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

[Ashes]

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?

[BernieRN]

I'm looking into them but there are too many to choose from!

[gypsytravelrn]

I've been traveling for 14 years. I have always traveled by car. I usually travel with a friend or family member to make the trip more enjoyable but I have also traveled alone. When I travel I leave very early each day, as the sun is coming up, and I don't stop until the sun has set. I buy books on tape which helps make the time go by faster. I also have a GPS in my car but it came with my car. I have heard good things about the Garmin. IF you don't have one and can't buy one right now belonging to AAA helps and they can provide maps, route books and a triptik. I make sure that my apartment has a microwave in it before I agree to the complex. My company supplies me with a TV, and I have cable and internet service set up before I arrive. I care everthing that makes it feel like a home BUT it has to all fit in my car. I carry family pictures, a throw from back home, my whole kitchen ( I love to cook and bake), DVD player, DVD's, and my laptop, and a case with odds and ends. You will also need to pick up blackout curtains and set of heavy curtains if you are working night shift. I have also taken the housing stipend and have found my own housing. In FL I had a 3 BR house with my own private pool, and the house was fully fuirnished. It all depends on what you want to take and what you need to take. Good luck and I hope this helps.

[PadawanLearner]

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:

Uninformed is different from being dumb...don't belittle yourself.

It really depends on what kind of system you want. There are handhelds (kinda like PDAs or Crackberrys) or larger ones like the TomTom. Prices range from $75 on up, depending on the features you want. Most are AC/DC powered and others use an accessory port/cig lighter type plug.

I've only ever used the Garmin brand, but that's just because of compatibility (I'm active in air/ground Search and Rescue).