Need some courageous bumpers to advise me... Help!

Back story- I'll try and keep this short. My husband works the oil rigs in Alberta (we live near Vancouver, BC). He's only been doing it about two months, but he loves it. We were initially told that most rigs shut down in March, so we figured he'd be back in BC working his regular job (mechanic- very decent pay) in time for baby's birth! Well his rig has continued to work and they want to keep him on. In fact, his rig is one of only two that the company plans on running as long as possible! So originally he was told that he would be home march 29th for the rest of summer.... He's now been told that isn't happening! They WANTED to keep him until 3 days before my due date and give him two weeks off. He negotiated (they really liek him) and he managed to convince them to let him leave April 11th (a week before my due date) and he gets four weeks off. Bummer!! On the upside- we're already on company medical/dental, which is 90% coverage, and in a week up there he makes more than he does at his well paying mechanics job in BC in a MONTH.

I already posted on here once asking advice from others with long distance SO's and got some GREAT tips that have helped a lot. Anything to add about the possibility of going into LABOUR without husband here?!?!

And what I reeeally wanted to ask about.... how close to your due date would you consider travelling? It's about a 16 hour bus ride from my city to the one closest to him. In order to arrive by 7pm so he could pick me up, I would have to leave my house at 1:30am the day before. I was thinking of doing this April 8th, and my due date is April 20th.... It would give me a few days to be with him sooner (he stays in a hotel of his own choice while working so I could stay with him) and he wouldn't have to make the long drive home alone. I am not worried about the bus ride (I love travelling!) but I am a little freaked out by the idea of being on the road that close to my due date. My mom had all three of her kids late, and my doc said I am on par to be slightly overdue so far... I tend to be a relatively adventurous person but I need some advice! My mom said to go for it, but everyone else seems to think it's the worst idea ever? But in general I find that people disagree with my choices because I refuse to (generally) listen to fear mongers. Mommas! What do you think?

Just wanted to edit to add- I would ONLY travel with doctor's clearance. And there are several large cities on the bus route, but there would be several points along the way when I would be a few hours from a major city but never more than an hour or so from a city in general. I have the money to fly... is it safe to fly that close to delivery?

edit 2- Discussed it with some family- my mom suggested I book doc visits for just before I leave (both directions) to clear me for travel. Sounds like a great plan! Husband suggested I look into it and write down all the hospitals etc en route and have all that info handy at all times. That, combined with the fact that I would never be alone, and I think I have convinced myself to go. But also to be prepared to cancel at any time because of medical issues. Thanks, BabyBumps. I love you so much!! Internet hugs!!!