Review the trip on a map. Use GPS if you have it. Just drive, otherwise you'll never get the experience.

My first long auto trip had me thinking about stopping for meals, staying overnight at a motel and other such fretulations. I arrived that same day. Your imagination has made this trip seem fearsome.

Think of it in shorter distances. For the first 100 miles, then stop, walk around, the do the next 100 miles. It's easy! If the traffic gets heavy , pull off the road, get a drink, take a break, then start again.

95 south below DC to about Fredericksburg (sometimes Richmond), is usually a PIA on any weekend day - so expect extra time unless you are willing to follow Waze alternative (which work quite well). Otherwise plan on fueling and eating at least every 4 hours behind the wheel so you keep sharp and just stop for refreshment as necessary - no need to be nervous - you aren't being timed.

It depends on the route you choose. I95 is notoriously heavy with traffic, especially around Washington, DC. It would be good if you had a GPS. Mine has a lady' s voice that alerts me when to turn or change lanes.

Since it's a weekend you probably won't have to deal with rush hour traffic. But bypasses around cities can help with that - they're usually (but not always) less congested. Pull over often, before you get tired, to stretch your muscles and prevent eye fatigue. If it's sunny, sunglasses really help with distance driving.

No worse than driving around the block. That's all you have to worry about. Take each mile as it comes and don't try to think too far ahead, just concentrate on what is in front of you.

Don't try to drive more than two hours at a time without stopping for a comfort break and chance to get out and stretch your legs.

Don't set a time limit, you get there when you get there.

It's about a 400 mile drive which you should be able to do comfortably in a day considering truck drivers think 600 miles is a normal day's drive

A lot of things in life are scarier when you're thinking about them beforehand than they are when you do them, especially if it's something you've never done before. If you can drive, if you've driven between cities close together, this is the exact same thing, only a little longer.

Check your tire pressures and oil level. Wash your windshield. Get some snacks to carry along, and maybe a water bottle. Get some music or other 'content' to listen to (I do audiobooks on long trips). Then just take off. You'll arrive in NC with a feeling of 'Wow, i did it!' And next time it'll be a lot easier.

I don't know what traffic will be like. It's been a while since I've been in that part of the country. But I'd think it wouldn't be -too- bad on a Saturday.

This time of year you should have no weather problems... except possibly for thunderstorms and/or fog.

If you can't see, pull off the road (hopefully at a gas station or truck stop), and wait until you can see.

Never let your tank get below 1/2 tank; you NEVER know when you will encounter an emergency or detour.

Carry water and snacks in the car, for the same reason.

Carry a map that covers the entire route, even if you have a phone/GPS.

Carry enough cash to buy a tank of gas, in case the credit/debit card system is down when you need gas.

Carry a spare tire and KNOW how to change it.

use the google map service; it will show the best route + any road construction, etc