Wondering if the drive to Canada is worth it this weekend...

[SapphireDreams 71]

I mean I could find something to do and I always love going home...now the traffic does suck on long weekends but I live in West Jersey so most of it is all centralized in the tri-state area and I practically live in PA so it's not so bad by me.

I just saw my parents because they looked after my house while I was in the Dominican. But I haven't seen my brothers in awhile and could use seeing them. I guess I just miss the sights.

I'm looking to do it again July 4th weekend only because while I have vacation days left for the year, I just spent a weeks worth of vacation and I doubt by boss is going to let me take days off any time soon. So I'm looking at having to drive down two weekends in the next few months just to see my friends and family and stuff.

I decided I will go. I just asked my boss to leave early on Friday so I should get their Friday at about 9pm.

Good decision! Do you ever consider flying, if you can get a good price? If I'm only going for 2-3 days, I'll fly and drive when I'm staying longer. Or are you taking the doggies?

I don't know if flying would be any quicker. The actual flight would be, but there's a lot more involved (as I'm sure everyone here already knows).

Driving to the airport: 30 minutes to 1 hour (depends on traffic and distance)

Arriving at airport in time for an international flight: 2 hours

Boarding plane: 40 minutes

Waiting for late people to board at the last minute: 10 minutes

Sitting on runway: 10 minutes

Flight: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

Sitting on runway waiting for plane to connect with terminal: 10 minutes

Standing up in plane as everyone attempts to rush out first: 5 minutes

Waiting in line for Customs: 20 minutes

Going to baggage pickup and grabbing bags: 20 minutes (only if checking luggage)

Going to the bathroom: 5 minutes

Waiting for family to pick you up or getting a cab: 5 minutes

Going to family member's home or a hotel: Unknown variable.

So yes, flying can be somewhat faster, but far more hassle and expense. You might as well drive.

Unless you have flying down to an artform! I used to leave my bf's place in Queens at 5:30 a.m. and be sitting at my desk at work in downtown Toronto by 9 a.m. Way faster than driving. But then again, I did have certain location advantages... but it is possible.

Plus there are a lot of unknown variables in driving too - traffic, waits at a gas station, bathroom breaks, line at the border (I've waited at the border 3 hours before, both ways)... so 8 hours could turn into 10 just as easily.

[Sprailenes 47]

I have a four day weekend but there is no way in hell I am leaving my weekend at OC for anyone.

Have fun though say HI to Canada for me.

[The_Dude 1,142]

I voted yes. I absolutely love road trips. Well, I love spontaneous and unplanned ones. Preparations take all the fun out

[DeadPoolX 9]

I mean I could find something to do and I always love going home...now the traffic does suck on long weekends but I live in West Jersey so most of it is all centralized in the tri-state area and I practically live in PA so it's not so bad by me.

I just saw my parents because they looked after my house while I was in the Dominican. But I haven't seen my brothers in awhile and could use seeing them. I guess I just miss the sights.

I'm looking to do it again July 4th weekend only because while I have vacation days left for the year, I just spent a weeks worth of vacation and I doubt by boss is going to let me take days off any time soon. So I'm looking at having to drive down two weekends in the next few months just to see my friends and family and stuff.

I decided I will go. I just asked my boss to leave early on Friday so I should get their Friday at about 9pm.

Good decision! Do you ever consider flying, if you can get a good price? If I'm only going for 2-3 days, I'll fly and drive when I'm staying longer. Or are you taking the doggies?

I don't know if flying would be any quicker. The actual flight would be, but there's a lot more involved (as I'm sure everyone here already knows).

Driving to the airport: 30 minutes to 1 hour (depends on traffic and distance)

Arriving at airport in time for an international flight: 2 hours

Boarding plane: 40 minutes

Waiting for late people to board at the last minute: 10 minutes

Sitting on runway: 10 minutes

Flight: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

Sitting on runway waiting for plane to connect with terminal: 10 minutes

Standing up in plane as everyone attempts to rush out first: 5 minutes

Waiting in line for Customs: 20 minutes

Going to baggage pickup and grabbing bags: 20 minutes (only if checking luggage)

Going to the bathroom: 5 minutes

Waiting for family to pick you up or getting a cab: 5 minutes

Going to family member's home or a hotel: Unknown variable.

