Why Road Trips Are the Ultimate Family Vacation
When you say the words “road trip,” you might imagine a five- or six-hour trip in a car. But my family took the concept much further. Over the years, my family of five has completed dozens of road trips, some of which took us 5,000 miles or more. (I believe our longest stretch to date is from New Jersey to Montana, with many stops along the way.) Now, some people will tell you that the idea of a multi-day trip with kids is less than appealing. And to be honest, road trips aren’t for everyone. But that’s why my family usually jumps in the car when we voyage and he almost never gets on a plane.
1. Driving tends to be cheaper
My husband and I save money throughout the year and do our best to go to the bank credit card points so we can take our family on vacation. But even so, over the years we have found that driving is much cheaper than getting on a plane.
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average cost of a domestic flight in the United States this year is about $380. But since there are five of us, our average cost might be $1,900, and that doesn’t include transportation to and from the airport or baggage screening.
Additionally, while the average cost of a flight in 2023 may be $380, some destinations are much more expensive to reach. When we went to Montana a few summers ago, we were looking at about $5,000 to fly away with the family. Between paying for accommodation, gas and food on a multi-day trip, we instead spent about $2,000 to get there by car.
2. We don’t want to deal with delays
While flight delays seem to have become more common in recent years, the reality is that they have always been a problem. And when you’re traveling with young children, the last thing you want is to have to argue with bored little humans at the airport for hours on end while you wait for your plane to arrive.
The advantage of traveling by car is that, apart from traffic, we don’t have to deal with delays. And when traffic slows us down and my kids get bored, at least it happens within the confines of our vehicle, and we don’t have to worry about them running all over the airport to burn off energy.
3. We discover new things during our travels
Although my family tends to drive there save and avoid the hassle of air travel, the reality is that we like to get off the beaten path and discover new things, whether it’s hiking trails, lookouts, local museums or restaurants. On a recent trip, we tasted what is advertised “The worst apple pie in America.” (Spoiler alert: It was delicious.) If we had flown there, it’s a restaurant we would never have encountered.
Now, to be honest, we pack in extra time on our trips to explore new places on a whim. But for us that’s a big part of the fun.
Consider the benefits of driving
Long trips aren’t for everyone. And if you’re someone with limited vacation time, driving while traveling may not work well for you.
It can also be cheaper to fly to your destination if you are single. And if you don’t bring kids with you, you may be better equipped to deal with airport delays.
But if you’re tired of paying sky-high prices to fly and your recent trips have been aggravated by significant delays, then you might want to consider driving to your next vacation destination rather than flying. But you’ll have to crunch the numbers to see what makes sense financially, keeping in mind that if you can’t do your trip in one day, you’ll have to spend money on accommodation in addition to gas and food.
But let’s say it costs $500 to fly to your next destination and you can travel the 500 miles it takes to get there in one day. If your car goes 25 miles on a gallon and gas costs $3.50 a gallon, you’re looking at spending only $70. That leaves you with an extra $430 to spend on a better hotel, food and entertainment at your destination. Or you can deposit the difference and book it for your next holiday.
Additional Insights
When it comes to planning a family vacation, road trips are often overlooked or dismissed due to the perception that they are more challenging with children. However, my family has found that road trips offer unique benefits and experiences that make them the ultimate family vacation. Here are some additional insights and reasons why road trips should be at the top of your list:
Flexibility and Freedom
One of the biggest advantages of road trips is the flexibility and freedom they offer. Unlike air travel, where you are bound by flight schedules and limited luggage allowances, road trips allow you to set your own pace and take as much or as little time as you need at each stop. You can easily change your itinerary or make spontaneous detours to explore new places, ensuring that every family member has a say in the adventure.
Bonding Time
Being confined in a car for hours on end may sound daunting, but it can actually be an opportunity for quality family bonding time. Road trips provide a chance to connect with each other without the distractions of everyday life. From singing along to favorite songs to engaging in deep conversations, road trips create a unique environment where families can strengthen their relationships and create lasting memories.
Exploring Hidden Gems
When you fly to a destination, you often miss out on the hidden gems and lesser-known attractions that can make a trip truly memorable. Road trips allow you to take the road less traveled and discover charming small towns, stunning natural landscapes, and local treasures that are often overlooked by traditional tourists. Whether it’s stumbling upon a picturesque hiking trail or stumbling upon a quaint roadside diner with the best pie in town, these unexpected discoveries add an element of excitement and adventure to your journey.
