To I-10 or to I-80: that is the question. And while it may not be as earth-shattering as some other debates (like the recent, significant lip product debate), it has weighed on my mind terribly in the last few days. Mapquest and Google Maps favor I-80, which is 70 units of some sort north of I-10, which is overwhelmingly favored by the two people (and their spouse and father, respectively) who have weighed in so far. Of course, one of the I-10 enthusiasts (Tara) said that it was great except for that bit of commuter traffic in Tennessee, so I’m not sure how seriously to take her recommendation, as Tenessee happens to lie about two states north of I-10.*
I-10 gets top marks for flatness of road, less weather worries (except if there’s a hurricane), and traveller services, at least according to this page. To see a map of all the Interstates, click here. Now, since, geographic difficulties notwithstanding, I value Tara and Liz (and their respective menfolk)’s opinions and since my highly scientic survey of Internet wisdom (besides the actual directions/maps sites) favored I-10, I am tempted to throw caution and Mapquest to the wind and drive the purported extra six hours along the southerly route. A couple things hold me back. As Dick said, how do these people know I-10 is better? Have they driven both? And I think the answer to that is “no.”
So, I ask you: has anyone driven more than one Interstate? Any other advice on roadtrips, etc? Thanks for all your comments and suggestions on packing yesterday. They were such a big help that I knew I could turn to you with this latest dilemma. Oh, and anyone want to ask Uncle Herb and Aunt Mary if we could crash in Houston with them if we drive I-10?
*See comments below that it was Jane who was mistaken here. (hard to believe, I know).
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I’ve never driven on I-80. But I must say that for a very long drive, terrain is a good thing. There’s nothing worse than a long, straight road with no scenery when you’re trying to stay awake, or trying not to go faster than 45 mph.
ok, so my husband, the all knowing traveler, has taken the I-10, I-80 and then also
I-40. He says that most direct is to connect to I-40- he moved his parents from ST. George to Orlando that way. you’d go into arizona then come up through Vegas. he does agree with the favoritism of I-10 though. he says that is a much “funner” drive- going through fun cities and more touristy stuff. he did I-10 from Utah to Orlando. he did I-80 when he was driving from Philadelphia to Park City. so his suggestion is that you should probably do I-10- just for the what you get to see. if you are on a time schedule, make your way to the 40 and just go across.
Dude – do you ever listen to me? I told you we took I-40 when we moved TO Florida, since I-10 was through New Orleans, and Katrina had hit like 3 weeks before. So I-40 took us through the very corner of Tennesse. Aaron drove that route with me, of course, and then he and his sister took I-10 when we moved BACK to AZ. And he liked it better. And obviously you won’t be trying to keep to 45 mph the whole way. And the flatter terrain might be more boring, but it’s a lot better on gas mileage. If you go I-40 you will hit Flagstaff, AZ (2.5 hours North of us) and then turn North to SLC. Probably not Vegas. But you’d miss us unless you want to spend an extra 5 hours driving. But it’d be totally worth it.
Like there should be any debate! Come through Arizona and spend a week with us!
“Dude – do you ever listen to me?”
Dude–you sound like my wife (I mean that is exactly what I say to Tom ALL THE TIME!!)
On a more serious note. You should try to strategize your trip with stops. With so many kids and such a slow driver (Tom) you will probably only make 400 miles a day. With free lodging in Houston & Phoenix, you may want to consider I-10 for the home cooked meals and free beds.
Either route will get you there. Pick the way you haven’t seen before. Also, consider the more southerly people along the way might be more helpful in case you need help. Then again, the shopping might be better on the northerly route.
We drive I-40. It runs right through Oklahoma. We used I-40 when we drove here from Alabama. I don’t know anything about I-10 but have been on I-80 lots of times. I don’t envy you at all!!! I have to drive to Utah this coming Monday. It is 20 hours from here and with the two boys, I am dreading it. But you have it much worse–three kids and driving from Florida. Ugh.
I’ve only ever been to the Miami airport, so I’m NO help in the driving department, but good luck on your trip. If you do come through Arizona, we’d love to meet you in person! Let us now – you and the Carpenters could come over for swimming and BBQ.