Driving 8 hours!

[Lana Mae]

It takes about 8 hours from NC to Harrisburg PA! Should I drive dressed or in male mode? Probably at least 2 stops along the way! Which bathroom? Share your thoughts! Hugs Lana Mae

[Pat]

You already know the answer, sweetie. What's going to make you feel best? Do that. ;) If you decide to drive fem and you're not comfortable going into the ladies room, find a single-person restroom.

[cdinmd206]

Don't use the female bathrooms in North Carolina!!!!!!!!Sorry Lana I just could not resist

[Sometimes Steffi]

There was a thread about this recently.

https://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?255987-Driving-through-the-South-enfem

It kind of depends on which route your taking.

If you're taking I-95 through DC, you'll probably be OK. There are a lot of us girls in the Richmond to DC corridor, so you might not be the first TG they've seen.

If you're taking I-81, it may be touch and go. I know some girls from the Shenandoah Valley, but it's definitely a Red State area.

What you need to think about is getting out at rest stops, gas stations and restaurants. How will you be perceived? If you don't think you pass, I would suggest using a rest room at McDonald's.

Last year, I got a late start leaving Keystone, and we (a CD friend of mine) stopped at a local restaurant near Gettysburg (in PA). The waiter seemed a bit tense waiting on us, which made me tense, but he seemed to warm up once he realized that we just wanted to have lunch and move on.

[Glenda58]

I will be going from TN to MI dressed in March. Have done it a few times. Stops for gas and lunch even a casino in Ohio. I used the ladies room.

[Jaylyn]

I bet if you just do it you'll be safe. I suppose you could always look for drive thrus for lunch and supper inside at McDonalds at times when not many are eating. Don't have a clue about bathrooms. Go where you feel safe. Good luck Lana but you shouldn't have any problems, watch your gas gauge and make sure the tires are good.

[DaisyLawrence]

It's your life, live it while you can.

[faltenrock]

Honey, there is no reason not to drive dressed. I've been driving hundreds of hours dressed, getting gas, buying food, going to the ladies room - never any problem...Have fun

[Tracii G]

Do whatever you are most comfortable with.

[Helen_Highwater]

Lana Mae,

If I'm correct in thinking you're driving to a CD event it seems only fitting you arrive "Ready to go". For me it's an opportunity to maximise your time enfemme.

I can't comment on bathrooms as I'm not familiar with the lie of the land but it does seem that from the advice already given if you pick your venues you should be fine.

One practical point. Wear comfortable shoes when driving. I can and have driven in heels but I wouldn't relish the prospect of that many hours. Plus you dont want to arrive and already have tired feet.

I'm sure you'll have a great time.

[Maria 60]

I can't imagine you not dressing at all, I would do as much as you feel comfortable with and if your going to worry and put stress on yourself, maybe you could dress for half. Tha washroom is always the delima. Let us know what you decide.

[Beverley Sims]

An eight hour stint is a good opportunity to dress.
Only two brief stops, rest room of the gender you are portraying, and drive within the law.

No party lights to bother you like that. :-)

I do a number of twelve hour drives and never had trouble yet.

There are plenty of unisex toilets on the side of the road anyway, so that is never an issue.

[kimdl93]

I’ve driven cross the mid section of the US from TX to MN, stayed overnight, dined in small town cafes, even had auto repairs en femme... never any problem. And I used the ladies restroom without incident. I should think your trip will be safe and fun

[Rayleen]

Lana, be confident being dressed, and act normally and everything will be alright.

Hug, Rayleen.

[BrendaPDX]

Yes, Yes, drive enfemme and enjoy it! But do bring some extra boy cloths and have them within reach, just in case:) Take care, Brenda

[Krisi]

A lot of people have responded with what they have done and that's fine but they are not you.

Only you know how well you "pass" and only you know how comfortable you will be using a ladies room along the highway. Some have attendants or security people. Obviously, using unisex restrooms is the best policy, but finding them is the trick.