Cost-Effectiveness
As mentioned earlier, road trips are often more cost-effective than air travel, especially for families. The savings on airfare can be allocated towards accommodations, meals, and experiences during the trip. Additionally, road trips give you the opportunity to pack your own meals and snacks, reducing dining expenses. With careful planning and budgeting, road trips can provide an incredible vacation experience without breaking the bank.
Fostering Independence and Resilience
Traveling by car requires a certain level of independence and resilience, especially when navigating unfamiliar roads or encountering unexpected challenges. Road trips can help foster these qualities in children and teach them valuable life skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, and self-reliance. It gives them a sense of empowerment and confidence as they contribute to the journey and overcome obstacles along the way.
Summary
Road trips offer a unique and enriching experience for families seeking a memorable vacation. From the cost-saving benefits to the flexibility and freedom they provide, road trips allow families to create their own adventure and explore new destinations at their own pace. The bonding time, hidden gems, and lessons in independence make road trips the ultimate family vacation. So, the next time you’re planning a trip, consider hitting the road with your loved ones and embark on a journey of unforgettable memories.
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When you say the words “road trip,” you might imagine a five- or six-hour trip in a car. But my family took the concept much further.
Over the years, my family of five has completed dozens of road trips, some of which took us 5,000 miles or more. (I believe our longest stretch to date is from New Jersey to Montana, with many stops along the way.)
Now, some people will tell you that the idea of a multi-day trip with kids is less than appealing. And to be honest, road trips aren’t for everyone. But that’s why my family usually jumps in the car when we voyage and he almost never gets on a plane.
1. Driving tends to be cheaper
My husband and I save money throughout the year and do our best to go to the bank credit card points so we can take our family on vacation. But even so, over the years we have found that driving is much cheaper than getting on a plane.
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average cost of a domestic flight in the United States this year is about $380. But since there are five of us, our average cost might be $1,900, and that doesn’t include transportation to and from the airport or baggage screening.
Additionally, while the average cost of a flight in 2023 may be $380, some destinations are much more expensive to reach. When we went to Montana a few summers ago, we were looking at about $5,000 to fly away with the family. Between paying for accommodation, gasand food on a multi-day trip, we instead spent about $2,000 to get there by car.
2. We don’t want to deal with delays
While flight delays seem to have become more common in recent years, the reality is that they have always been a problem. And when you’re traveling with young children, the last thing you want is to have to argue with bored little humans at the airport for hours on end while you wait for your plane to arrive.
The advantage of traveling by car is that, apart from traffic, we don’t have to deal with delays. And when traffic slows us down and my kids get bored, at least it happens within the confines of our vehicle, and we don’t have to worry about them running all over the airport to burn off energy.
3. We discover new things during our travels
Although my family tends to drive there save and avoid the hassle of air travel, the reality is that we like to get off the beaten path and discover new things, whether it’s hiking trails, lookouts, local museums or restaurants. On a recent trip, we tasted what is advertised “The worst apple pie in America.” (Spoiler alert: It was delicious.) If we had flown there, it’s a restaurant we would never have encountered.
Now, to be honest, we pack in extra time on our trips to explore new places on a whim. But for us that’s a big part of the fun.
Consider the benefits of driving
Long trips aren’t for everyone. And if you’re someone with limited vacation time, driving while traveling may not work well for you.
It can also be cheaper to fly to your destination if you are single. And if you don’t bring kids with you, you may be better equipped to deal with airport delays.
But if you’re tired of paying sky-high prices to fly and your recent trips have been aggravated by significant delays, then you might want to consider driving to your next vacation destination rather than flying. But you’ll have to crunch the numbers to see what makes sense financially, keeping in mind that if you can’t do your trip in one day, you’ll have to spend money on accommodation in addition to gas and food. .
But let’s say it costs $500 to fly to your next destination and you can travel the 500 miles it takes to get there in one day. If your car goes 25 miles on a gallon and gas costs $3.50 a gallon, you’re looking at spending only $70. That leaves you with an extra $430 to spend on a better hotel, food and entertainment at your destination. Or you can deposit the difference and book it for your next holiday.
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