[blix9]

I have never been New York so I had no idea how to get around the area or where is closer to where. Next weekend, I have to go to JFK and drive to Allamuchy, NJ. I have no control over tickets so I can't change destination. Now I have to take my little monkey(my boy who is quite handful) and an elderly lady who can't walk too far. On friday around noon, we are supposed to meet some people at JFK, rent a car, and follow these people's car to Allamuchy, NJ. Yesterday I had a chance to see the map and it looks like I have to drive through Manhattan to long way into New Jersey from all the way from the right hand side of the map, JFK airport. Also, on the following monday I have to return to JFK airport probably by the same route at the same time to catch a plane home.

My friend told me to use public transportation because driving in that area is hell especially at the wrong time/rush hour. I would do so if I am going there alone but I am not. I was just wondering how much trouble(traffic, confusion with directions, or anything I can't forsee at this point) should I expect? I don't even know where exactly this Allamuchy location is. That's why I have to follow other's car. Is renting a car at JFK and drive that kind of distance bad idea? But considering my party who are traveling with me I don't see any option. Enterprise Rent Car near JFK is not even a particiapting location for 9.99 weekend deal. I am probably renting with Avis. It looks like it's gonna cost me over $300 for a compact 4 door sedan for 4 days.

Yeah I am panicking. Is this disaster waiting to happen? Just please someone who knows the area well tell me what kind of headache am I going to get for this trip? Again, I have no control over this schedule.
Any comment is appreciated.

[Geminiwave]

expect ALOT OF CONFUSION!

I think you can do it...just make sure you're wide awake and dont have heart problems because you are going to get a fair bit of stress.

Also when people are swearing at you, just ignore them. they do it to everyone, so just chill and know that you arent doing anything wrong(unless you get into an accident in which cause you REALLY did something wrong)

[pr0digal jenius]

i'd vote for a taxi...it won't be cheap, but it will be much much simpler.....we took a cab everywhere when i went to NYC, simply b/c driving there is a NIGHTMARE(not as bad as boston, but close)

[YAYitsAndrew]

Why didn't you arrive at newark airport and then drive to allmuchy?

[blix9]

Originally Posted by YAYitsAndrew

Why didn't you arrive at newark airport and then drive to allmuchy?

That's a big mystery to me too. Like I said, I had no control over scheduling this air travel. It looks like it was planned by someone who doesn't know the area as much as I do.

Gosh, I was hoping for 'It's not too bad' kinda response but my worst guess seems to be coming true. Pray for me fellas.

How much do you think it would cost from JFK to far into New Jersey by taxi? That's through Manhattan, I think.
I am getting a rent car because I also have to go some places in NJ fro a couple of days with some immobile passengers.