Home
PCB Vacations Blog
Arcades
Beaches & Parks
Cheap Sleeps
Christian Retreats
Dining
Events
Family Fun
Favorite Rentals
Fishing
Go Karts
Golf
Miniature Golf
Pier Park
Rainy Day Activities
Shopping
Sightseeing & Tours
Theme Parks
Toddlers
Transportation
Travel Booking Links
Water Sports
Working Vacations
About Me

[?] Subscribe To This Site

XML RSS
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Subscribe with Bloglines

Road Trip - the First Part
of Your Vacation Adventure

Van with Car Top CarrierA road trip may be more cost effective than flying even with today’s high gas prices. For our family of five the cost of airline tickets is more than a several thousand mile road trip in our family van. As our kids have grown and needed more space, we've found that a car top carrier has been a good investment. We purchased our car top carrier from Sears, and have used it for many years. In addition to checking air and car rental prices, you’ll want to consider how long the drive would be, how much time you have available, wear and tear on your vehicle and whether you like to drive.

Before you go, take a little time to make sure you and your vehicle are ready. Taking your car to your regular mechanic rather than a quick oil change shop will give you a chance to get your vehicle checked over before the trip. A few things you’ll want to make sure you have are:

  • Air in the spare tire
  • Jack in good working condition
  • Owners manual in glove compartment
  • Extra set of keys
  • Key for your car top carrier
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Maps and/or GPS
  • Cash for tolls, coffee and snacks
  • Hotel rewards cards
  • Motor club card
  • Cell phone and car charger

    Another nice addition for your road trip is SIRIUS Satellite Radio. We really like it because you don't lose reception in the middle of your program. You do lose it in tunnels though. It's also a safety plus since once you set your favorite stations, you won't need to hunt for a new station as you travel out of range of traditional stations.

    Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.

    So, you have prepared and packed up the car, made sure your drivers are well rested and you have things to keep the kids entertained … It’s time to go! Drive safely and enjoy some family time. You can make the drive a good part of your vacation memories. Basic safety is understood, however you may find some driving safety tips from Live Healthy Guide interesting because they are written from a semi-truck drivers perspective.

    If you already live south, you’ll likely take Interstate 10 and exit at Route 331, 79 or 231. From anywhere else, you’ll likely go through Montgomery, AL and take I-65, 231 or 331.

    If you take Route 231 you will head southeast go through Panama City and arrive in Panama City Beach from the East. The advantage going this way is that most of the trip will be on four lane roads. If we are arriving around dinner time we like to go this way and stop at Golden Corral on 23rd Street in Panama City to eat. The disadvantage is that there is more traffic.

    Highest Point in Florida Marker

    If you take Route 331 to Route 98 the advantage is that it is more direct and has less traffic. However you will spend more than 3 hours on two lane highways and there are a lot of turns. When you go this way, you’ll pass a sign for the highest point in Florida (elevation 345). The spot is about a 5 minute drive off the highway, so it can be a quick little added memory for your road trip. The big bridge that is about a mile long is our first big water view and our landmark that we are less than an hour away. You’ll also get to drive near the coast for several miles and enjoy the views.

    A nice compromise we’ve discovered is to take Interstate 65 all the way to exit 114 where a short drive on Route 106 takes you to Route 55 through Andalusia and meets up with Route 331 in Opp. This way gives you about an extra 60 miles of interstate travel, but there are more roads and turns to watch for.

    Should you have the misfortune to break down along the way here are a couple of things we’ve learned from our own unfortunate experiences.

  • While you are waiting play some games with the kids. The break down will be one of the kids big memories of the road trip…use it to model making the best of a bad situation.
  • If you’re a member, Sam’s Club is a good and fairly quick place to get a replacement tire.
  • If you need to be towed, often the 911 has a rotating list of tow services. We ended up with a tow truck that came from 40 minutes away when it turns out there was a dealership for our car less than 10 miles away. You may not get the closest one unless you specifically ask for it.
  • Consider asking for a tow from the nearest dealership for your make of car.

    Return from Road Trip to Transportation


    footer for road trip page

    		•