I have no idea why someone suggested using the restrooms at McDonalds, they are often very crowded. Of course, you can get your meals at the drive through and avoid most interaction with others.

For me, driving eight hours is a chore and I don't see driving dressed as making it any less of a chore but that's me, not you.

It's your choice one way or the other.

[Lana Mae]

Pat-As much as I would love to drive dressed, the bathroom issue is a hassle and I don't pass so well! Unisex bathrooms are random and not always easy to find! Male mode-female shoes(flats), panties (of course), woman's jeans(my jeans), and a unisex embellished top with a silver cross! Oh, forgot either pantyhose or knee highs (support) for my legs!
Danielle-I will be out of NC in no more than 2 hours, I think I can hold it that long! LOL
Steffi-Probably will go I-81, see note to Pat!
Glenda-I have yet to use the ladies room! Let alone in a strange area! I think I will pass on this one for now!
Jaylyn-I will fill the tank the night before and the tires have less than 7000 miles on them! If I go dressed, I will stop and have my wig box and form box on the front seat and take them off when I stop. do my thing and put them back on in the car! Or not! LOL
Daisy-Bathrooms over hear a touchy thing! One GG over here got arrested for being in the ladies room because they thought she was a he! The charges were dropped but it illustrates how bad it can be!
Faltenrock-Compared to you I am one of the ugliest things going! See my other notes!
Tracii-I will to be sure!
Helen-See my notes to the others! I will have a great time in any case! It is likely that it will be my first time using the ladies room in a hotel! LOL
Maria-See my notes to others! The bathroom thing is a sticking point for me! I will feel fem enough and still look boy enough to get by! LOL
Beverly-If I could only find a map to all of those unisex restrooms, I would have it made! LOL
Kim-Maybe after using the ladies room the first time, I will feel more comfortable about it but that has not happened yet! Maybe at Keystone and then I can drive back dressed! LOL
Rayleen-See my notes to the others!
Brenda-See my male mode attire above!
Krisi-Thanks! See my replies to the others!
Thanks everyone for your responses!
Hugs Lana Mae

[Sometimes Steffi]

I've driven I-81 from the NC/Va line to Harrisburg PA, but not all in one trip.

You'll be going through a lot of rural and farm country with a smattering of light industry.

There are only a few small cities along the way, including Roanoke, Harrisonburg, Winchester, Martinsburg VA and Hagerstown MD. It is a very big trucker's route.

Since you say that you don't pass very well, rest stops may be a problem, especially the ladies room. The reason I suggested McDonalds is that many of them have single hole bathrooms.

I suggest that you go androgynous on the way up and maybe scout out the route. That way you can decide if you want to return en femme.

I can say pretty confidently that the Sheraton will be all of us girls, and we all use the public ladies room, doing everything that ladies normally do, including touching up makeup, combing hair, in addition to the biological functions

[Rogina B]

Lana Mae..You are concerned for nothing..Trouble is you are asking a paranoid bunch for support.. Get in the car and go..Things are only a big deal if you make them one.

[IleneD]

Lana Mae!

Have no fear whatsoever, girl. Don't make me come over to NC and drive you to Keystone myself! (LOL). You know I'd love to do it too.
Listen, if little old me can venture through the Pittsburgh airport completely en femme, or drive across the state of Missouri dressed; then you can do this with a smile. Heck, I actually think you will have the most joyful adventure of your recent life. Just do it, and I will be praying for you every day of the conference.
As you say....... HUGS. :hugs:

[Nicolelicd]

I really look forward to a long drive in femme. I usually wear excersise clothes because of their comfort. I love yoga pants, sports bra, athletic top, pink socks and women’s sneakers. I do light make up and a wig. I have never had a problem on any of my trips. I have driven up and down 95 several times. I believe the most important part is confidence. I have actually received several compliments. It’s amazing how nice people can actually be. Society is a lot more acceptable than I ever imagined. I look forward to stopping for a bathroom break. That way you can see your pretty side in a mirror. Go for it, you’ll love it.

