Pros and Cons of Driving v. Flying & How to Pack

Specialties Travel

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I am a NICU nurse from Texs. I am going to be traveling out of state with my next contract and I know a lot of travelers. The majority of them say that they enjoy driving and that it saves money. I wanted to know the pros and cons of driving or flying to your assignment. What are the best tips to know when you drive? I am very bad at over packing so I pretty much know flying would be hard for me. I would also like tips on how you guys pack when flying or driving? What types of things do you bring for the trip, and I am not speaking of clothing and thigs like that? I would appreciate all the advice I could get. I am leaning toward driving and would like to be as prepared as much as possible. I am not sure if I will be making the drive alone or bring a family member with me and fly them back. What types of things do you do to keep yourself entertained? I think I will end up in California, so I wanted to know how long you guys drive before stopping? Do you book hotels in advance or find one when you decide to stop?

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So far I have driven. I travel with my husband, once in the same car, once in 2 cars. It was nice in one car to have 2 pairs of eyes looking for signs and to have someone to talk to . When we had 2 cars, we used walkie talkies. We travel with animals so we dont go more than 8 hours in a day. Packing depends upon your housing and if it is furnished, how furnished is it? If if is just the furniture...we take 4 dishes/bowls/glasses/silverware. a set of mixing bowls, 2 sauce pans, 1 frying pan, crock pot, toaster, microwave, a few pieces of tupperware. we pack as light as possible, we have a flat screen tv that is easier to fit in the suv, 1 set of towels, 1 set of bed linens, i bring a sewing kit and my scrapbook stuuf, my husband brings the playstation (which doubles as a DVD player) and his guitar for entertainment. when buying things-we look for things with dual purposes, or that will fold up or pack easily. also usually before we leave a place we will send a box or two of things home that we wont use ie) warm clothes, souvenires. hope this helps some. you can check if there are higher levels of furnishing the apartment-with my company you can get it fully furnished with linens and all kitchen needs (except microwave) then you wouldnt have to take all that stuff....but it is at a cost with my company.

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Specializes in Paramedic,ER, House Supervisor, OR, CVOR.

The only time I have ever flown to an assignment was in Hawaii. Couldn't figure out the most direct way to arrive by car. If you were raised in Texas, you will miss your car by the 2nd week of not having one. Public transportation isn't for everyone, especially for those who never had the opprotunity to use it growing up.

On my very first assignment I was to have a roommate. I arrived early and unpacked set up my stuff and headed off for the grocery store. My roommate was there when I returned saying he didn't think I was a traveler because there were pictures on the wall and such. He arrived with a fork, spoon plate and glass. He had a small duffel for his clothing. I had a car full of stuff with a small trailer behind. You have to decide what makes you happy. I am now in an RV and hopefully won't ever have to pack and unpack again.

Rod

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Specializes in Peds, ER/Trauma.

I always drive, and in a Saturn Ion, I can fit: me, husband, dog, 3 suitcases, a rubbermaid tote with dishes/kitchen supplies, microwave, 2 flat screen TV's, full-size upright vacuum, 2 comforters, 4 pillows, sheets, 4 towels, and a fire-proof safe. I use one of those space bags for the bedding & towels- they work wonderfully!

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Specializes in Paramedic,ER, House Supervisor, OR, CVOR.

Now that's packing light. Do have to ask why the microwave. Most of the places I was placed had the combo microexhaust fan above the stove. I started out with a Celica but had to have a small trailer behind.

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Specializes in Peds, ER/Trauma.

Half of the places I've been have had a microwave, half haven't, so this way I'm sure that I have a microwave with me in case the apartment doesn't already have one. I also bring my laptop with me, and husband brings his PS3

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Specializes in PCU/Tele.

I drive a small car and I'm also a big thrift store shopper. I pack my favorite things, pillow, sheets, a flat screen tv etc... and map out the local goodwills. When I get there, If I need a microwave, vacuum, or whatevers, I hit the goodwills, and then I re-donate before I leave. I guess I basically rent them from the goodwill!

I also recommend the navigators to help learn the new areas. Mine is a tomtom and I love him:up:.

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Specializes in Peds, ER/Trauma.

Yes, we have a GPS for our car too- it's a life-saver! Ours is a Magellan.

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Specializes in Paramedic,ER, House Supervisor, OR, CVOR.

Thanks for the reminder of the Goodwills. I don't seem to think of them when I am on an assignment. I finally got a GPS and it sure makes it much easier getting your bearings in a new area. Wish I would have had one several years ago in San Francisco. Spent several hours one night trying to find my way back to the Oakland side of the bay. Mine is a Garmin I call Susie. I have a BlackBerry and a laptop. Can use the BB as a tethered modem if I need to, but have a WIFI connection where I'm staying now. Nice and cool today here in South Florida. Will go out shopping and such while all the locals are huddled in their homes staying warm. :)

Rod

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, Rehab, ACU-Telemetry.
Yes, we have a GPS for our car too- it's a life-saver! Ours is a Magellan.

How much are GPS, and how do they work (other than telling you how to get somewhere). Do they have to be connected somehow by a professional?

Sorry for sounding so dumb.

Kathy:bugeyes:

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Specializes in Paramedic,ER, House Supervisor, OR, CVOR.

You can spend as much or as little for a GPS as you want. I have seen ads for as low as $150 and I spent $400.00 on mine. Looked at a few in the $700 to $1000 dollar range too, but didn't see where the extra cost gave you anything. As far as installation. Plug it into your power port (used to be known as the cigarette lighter) and stick the supplied suction cup to your windshield. You will be ready to go in few minutes. What I like the most is, you can put in the name of a store and it will tell you where the closest is. There are lots of other things it will do and I am very glad that I finally purchased one.

Rod

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Specializes in PCU/Tele.

No professional installation is required. Straight out of the box at the store and you are on your way.

You type in an address and it will tell you how to get there turn by turn. You can ask it to avoid highways, or toll roads, or take a walking route. You can ask it to find 'Points of Interest' which could be anything from shopping, gas stations, restaurants, beaches, museums, hospitals, schools...(much more)...you can even ask for specific stores or types of restaurants.

You can upgrade features like traffic alerts or download maps from your home computer. You can even change the voice of the person directing you.

Peace of mind knowing you won't get lost driving home in the dark...priceless!

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