I would go with her. I don’t think that a drive that far away is something that is necessarily easy alone even with a car that may not break down. If she has invited you or wants you along and you can go, keep her company!
It’s tough when two kids need you. I’d be tempted to go with the younger, also considering she knew of her plans first. Unless Dad can take one of them.
But have you looked at car rental possibilities yet? We had two old cars for a long time and for every long trip, we rented, to feel assured. And both of my girls had a place here that would rent to them under 25 (which we always confirmed with the local office, first, not just online or via the 800 number.)
@lookingforward Yes, the younger one’s plans came first and she doesn’t have her license.
H can’t go with either one because of his work schedule.
Is there a friend who can go along ? My husband and I started life with looong car trips and developed a pattern of the one keeps the other awake and alert. If your kiddo isnt used to driving 6+ hours, I would encourage her to find someone (or you) to be the drive buddy. There is a point, for me about 5 hours, but for my sister about three, where a solo driver starts getting sleepy/less attentive/dangerous. They can get out and walk around, or better yet switch drivers.
hmm I think the new plan is that D13 will drive about 3 hours and stay or visit her mentor and then on
the way back stop to visit friends…
This morning I woke up thinking how thankful I am my transmission started to go now, before any of the trip, rather than in the Alleghenies in the dark. That would have been a disaster even worse than D13’s bumper dragging on the interstate.
I’ll be sad to say goodbye to my trusty van that’s served me so well for 225K miles. I’m not sure if another amazing, once-in-a-lifetime, used van will be available this week so we might have to compromise with something smaller until one comes along. Then D13 can buy it from us at a discount when she gets her license.
I’m also thankful we are somewhat prepared for this. We new the van wouldn’t last forever so we’d already had some savings earmarked for a replacement