traveling alone to florida

[edenegri]

I am not sure how to use this site, but, I am looking to find out where to stop and rest for the night on my way from NY to west Coast of FL.
I am traveling with my dog and don't know where to stop my first night. Please help

[gomoho]

Do a mapquest to see how far you are going - then decide how far you want to travel in any given day - then look for La Quinta - they are dog friendly. Keep your phone
charged and your tank full and you'll be fine.

I once travelled from Michigan to Florida with a Great Dane a cat than never stopped meowing and a 13 year old. Believe me - you'll be fine.

[chuckinca]

We like to stop and walk around every two hours; every second stop is at a gas station to fill up.

.

[lanabanana73]

We usually stay at Red Roof Inns, as they are also dog friendly. I've traveled this route with my two pups several times and they do just great. Take pity on them and stop frequently for a quick walkabout (that benefits both you and the dog!) and you'll be there before you know it. Good luck!

[rjm1cc]

I am not sure how to use this site, but, I am looking to find out where to stop and rest for the night on my way from NY to west Coast of FL.
I am traveling with my dog and don't know where to stop my first night. Please helpGive us an idea of the total miles you will be driving, the major road you will be taking (95?), about how many hours a day you would like to drive (including stops). I usually stop in Flouence,SC on 95.

[wendyquat]

You can also go to DogFriendly.com� - Pet Travel Guides and City Guides for Dog/Pet Owners (http://www.dogfriendly.com) and I believe there are listings by route (ie I 95). We are partial to la Quintas as they do not charge pet fees and they provide dog walking areas. Some of the hotels/motels listed as "pet friendly" charge up to $100 for pets! That's not really pet friendly in my book!

[graciegirl]

I am not sure how to use this site, but, I am looking to find out where to stop and rest for the night on my way from NY to west Coast of FL.
I am traveling with my dog and don't know where to stop my first night. Please help

edenegri. You only have one error to your plans, going to the WEST coast of Florida. The Villages is the most wonderful place in Florida.

But maybe you are too young to retire to a better than 55 community?

[duffysmom]

All of the above advice is excellent. If you are a female I suggest you ask for a room that is NOT located in the back of the hotel/motel but is situated in the front where there is lots of light. Always have you phone with you and walk the dog in busy lighted areas. I've made the trip alone with two screaming cats and was vigilent and always aware of my surroundings. As Gracie mentioned TV is located in the middle of the state so stop by and see us. Have a safe trip.

[edenegri]

Thank everyone for your help. I am leaving and taking Rt. 95. I like your suggestions to make sure the room is in the front, lighted area, and to stop frequently for my 17 yr old dauschaund lucy. AAA says it is approx 1200 mi, 18 hrs. So, that is why I am looking for a place after I drive about 8-10 hrs before it gets dark. Suggestions accepted if driving times are better for me to stop and rest for the night.
Keep your suggestions coming....I am feeling more confident about making this trip alone. I have been terrified! edenegri

[edenegri]

I have gotten maps, books and a travel tik from AAA..they help, but, to hear from people like you is more rewarding. Thanks

[Barefoot]

There are pet water bowls that you can buy so that Lucy always has fresh water, and the water doesn't slop out. We walk our dogs every few hours. I agree with Lanabanana that Red Roof Hotels are very pet friendly, no extra charge for Lucy! Good luck in your travels.

[Parker]

Perhaps you can get a friend or family member to ride with you, for company and safety. You could offer them a plane ticket home after a fun couple of days.

[2BNTV]

AAA planned a trip for me and said that Lumberton, North Carolina was the halfway point. Of course, that is about 9 or 10 hour drive from N.Y. depending on where you are starting from. That will make a two days of long drive.

Travelling with a pet may require two overnight stops. If you belong to AAA, have them plan a trip for you with recommended stops along the way.

[2BNTV]

Here's a link you can get tips from:

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/all-about-pets-120/looking-pet-friendly-motels-hotels-i95-ny-fl-19165/

[asianthree]

When I come down I drive straight thru...but that's just me

[Kirsten Lee]

I would suggest driving a bit more miles the first day. Maybe a 700/500 split. If you will be stopping near a large city, stay south of the city so you don't have to drive around town during the morning rush hour. If you have AAA, get a Triptek and highlight the rest areas. Write large enough to easily read the exit number right before the rest areas so you can tell at a glance where you will be breaking. Rent an audio book at Cracker Barrel for your trip. You can return it in Florida. If you get tired take a break but if you get really tired stop for the night.

[gomoho]

I love audio books when travelling and your idea of staying south of the city.

[edenegri]

Thanks for all your help. This is an excellent site and will use it faithfully for all things. I am not sure what you mean about staying south of the city.
I will go about 700 miles first day, and I did get a trip tik from AAA...it is abit confusing for me at first, but, will have to keep looking at it to understand it. It breaks things down per page..along with maps. So if I go about 700 miles, I should end up in SC or so...what city should i book my hotel stay that night? Again, thanks to all of you..from Elissa and Lucy

[edenegri]

AAA planned a trip for me and said that Lumberton, North Carolina was the halfway point. Of course, that is about 9 or 10 hour drive from N.Y. depending on where you are starting from. That will make a two days of long drive.

