Driving from New Jersey to Seattle is a significant cross-country trip, covering approximately 2,800 to 2,900 miles. If you limit your driving to 6-7 hours per day, the trip would likely take you between 6 and 8 days.
Here's a breakdown of how to estimate the trip and potential stopping points:
Estimated Duration:
- The total driving time is around 44-45 hours.
- At 6-7 hours of driving per day, you'd cover roughly 360-490 miles daily.
- Dividing the total distance (2800-2900 miles) by your daily mileage gives you approximately 6 to 8 days of driving. This doesn't include time for sightseeing or unexpected delays.
Possible Route and Stopping Points:
A common and recommended route for driving from the East Coast to Seattle is to take I-80 West and then connect with I-90 West. This route offers a good balance of directness and access to amenities.
Here's a possible itinerary with overnight stops, assuming 6-7 hours of driving per day:
- Day 1: New Jersey to Ohio
- You'd likely end your first day in Ohio, perhaps around Cleveland or Toledo.
- Day 2: Ohio to Illinois/Iowa
- Continuing west, you could aim for a stop in the Chicago area (be mindful of traffic) or push into Iowa, such as Des Moines.
- Day 3: Iowa to Nebraska
- Nebraska offers cities like Omaha or Lincoln as good overnight stops.
- Day 4: Nebraska to Wyoming
- You'll start to see more expansive landscapes. Consider stopping in Cheyenne or Casper.
- Day 5: Wyoming to Montana
- Depending on your pace, you could reach areas like Billings or Bozeman in Montana.
- Day 6: Montana to Idaho/Eastern Washington
- You'd be driving through more mountainous terrain. Possible stops include Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, or Spokane, Washington.
- Day 7: Eastern Washington to Seattle
- A shorter drive will get you into Seattle, allowing you to settle in.
Alternative and Considerations:
- Southern Route: Some travelers prefer a more southern route, especially if traveling during winter months, to avoid snow in the northern states. This might take you through St. Louis and Kansas City.
- National Parks: If you're interested in incorporating national parks, you could deviate to see places like Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, and even Glacier National Park. However, this will significantly increase your travel time and requires careful planning, as dogs are often not allowed on trails in national parks.
- Flexibility: It's always a good idea to stay flexible with your plans, especially on a long road trip. Road conditions and weather can change, and you might discover interesting places you want to explore further.
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