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.

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

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

Thanks for this great tip. will check this out

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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!!

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!
www.travelcoupons.com

travel safe!

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

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.

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

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!

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