<p>If your d or H have a smartphone (iphone, blackberry, droid) they should have lots of apps they can downlaid with weather, maos, gps, hotel finders, etc. I am an AAA triptik fan for sure (and be sure AAA notes the speedtraps) but the dog froiendly hotels/motels, weather and road conditions are available on phone apps. Good lick!! My DH and both DSs have driven cars from Tucson to Atlanta, but it was summertime.</p>
<p>Safe travels!</p>
<p>Weather.com has a 10 day outlook and you can pick the national freeways to check. Once you get in that window of your trip you can take a look and get a quick look at the forecast weather.</p>
<p>I haven’t read this whole thread too closely, perhaps this has been mentioned. One thing I do when driving long distances in the winter is do the “night” driving in the morning. I’d rather get up early and be driving in the dark when I’m alert than to do it at the end of the day when I’m tired.</p>
<p>Flagstaff was our next night after Amarillo.</p>
<p>Skyhook- great information. They will somehow get on the 210 and head to the 134 to the 101 and head north. Definitely not from Indiana but H has done some winter driving. D has not done much but will have a bit of practice since I think it is now snowing.
My H is very cautious and will take the weather into account. Good idea about driving early in the am.</p>
<p>I see now that you referenced LA area as your destination (as opposed to San Diego area). Sorry for that oversight.</p>
<p>We have iPhones and use the Megellan Roadmate application. On the open road it works like a charm. I have to keep reminding myself to keep a real map backup because it is so easy to just rely on the voice telling you what to do. “Move into the left lane.” or “Take the next exit.” I never saw it make a mistake.</p>
<p>Roadmate is not as helpful navigating downtown in a busy city, only because it can’t seem to respond quickly enough to the necessary manuevers in swiftly moving traffic. Simply passing through a city, though, it works great.</p>
<p>Like others here, I listen to audiobooks on long trips. They are a godsend. I also download podcasts onto my phone. There are lots of free ones on iTunes.</p>
<p>I agree with the switching frequently. Don’t just “drive 'till you’re tired” then switch. More frequent switches keep all drivers more comfortable, more rested, safer.
And bring music. It can be difficult to find a radio station all like.
I’ve driven to L.A. twice from Ohio, and my S drove from Oregon to Ind twice.</p>
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<p>Satellite radio! Best invention ever for people who love driving trips. :)</p>
<p>I did a winter road trip once from Michigan to Seattle. We got up as early as we could each day, drove for about an hour or so, then stopped for a full breakfast. This helped break up the morning and we were OK with just a small lunch or snack till dinnertime.</p>