[Krisi]

.........Trouble is you are asking a paranoid bunch for support.. .

"Paranoid" or realistic? Life in the real world is a lot different than it is on this forum.

Lana Mae has to make this decision based on her circumstances, not yours or anyone else's.

[Pat]

"Lana Mae has to make this decision based on her circumstances, not yours or anyone else's.

:yt:
Lana Mae gets to make the choice for herself. She asked for opinions to help inform her choice and it can't be surprising that there's a wide array of experience/opinion on this forum. Let's be polite to each other and respect the fact that everyone's opinion is based on their life history. Even the paranoid people. And even the folks who say nothing could possibly go wrong. This place would actually be kinda useless if we all held the same opinion. ;)

[Jaylyn]

Whatttt Pat I thought my opinion was the only one that mattered....... Lol
Lana you will be fine.
Krisi many of the Mc Donald's around here have one for the ladies and one for the males. They are all here like you walk in and lock the door behind you type, one room. I think they are like that so either males or females can take their kids in with them. They are usually very big and handicap sized. I've used the women's before when it was empty and I was not dressed as the men's was in use and at my age when ya gotta go you gotta go.

[Lana Mae]

Steffi-Yes, male mode up and maybe femme mode back! Sort of looking at the first time in the ladies room as an adventure or???
Ro-That was my first thought and if I was driving on I-95 I probably would go en femme! But I am going to try to avoid all the traffic around Balt and DC by taking I-81! Probably either would be OK but I will feel better checking it out on the way up! I guess I am just a little paranoid, too! But better safe than sorry!
Ilene-See my note to Ro! Pray for me anyway, even if I am a chicken?
Nicole-See the above notes!
Krisi-Thank you!
Pat-Thanks! Yes It would be rather boring! I really appreciate the various views that have been expressed!
Jaylyn-Thanks!
Thanks everyone for your comments!
Hugs Lana Mae

[Dana44]

If you are dressed then use the woman's bathroom. should be no problem. Enjoy your trip.

[Rogina B]

Steffi-Yes, male mode up and maybe femme mode back! Sort of looking at the first time in the ladies room as an adventure or???
Ro-That was my first thought and if I was driving on I-95 I probably would go en femme! But I am going to try to avoid all the traffic around Balt and DC by taking I-81! Probably either would be OK but I will feel better checking it out on the way up! I guess I am just a little paranoid, too! But better safe than sorry!
Safe from WHAT? Angry mobs with torches and forks ? I really am not sure what you are so afraid of happening...A zillion people drive those roads every day,there isn't banjo music playing at the rest stops..As far as peeing goes..Go in,pee,wash your hands and go out the door and into your car...What part of that is troublesome?

[MsEva]

I have driven from VA to PA about 7 hours. I drive up Rt 13. It is pretty rural and there used to be a porta potty near Salisbury MD that I would stop in when needed. Once i went in and held the door for the next person in line. He said thanks and I smiled and kept moving. Feet don't fail me now. Several times I have driven off the main road and had to squat a pee a few times. Not proud but what is a girl to do? I wish you luck. It is sort of nerve wrecking for a while, but you become one with the road, just another person on the way to somewhere else. I was a great experience. Not sure if I would do it that way again, the potty and rest area was closed a few years ago and it is really disturbing trying to look for a country road to drop your panties to wee.

[Lana Mae]

Dana-You are right if dressed-women's!
Ro-If dressed, I will!
MsEva-I would do that if necessary! LOL
Thanks for your comments!
Hugs Lana Mae

[Krisi]

RE: Restroom problem, It came to me as I was drifting off to sleep the other night. Target (the retail chain) has a policy that their restrooms are open to anyone who feels they belong. You can use the women's restroom if that's your preference.

