Going on a Trip - Should You Drive or Fly?
Going on a Trip — Should You Drive or Fly?
Vacation time! Perhaps you’ve already been imagining a cold beverage and your toes in the sand—even months before you head out for rest and adventure. But one big question is looming in your mind: should you drive or fly?
The answer depends on several important factors, including cost, distance, time, comfort, and how much patience you have for airport security lines or sitting in traffic behind a camper traveling 12 mph uphill.
When Driving Makes More Sense
Driving can be a great option for shorter trips or family vacations. If your destination is only a few hours away, taking your own vehicle may save money compared to buying airline tickets for everyone and then still having to rent a vehicle once you get there.
Road trips also give you freedom. Want to stop for snacks? Go ahead. Want to visit the “World’s Largest Ball of Yarn” along the way? (That’s 813 Wisconsin St., Cawker City, Kansas, in case you are asking.) Nobody can stop you. You can take detours, explore small towns, and pack more luggage without worrying about baggage fees.
Driving may also be more practical if you are bringing sports equipment, camping gear, or pets. Most dogs would probably choose a road trip over sitting in an airplane cargo area any day.
However, driving does have downsides. Long hours behind the wheel can become exhausting, especially in traffic, bad weather, or construction zones. Fuel costs can also add up quickly, especially for larger vehicles. Plus, after eight straight hours in the car, even your favorite music playlist may start to feel like punishment.
When Flying Is the Better Choice
Flying is usually the fastest option for long-distance travel. A trip that might take two days by car could take only a few hours by plane. If your vacation time is limited, flying can help you spend more time actually enjoying the destination instead of staring at highway exit signs.
Air travel can also reduce wear and tear on your vehicle. Long road trips add mileage, tire wear, and maintenance costs to your car. Sometimes people forget that driving across several states is basically giving your vehicle a surprise endurance contest.
Of course, flying comes with its own challenges. Airports can be crowded and stressful. Flights may be delayed, luggage occasionally disappears into another dimension, and airplane seats somehow become smaller every year. Travelers also have less flexibility because they must follow airline schedules.
Questions to Ask Before Deciding
Before choosing between driving and flying, ask yourself a few simple questions:
* How far away is the destination?
* How many people are traveling?
* How much will fuel, hotels, and food cost compared to plane tickets (and perhaps rental car costs)?
* How much time do you have?
* Will you need a car once you arrive?
* Are you comfortable with long drives or busy airports?
For some trips, driving clearly makes more sense. For others, flying is worth the extra cost to save time and energy.
Other options
Even if you have not been thinking about traveling by train or bus, it is probably a good idea to at least investigate the cost. For medium-distance trips (under 400 miles), the train cost may be similar to flying if you book well in advance and travel on weekdays. Plus, you can avoid all of that TSA unpleasantness. Many travelers find train travel to be one of the most relaxing ways to travel. In fact, a train ride through the Rocky Mountains or along the Pacific Coast can actually become part of the vacation itself.
At NHSA, our goal is to provide online driver education courses that equip all drivers with what they need to be safe drivers. Whether you are a teen seeking a learner’s permit, or an adult driver seeking a basic driver safety course, check us out online to see what courses are available in your state!