Driving across country

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Specializes in Med/tele, Ortho/surgical, transplant.

Does any one have tips for driving to California from the south? Best/safest states to stop in? I'll be driving alone for a very long distance the first time so I am a little nervous. I'm hoping to get there quickly.

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Specializes in ICU.

ship your car.

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Specializes in Med/tele, Ortho/surgical, transplant.

It's not cost effective to ship my car.

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Specializes in ICU.

How much is your travel stipend? time is money to me. From Florida to California is 4-5 days safely of gas, lodging, and food. Traffic and detours. Flights are cheap from that state to California.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Do you really suppose there are entire STATES you should not stop in? Really?

Be aware of your surroundings, keep to the interstates and you'll be fine.

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You might want to check the Facebook groups about cross country travel. Lots of RV groups with good tips about crossing the country and driving tips, suggested routes, stops, etc.

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I-10 is pretty dull. Go for I-40 or higher if you have the time for better scenery and access to National Parks (depends also perhaps if you are headed to Northern or Southern CA. To me, the more northern interstates "feel" safer than I-10. A bit of that is just culture shock of the more Hispanic nature of much of I-10 and the constant hype about drug traffic crime down by the border (it is mostly fake news, no more safe/unsafe than most of the country).

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Ok, I don't know why NedRN would speak of I-10 hispanic culture shock or drug traffic crime. I think it is insensitive and ignorant to point any of that out. Now that being said, I will tell you about my experience because I consider myself a road warrior and have traveled long distance from FL to NY and from FL to NV so here's my advice.

I took I-75N to I-10W to I-20W finally to I-40W. Don't rely 100% on your cellphone GPS. There may be areas between Amarillo TX and Albuquerque NM where the signal will be spotty. You should already have a general idea where you are going. Get a paper map just in case.

I can tell you there will be a stretch of road where you will may be the only car on the road. Watch your gas level don't allow your gas level to go past 1/4. Be aware of your surroundings when you stop to get gas. I would get my gas, go to the restroom and get my food in one stop and back on the road in 20 minutes or less.

Due to the fact that you will be traveling alone, if I were you, I would start traveling at 4 a.m. and end the day at 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. I would never travel at night by myself. When you start feeling tired (and you will) pull over to a rest station and take a nap. Just make sure all your doors are locked, there should be other cars/trucks at the rest stop.

You can do it. Just map out your trip, leave early, take breaks when you are tired, watch your gas and don't drive at night.

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It would appear you are trying to increase her fears. The risk of personal injury traveling at any hour is about the same as at home, other than the potential for motor vehicle accidents of course (also very low).

And that is what I trying to communicate in comments about I-10. Many Americans are frightened about traveling to third world countries and that is what large swathes of I-10 resemble. Thus if she want a more familiar culture on a drive cross country, a northern route may be better for her (along with other advantages). I also mentioned it did not make a difference about the risk, just the perception.

Once in California, she will be exposed to Hispanic culture anyway.

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Hi Nurse2yu! When are you looking to go? I'm in San Antonio/ Austin area of Texas and am looking to make my way up to California. If you want to look into cutting the cost and have a travel buddy, please let me know! I sent you a friend request. Just came across your post searching on google...so I am not in the field, but interestingly enough have been considering going into it, and I'd especially love to talk to you about travel nursing! Thanks, Fay.

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Specializes in OB.

My biggest objection to I 10 is that it is boring! 880 miles of Texas past stockyards and oil fields is the worst! I only use it in midwinter to avoid weather conditions.

A good alternative I have found heading west from FL is to take I 10 to 231 N up through Alabama and Mississippi to 72 which takes you up to I 40 at Memphis. Not as complicated as it sounds, basically just a diagonal route heading northwest. From there head west on 40, the last part of the route depends on whether you are going north or south on the west coast.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

I am originally from California, (born+raised:)) I currently live in Florida and work in Georgia. I have driven to CA from Miami twice in the last 4years. I remember taking I10 the first time it's the fastest to get to socal and going through Denver to get to norcal the second time. I also drove the entire CA Pacific coast highway this past X'mas. I highly recommend not speeding through either of these drives because the scenery is amazing especially through New Mexico. I've never seen a sunrise as beautiful as New Mexico. There are also limited gas stations on long stretches of I10 or PCH. Wish you a safe and happy trip. Try to enjoy it if time permits :)

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