So yes, flying can be somewhat faster, but far more hassle and expense. You might as well drive.

Unless you have flying down to an artform! I used to leave my bf's place in Queens at 5:30 a.m. and be sitting at my desk at work in downtown Toronto by 9 a.m. Way faster than driving. But then again, I did have certain location advantages... but it is possible.

Plus there are a lot of unknown variables in driving too - traffic, waits at a gas station, bathroom breaks, line at the border (I've waited at the border 3 hours before, both ways)... so 8 hours could turn into 10 just as easily.

That is very true. I think I just dislike airports.

[Travis & Kim 0]

I voted yes

and yes, say hi to Canada for me to

[SomberCat 0]

I vote yes, but I make the drive every other weekend already (10 hours round trip) and I love road trips.

[J&K 0]

I might take the Peace Bridge on the way up there on Friday early...but come home through 1000 Islands straight down I-81. I Might miss the big crowds that way.

I just saw my parents too, but my mom has some major medical issues (she's actually doing tests for a possible lung transplant) and loves when I come to visit, so it's more for her than me (well...I do need some Canadian groceries like Peameal and Campbell's vegetable soup )

[thetreble 19]

Unless you have flying down to an artform! I used to leave my bf's place in Queens at 5:30 a.m. and be sitting at my desk at work in downtown Toronto by 9 a.m. Way faster than driving. But then again, I did have certain location advantages... but it is possible.

Plus there are a lot of unknown variables in driving too - traffic, waits at a gas station, bathroom breaks, line at the border (I've waited at the border 3 hours before, both ways)... so 8 hours could turn into 10 just as easily.

haha you do have it down to an artform! Those early morning flights are mostly on time though and with you working in Toronto, you have got that made! That is sweet.

I have to take the dogs with me so...I have to drive. But driving doesnt bother me at all.

[Emancipation 2]

We do it all the time, and it's 12 hrs for us each way.. we are road warriors though and enjoy driving and reading and chatting and such.. by yourself it's a bit harder, but totally doable, and was totally worth it the weekend I went home for momma & i time.

[JillA 2]

We do it all the time, and it's 12 hrs for us each way.. we are road warriors though and enjoy driving and reading and chatting and such.. by yourself it's a bit harder, but totally doable, and was totally worth it the weekend I went home for momma & i time.

Do you drive from CT to PEI, or does your Mom live elsewhere in Canada?

[thetreble 19]

We do it all the time, and it's 12 hrs for us each way.. we are road warriors though and enjoy driving and reading and chatting and such.. by yourself it's a bit harder, but totally doable, and was totally worth it the weekend I went home for momma & i time.

mum and i are on the outs right now because we had an argument. I already apologize but shes being a baby so i thought id drive 8 hours and bring her something nice. i wont tell her im coming.

[The_Dude 1,142]

We do it all the time, and it's 12 hrs for us each way.. we are road warriors though and enjoy driving and reading and chatting and such.. by yourself it's a bit harder, but totally doable, and was totally worth it the weekend I went home for momma & i time.

LoL, when you are driving alone, you can load up your iPod with the songs that you are too embarassed to listen to when others are around. That would be The Pet Shop Boys for me

[Hugglebuggles 60]

I voted no, only because I hate driving longer than 3 hours anywhere.

My thoughts exactly, that's why I voted no. I hate driving long distances or being in a car for a long period of time... But, I think it also depends on a lot of other factors. If I hadn't been home in a long time or I really missed my family, then I would probably bit the bullet and go for it. If you don't mind the drive then why not? Have fun!

[amberL 0]

wait for a warmer weekend like.. in June, last weekend was very very very cold at least it was in Southern Ontario.

[thetreble 19]

wait for a warmer weekend like.. in June, last weekend was very very very cold at least it was in Southern Ontario.

my friend, weather can't be accounted for when it comes to traveling back and forth. This is the onyl weekend until July I've got where I get a three day weekend you see...thats why I'm thinking about going!