was driving through the jungle in St Louis.. NV CCW has reciprocity with every state on route sans a very short drive through ILL. but I'll risk it :-)

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by 9dreizig

Ok good advice I've driven it many times. The real concern is the rest stops to pee the dogs.. Taking the north route out at least.. Only real concern was driving through the jungle in St Louis.. NV CCW has reciprocity with every state on route sans a very short drive through ILL. but I'll risk it :-)

I like that drive. Especially Route 50 to I70. Can't lose on any routes out of Reno.

I can tell you that a good alternative is to take 49 south out of KC, then 44 to Springfield. After that 60 into Paducah.

Adds some time but is, in my mind, a more enjoyable ride.

[vash]

i would lysol the hotel rooms.

[9dreizig]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

I like that drive. Especially Route 50 to I70. Can't lose on any routes out of Reno.

I can tell you that a good alternative is to take 49 south out of KC, then 44 to Springfield. After that 60 into Paducah.

Adds some time but is, in my mind, a more enjoyable ride.

Good advice exactly what we were planning on .

[GH85Carrera]

When you go through St. Lewis do not take the direct route into the heart of horrible traffic and insane highway merges. Take the south side I-270 over to I-255. It is a few miles longer, but 100 times less traffic and 1000 times safer.

Going through the city some interchanges are just horrid. I have twice had a 18 wheel semi decided he was in the wrong lane and just come over to my lane. I had right of way, but with the 18 wheelers I would be dead right. I had to go across a bridge into the wrong state.

The south bypass it much better.

[9dreizig]

Thanks Glenn!!

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by vash

i would lysol the hotel rooms.

A much as I try to remain level, I carry lysol spray and wipes with me on my trips and, since I'm driving I can carry my big'ol rolling suitcase in cammo: I take two pillows with me.

I know, I know...look: Global Warming!

Great drive, btw. Where in NC?

[Tobra]

Originally Posted by vash

i would lysol the hotel rooms.

Hose the place down, start in the bathroom and back out, open the drawers. Leave after spraying it down, go for a walk, get something to eat, if you are worried about it.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

My biggest concern back in '15 was trying to find gas that didn't have corn in it. I didn't want it to ruin the gas lines from the inside out.

https://www.pure-gas.org

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

When you go through St. Lewis do not take the direct route into the heart of horrible traffic and insane highway merges. Take the south side I-270 over to I-255. It is a few miles longer, but 100 times less traffic and 1000 times safer.

Like Chicago, it depends on the time of day. I used to take my son to his college in Wisconsin and had to navigate Chicago from the south. We timed it to hit Chi town at 1 AM and cruised right through.

[Otter74]

My girlfriend and I are driving in the 911 to Pittsburgh/WV from Chicago and back this weekend. Despite her assistant finding a hotel for Friday night (I took care of Saturday night months ago) that meets her standards for COVID-related cleaning, she's bringing her own sheets and towels. Aside from that (it's not my standard, but I'm certainly not going to argue it) I don't anticipate any issues on the trip. This will be my first road trip of any length since December.