In two weeks I am driving from Florida (Boca) to California (Santa Monica). Since I have a tight schedule getting there I can't make side trips. When I drive the car back, I will have free time to meander (not too long-maybe 2 weeks). Any suggestions, comments, experiences,etc ?

 

Bring an extra quart of oil and emergency roadside kit (flares etc). Have fun!

 

i did this in 72, plymouth duster 6 banger....its a BIG country, took 3 days on #80 from Merryland to CA, drove 10-12 hrs a day, stopped for gas and sleep. take some breaks when u feel groggy

 

Carry a tire plug kit.

If you enjoy these, there are several National Parks on the route... Joshua Tree, Saguaro, Carlsbad, Big Bend. Most have paved roads with scenic drives. Having a US National Park pass is worthwhile if you visit many of them within a year.

At Petrified Forest National Park recently...

 

don't have any idea of what you like ... but Santa Fe is a beautiful stop....

 

Plan carefully while driving across Texas on I-10. Between San Antonio and El Paso, there really isn't much, even in a literal sense. I think it's about 13 hours from Houston to El Paso to give you an idea. And it's rather bare and boring. As for P-dealerships, after San Antonio, the next one on the way is Phoenix from what I remember.

Have fun!!

 

Have fun, take plenty of pics!

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll post some pics on the way.

 

Yup. I-10 through Texas is simply brutal on the senses.

First I'd recommend a clear wrap (bra) for the front of your car. You will have the abdomen juice of every known species stuck to the front of your car!!
Our Clearcoat is notoriously soft.
I would also buy a spare tire from Suncoast and stick it in the back seat.
I had a blow out in the Mojave Desert (in my M5 = no spare) and it took HOURS for roadside assistance to turn up.

Enjoy the ride and the beautiful Country..

 

Agree on a clear wrap for the front. Learned on a previous road trip that bugs will stain the clear wrap, too. A good coat of wax will help to minimize that problem.

 

Yep, boring *** drive. Make sure the cruise control works, load up the ipod and bring lots of reading material.

 

+1 on the tire plug kit. and make sure you also carry the glue, a pair of pliers and snips. this has saved me several times over the years of having to swap on the spare or wait for roadside assistance.

 

If haven't already, I would practice jacking the car. Suggest carry a safety block for the tire, if you did indeed get a flat. Check the circumferences of the each of the tires and make sure there is no small nail hidden will get worse while underway. Not sure what it is when I had my 991, I got 4 flats in 10K miles of driving, including one tire replacement.

For the bugs, and clear film, wax will help, but I found, spraying Plexus over the clear film without wiping protects better against bugs.

For iPhone, I determined, the USB port does not keep the phone fully charged, and if use Waze, your battery will go dead in few hours. Purchase a 12V plug with a USB adapter for the smartphone for optimum charging.

Other thoughts:
Flashlight
Spare key
Travel apps on your phone
Playlist
Expected planned itinerary
Non greasy snacks
Sunscreen
Blanket

Have fun.

 

It's almost sounds like he's traveling to the barren plains of the Serengeti the way the posts are coming in.

 

Waze and K40...only way to roll.
Priceless!!