Has anyone driven eight hours before?

Question

what did you bring for the trip. in a few hours i am heading to boston (from MD) and want to know what should i bring and how much money. thanks!

Answer 1

The prior answers have good advice; however, other things to consider: Are you driving alone? Take some basic survival equipment i.e. pocket knife, survival blanket (see camping isle), extra water. I never travel far without a basic tool kit. Make sure your vehicle tires (including spare) have the proper air pressure, check your oil level, water level, transmission oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, have extra fuses, check your battery. If you don't have a towing service make sure you have all the necessary tire changing tools that came with the vehicle. Take a cellular telephone. Have a designated route with backups should the road be unexpectedly closed. Give a friend/family member your travel route and date of departure. Have them waiting for your telephone call telling them you have arrived safely. You may become exhausted as after a few hours of driving you are likely to become bored. To combat this I drink Red Bull as the cans are small but potent. Take toilet paper, nothing is worse that finding the only available restroom for miles has no TP and you gotta go. Baby wipes come in handy to clean your hands and spills in your vehicle. A gasoline can or emergency gas will give you peace of mind. Don't forget your sunglasses.

Answer 2

I've driven 14 hours straight several times, and 8-10 hours many, many times.

I always take an atlas (great in case you get turned around or hit some construction zones) of course, a navigation system would replace this if you have one. I also take along hard candy and chewing gum, believe it or not, it helps me stay alert to either chew gum or have a piece of candy.

Also, take a cooler with a few Cokes and ice, some snack foods like crackers, beef jerky, potato chips, apples, grapes, whatever you like. Take enough for the trip, plus some extra in case you break down.

Always take a warm blanket, candles, matches or lighter so you can keep warm if you break down and a cell phone to call for help if needed. Better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them.

I never carry more than a couple hundred, and usually less than a hundred dollars. I use my debit card for all gas purchases, and any other expenses I can use it for. Use the money to buy your lunch or supper if you don't take one with you. I also keep a credit card that has no balance so if it's needed, there are emergency funds available to me (break down, replace a tire, tow truck, etc). If you have your debit card with you, you can get money when you get to your destination as needed from an ATM. It may cost a little to get it out, but I'd rather do that than keep a large amount of money on me.

If you start to feel drowsy or find that you can't remember the last couple miles or so, pull into the next available rest area, gas station, or other place to get out, stretch and walk around, and wake yourself up or even take a nap in your car if necessary. Travelling by yourself, it'd be best to stop at busier places where there are more people.

Answer 3

Bring maps and credit cards and a thermos full of hot coffee. Don't bring food. You'll have the chance to visit restrooms and pick up snacks along the way. Its a good excuse to get out and stretch, which will help you stay alert.

I've driven across the country a couple times and several other long trips.

Answer 4

OHyea, 8 hours is a nice trip involved with places you probably havent been before. I like to take trips and travel very lightly for the reasoning that if you stop at a mom and pops or a joe smoes truck stop u can pick up local Tshirts or Sweatshirts for less then the burden or having it on your back. My favorite shirt is still the Apple Stop in Front Royal.

Answer 5

bring about $30 for tolls assuming your car gets about 19 miles per gallon your going to need around 25 gallons of gas figuring 2.50 a gallon $62.50 for gas and 25 dollars for food and some just in case money about $50 about $167.50 now this may be a little high but i like to estimate high because its better to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it and for your time i always figure my trips on a 50 mile average and then adding some miles to the trip so assuming its around 450 miles your figuring around 9 hours drive time depending on traffic and how many times you stop this is all calculated into the 50 mile per average bring something to drink get satellite radio you never have to worry about losing a channel and get rolling and good luck i hope this helps

Answer 6

i have drove 12 hours strait before,i Left with about 400 bucks to be sure i had enough,and done all my eats at gas stops on the way,other than that i just took some basic stuff like first air kit,and a few other things,just use good common sense,and take what ever you think you might need,and you,ll be fine,good luck,i hope this help,s.

Answer 7

Sure... While I worked for the Gov't and traveling by car, I had to average 400 miles /day. Yes, take money, drivers license, bottle of water or juice, and you can buy the food on the interstates.

Oh and bring warm clothes..... and snowshoes if you have any :-)

Answer 8

8 hours and a whole lot more!
Phoenix Arizona to Erie PA in 27 hours straight through stopping only for gas and snacks.
Lots of $$ and plenty of coffee and NO DOZE!

Answer 9

bring credit card-get map quest/professional courier driver/drive carefully/memorize exits

Answer 10

bring lots of money and drinks and snacks. good music is must.