How far is too far for a day trip?

1. 96

   peeplesposted 9 years ago

   How far is too far for a day trip?
   
   If you don't want to spend the night somewhere, how far is too far for just a day trip? We are considering making a 3 1/2 hour drive to the beach spending 3-5 hours there then making the ride back. Too far with kids? Would it be too far for you?

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2. 0

   RTalloniposted 9 years ago

   Not too much for me, but hat would be a lot for little ones unless you planned carefully for the trip home.  Think through how tired they will be, how comfortable you can make them, then plan food/drink/stops and calming activities for the ride home.

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   1. 96

      peeplesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      My thought was after stops it would probably turn into a 4 1/2 hour ride, so put it off! Thank you!

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3. 39

   ChristinSposted 9 years ago

   That sounds like fun! I think it depends on your kids, how well prepared you are and your ability to make frequent stops.  Do you guys camp? Tent camping would be a lot of fun and you could spend longer at the beach.  I was able to take longer day trips with my boys, but they ride well in the car and usually fall asleep.  When we take longer trips it's usually to go hike or do something that is physical so they can work off that pent up energy.  If you are at the beach and they are swimming and playing - the ride home might be much more pleasant than the ride up when they are excited .

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   1. 96

      peeplesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      We do camp, but it was a last minute idea and all the campgrounds were booked. We have a DVD player in our SUV, but after a lot of consideration decided our 4 year old probably wouldn't make it. Thanks!

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4. 60

   Gek Akaposted 9 years ago

   I think that is reasonable ok, will be good for the kids as they like adventure and exploiting situations

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   1. 96

      peeplesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, they really wanted to go!

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5. 74

   Aime Fposted 9 years ago

   I would probably say anything less than 5 hours is manageable for a day trip. The drive home would be pretty easy assuming everyone was tired and wanted to relax.

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   1. 96

      peeplesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks They would probably sleep, but were worried our 4 year old would need to many pee stops!

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6. 60

   Sparkleaposted 9 years ago

   Peeples, I take day trips all the time with my friends.  We don't go more than two hours one way, and that is with no kids.
   A few years ago my girlfriend took me to Charleston SC from her home in Charlotte, NC.  It was 4 hours one way...we RUSHED, tried to squeeze in too much in too little time...She could barely drive back, she was so exhausted, and we ended up staying at a motel because she could not keep awake.
   My opinion is that your trip to and from is 7 hours.  Too far for kids in my opinion.  UNLESS you leave super early in the morning and the kids can sleep on the way back.  From what I can tell from your hubs and questions your kids are well behaved, so it MAY work for you with no problem.
   Thank you for this question.  Sparklea

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   1. 96

      peeplesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      We live 30 minutes south west of Charlotte in SC. Decided a rushed day with the youngest wouldn't work out too well. The oldest 2 have done long day trips before, but with it being a holiday weekend we didn't want to chance it.

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7. 70

   dashingscorpioposted 9 years ago

   For me anything beyond a 2 hour drive one way is further than I want to go and make a U-turn later in the day.
   The last thing I'd want to do after a day of playing in the sun and water is be alert for a 3 1/2 hour drive back home.
   I'd rather stay in a hotel/motel that night and drive back early the next day.

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      peeplesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Exactly my husband's opinion. Sadly all the hotels under $300 a night were fully booked. Thanks!

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8. 86

   bravewarriorposted 9 years ago

   I think no more than a two hour drive each way, especially with little kids. You don't want to spend most of your time in the car. The drive back is always a challenge. Everyone's tired, grumpy, sandy, and just want to be home.
   
   Do you have a lake nearby? I think the beach would be a better option if you can stay the weekend. That way, you get plenty of beach time and can rest up (and clean up) before heading home.

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   1. 96

      peeplesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      This is exactly what we decided. We are going to spend tomorrow at the lake and try to get there before it gets too crowded so we can actually find a spot! Thanks for the answer!

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9. 96

   MizBejabbersposted 9 years ago

   About 100 miles is a good trip for us. We have gone farther, but anything more than two hours one way is not enjoyable. I don't drive after dark, and Mr. B can't drive at sunset because the lights fake out his one good eye. We try to plan our one-day trips to be back before dark. That's the pity of aging because we thought nothing of leaving early and coming back at midnight when we were young.

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