Travelling with a pet may require two overnight stops. If you belong to AAA, have them plan a trip for you with recommended stops along the way.

Thanks for this great tip. will check this out

[skyguy79]

We've used Comfort Inn in Lorton VA a few times, the location where AutoTrain North begins. (Can't have pets on AutoTrain except for service pets qualified under the disability act) IIRC Comfort only use the first floor for pet rooms. Not having stated where in NY you're located, it can have a driving time of 4 hours up to 8 hours depending. So this location might be a bit too soon for you.

[Kirsten Lee]

On your Triptek, the interstate exits have numbers in them (diamond shaped). These exit numbers are also mileage numbers. For example, if you are at exit 80 and the rest area in just past a diamond with a 30 in it, you have about 50 miles to drive to the rest area. Rest areas are generally a triangle with a circle around it.

Staying south of a large city would means don't stay in a motel before you get to the city but drive around or thru the city and stay in a motel at that point. This really works well with large cities that have morning rush hours but if you stay in a smaller town it does not matter.

[rosemaryly]

i have made this trip from Long Island many times, by myself. If you want to do it in 2 days, first stop is usually around the Selma, North Carolina and then the second day- here you are.
There are lots of hotels in that area. Check for the dog friendly, and lots of places to eat.
You will do fine.

[hotrodgirl]

I travel from Chicago with two dogs and stop over 2 nights. I try to keep the car time to 8 hrs each leg for the pups, and I always stop at LaQuinta which is dog friendly and clean. If you ask ahead when you make a reservation, they will give you a first floor room neat an exit which is convenient. Also, they do not charge for dogs and some even have walk areas with poo bags for them. One I have stayed at twice is directly adjacent to a residential area which was awesome! We stop every 3-4 hrs for a walk and water on the road. You will be fine!!

[Dreamer61]

A lot of people like to stop for the night in Florence, SC right off 95. I'm not sure if they have pet friendly hotel but that's an easy google! Safe travels!!

[njbchbum]

re Florence, sc - exit 164 is better than exit 157 as the latter only offers a mcdonalds and a waffle house or huddle house for your dining 'pleasure'! there is a days inn at exit 157 that is pet friendly and it offers a limited breakfast in the morning - but all I ever need is my coffee! exit 157 also has a howard Johnson express but I have not stayed there so cannot offer an opinion re it.

here are my two fave I-95 travel resources:
The I-95 Exit Guide - Food, gas, lodging, camping, shopping and more... from Maine to Florida! (http://www.i95exitguide.com/index.php)
www.travelcoupons.com (http://travelcoupons.com/index.htm)

travel safe!

[CaptJohn]

If you'll do a search on here, you'll find other threads with very specific routes and places to stay. Good luck.

[Bizdoc]

Country Inns and Suites in Wilson, NC is pet friendly and a nice hotel. Let them know in advance that you havee a pet and they will try to put you on the first floor.

One word of advice - always travel with a copy of your pet's rabies certificate. Some places want to see it.

[drm6630]

I would also use a GPS. It is easier to follow and it gives you advance audio warning of upcoming turns.

[CFrance]

A GPS is an excellent idea, especially if you are traveling alone. You can get a simple one for under $100, and they are very user friendly. It allows you to relax and concentrate on your driving rather than worry about where you are and what turn you need to make next. I drove from Pgh. to The Villages by myself with a talking bird (never shut up the whole way) and with the GPS, we were fine. My husband was driving the other car with the quiet dog and a GPS, and he was bored.

Can't tell you how much relief it is to have something telling you where to go rather than trying to read a triptik while driving. Good luck!

[BAILYBOOHOO]

I myself made this trip alone many many times I drive from Philly a bit closer than NY. I drive to Sc Bluffton a little off 95 near Hilton Head the Hampton Inn there is very nice .Have a great trip I also stop at the rest stops for a hour or so the relax as I get into Va nice drive as I listen to the music and sing .lol

[borjo]

We always stay at a motel with coupons and information in the booklets at the welcome centers. When you know at least what state you will be staying in, take the time to stop at the Welcome Centers for that state. They have hotel coupons right inside and they put them outside if they're closed. These descriptions tell you if it's pet friendly or you can call. The welcome center will also make the reservations for you. They're very easy to read and are mapped well for you.

[CFrance]

I don't think Hampton Inn takes dogs, but Holiday Inn Express there does. However, the pet fee is $50. That's high. Ad no restaurant.

One other thing. Even when we travel together, my hubby and I like to stay at a place that has its own restaurant so we can have room service and not have to leave the dog alone in the room, and not have to turn around and get in the car again after a long drive in order to eat.

Check out Drury Hotels and see if there are any on your route . They have free "heavy" hors d'oeuvres at around dinner time that you can frequently make a meal from. (There were hot dogs and salad at the one we stayed at recently). The menu changes every day. Also, three free drinks (wine as well as alcohol) per person. All without having to leave the premises.

Oh, and up to two pets per room no charge.