Driving to Cornwall over night - tips needed

[WaffleDogg20]

We booked our yearly holiday to St Just/Cape Cornwall last year but unfortunately found out the Friday we go is also the day of my dds prom. We are going for a week.

im planning on driving down (6 hours) straight after prom as it finishes at 9.30.

DH wants to drive down in the day with dd7 and ds14 and dog but I feel sad that he will miss her prom. We would follow in my car after.

what would you do? I really don’t fancy driving on Saturday when it’s probably going to be super busy on the roads.

do I just drink loads of energy drinks to keep me awake?! 😩

Espresso's on the way.. and water oc

And music...and listen to funny podcasts...no easy music lol

Can you not move the holiday?

Assuming you have thought of that , I'd have you all drive down super early Sat am, eg leaving at 4am and be on the beach by 10am.

I did this, playing loud hyper music during the entire drive helped

Can’t move the holiday unfortunately due to dhs work and the place pretty much booked up :(

Stop regularly and walk about. It is surprising how little extra time it adds, but how much more awake you feel.

Also, decent music or a podcast and the window open for fresh air every so often.

I always do this. Up at dawn, a coffee, up n out. Similarly prom, collect child, go straight down

I drive to Cornwall few times year... Definitely pumped up music...funny podcasts... espresso's...👍

Go down early on Saturday let her enjoy her prom. Mine always go to the after party and enjoy that more.
Alternatively you go down with DH. She has a sleep over and pay for a train for her to come the next day.

Don’t. Ask if you can collect the keys a day later. Sat in traffic better than crashed on a long drive after an exciting and tiring day.

What time do you usually go to bed?
When the DC were younger, I'd set off with them at 8pm having booked a Premier Inn about 3 hours into the journey. The next morning, I'd get up as soon as the first one woke up (about 6am) and we'd jump in the car and do the last stint. As long as we were south of Junc 22 (Weston Super Mare) it tended to be OK. Given how far you're going, you might want to aim closer to Exeter. I

I would all go early Saturday morning. I doubt she will want to come straight home after the prom.

Are you used to driving long distances at night OP? It's incredibly tiring. Regular stops with walks, cold water, plenty of snacks, lively music/podcasts. Some caffeine, but not excessive levels as that can actually impair driving nearly as much as alcohol. Also, you'll probably be wiped out on Saturday.

Hi Op

We drive to Scotland, the Alps and Cornwall from the SE quite alot and just leave early to avoid traffic eg anywhere from 3.30- 5am.

So far it's paid off but helps we (DH!) Is a morning person.

Depends if you think you would benefit from a little sleep or just papering through and making sure u don't exhaust yourself.during the day!

I'd let DH do what he wants and you guys arrive when suits you

Just drive the next day if it's only the both of you

You'll only sleep during the day once you get there anyway if you're driving overnight so it pointless really and won't save anything

Driving at night is great as there’ll be little traffic. And with older children they won’t have you up at dawn the next day (depending on your 7 yo I guess, but your dh can get up with her).

Just have a vacuum flask of tea for the way and listen to music. No need to punish yourself by drinking awful energy drinks!

Depends if she’s an early bird or a night person. I’d totally go for the night drive and a lovely lie in rather than forcing myself up early to drive the next day.

Yes I drive all over, just done 3 hours actually which is what made me question red bull lol.

she won’t want to go to the after party, that’s not her style sadly :(

DH won't miss her prom because he won't be at her Prom.

He'll just miss seeing her for a bit before she goes so it's completely pointless staying for that for him and the other DC

It's not as exciting as you might imagine for those not actually going

I wouldn’t go straight after prom, you’ll be exhausted and risk falling asleep at the wheel.
Go straight to bed after prom, then get up at 4am and drive down early. You won’t be fighting your circadian rhythm as much as it will be getting light and you will have had a sleep. You’ll still get all day in Cornwall on Saturday, just have an early night that night.

I'd aim to have a nap while Dd is at her prom ( say 7-9pm) then a coffee- you will be grand where aee you coming from ? In London you ×would be there by 1am. Good pratice for those teenage parties.

Tbh the thought of driving down on a Saturday morning middle of July to Cornwall fills me with dread lol

I live in Devon. Travel days are worst on a Friday now. Saturday early morning isn't too bad picks up later in the day.
I'd drive early Saturday morning not Friday night

Leave at 4am

Leicestershire area :) x