They have taken a lot of grief for this policy and have suffered from some boycotts but you could just map out the Target stores along your route and when you need to use the restroom, head for one of them. According to their website, many of the stores already have single user restrooms and because of public reaction to their policy, they are planning to install single user restrooms in all their stores as soon as possible.

[Jenny22]

When I've had to use a restroom in a gas station/minimart in drab, the mens rest room has almost always been for a single occupant. I'd guess the same would be true for the womens. On a driving trip I'm always fully en femme, so I will try same on my next trip. I avoid rest stops, as they have many stalls for women. Enjoy your trip!

[abby054]

I drive Spokane - Portland - Salt Lake City from time to time. Spokane - Portland is the short trip at seven hours. The other two runs are twelve hours each. The long runs can be a long day. I may stop for the night in Boise if I get too tired. Full femme. No problems, restroom or otherwise, along the way.

[Tracii G]

However your are dressed thats what restroom you use

[rachael.davis]

Hi Lana

You mentioned that you routinely keep polished nails, and you have had your ears pierced - unless you're taking off the polish before going to Keystone you are already driving dressed, just a question of how much. If you do choose to use the ladies room walk up, walk in, and take care of things - standing in front of the door looking nervous will get you clocked faster than anything.

[RachelB.]

I used to be paranoid about the ladies room myself. On a road trip my wife pulled into a gas station after telling her I needed to go. We were in a rural area and it was a mom and pop kind of place. I hesitated and was really nervous about going in by myself and asking to use the restroom. She refused to leave until I went to the bathroom or wet my panties one. I squirmed for a minute or two and finally went in. No alarms went off, no locals with pitchforks, nothing just relief! Lady at the register was super nice and friendly. Got back out to the car and wife hands me my purse and tells me she wants a coke! I am thankful for a wife who supports me and gives me a kick in the rear when I need it.

Do what makes you comfortable. Most interstate rest areas have family restrooms should the need arise.

[Glenda58]

Most gas stations only have one restroom so you could use that if the need came up.

[Lana Mae]

Krisi-Thanks for that info!
Jenny-Thanks for the tip!
Abby-Thanks for sharing!
Tracii-That is how I always figured it!
RachaelD-In and out-got it!
RachelB-Thanks for sharing!
Glenda-Yes that is what I was thinking! Thanks!
Thanks everyone for the great advise!
Hugs Lana Mae

[Krisi]

Most gas stations only have one restroom so you could use that if the need came up.

That has not been my experience. The ones I've been to in this century have at least two, one for men and one for women.

It seems odd that they would have one for each rather than two "unisex" restrooms but it may be that state or local laws require this.

[Lana Mae]

Krisi-I decided to go dressed and just wing it! LOL
Hugs Lana Mae

[Sallee]

can't believe there iis even a discussion about restrooms. Go ahead walk into the male restroom. I would be curious to see the reaction. If you look like a lady use the ladies its that simple. You could be a big, large hairy woman they clientele don't know and I would seriously doubt there would be any questioning

[Lana Mae]

Sallee-That is what I always said, if you look male go with the male restroom and if you look female use the female restroom! Otherwise you look out of place! LOL Hugs Lana Mae

[Tracii G]

Right on Lana Mae I agree with you . Going in the men's room dressed as a female is just asking for trouble IMO.

[wearingtanpantyhose]

Nothing makes a long drive more tolerable than wearing a skirt, hose and heels. I must say, keeping my legs together for that long was at first a challenge. It get easier.

[Lana Mae]

Tracii-Thanks!
Wearingtanpantyhose-Probably will wear flats for comfort on that long a drive! My feet will hurt enough without wearing heels! LOL
Thanks for the responses!
Hugs Lana Mae

[Aunt Kelly]

Good choice, Lana Mae. There's a time for looking good and a time for comfort. Long drives are in the latter category.

[kimdl93]

On long drives, I always kick off my heels anyway.