We are eagerly awaiting the day when we can pack our bags and plan another exciting family trip. However, preparing for a family vacation often involves considering various expenses. One of the most significant is the cost of transportation to and from our chosen vacation spot. Hence, the initial decision we always grapple with when planning a trip is the mode of transport. So, let’s consider: which is the better choice for your family getaway, flying or driving?
This decision isn’t straightforward though. It varies depending on a range of factors. Therefore, with each journey, it’s essential to evaluate all the aspects involved in moving from your starting point to your destination.
TRAVEL TIME
One of the primary factors to consider in the flying versus driving debate is the actual travel time required. For instance, if our family trip is planned from our residence in Raleigh to Chicago this summer. Given we’re a family of 7, including 5 kids, traveling can be a significant undertaking.
Google Maps indicates that driving would take almost 13 hours. If we opt to fly, the journey shrinks to a mere 2 hours. However, driving presents the opportunity to make stops in different cities en route, diversifying our trip and transforming it into a multi-city adventure.
NUMBER OF PASSENGERS
The decision between flying and driving becomes infinitely easier with fewer passengers. In our case, with a family of 7, the cost difference is much more apparent.
Consider the case of our proposed Chicago trip. Here’s a cost comparison:
Round-trip flights to Chicago for 7 – $180.96 per passenger, totalling $1266.72 (via Southwest Airlines).
Driving costs- 1650 miles round-trip (300 miles per full tank, necessitating six refills). At $45 per full tank, the cost totals to $270.
Thus, by driving, we can save nearly $1000!
PACK THE CAR
Another benefit of driving is that we can take more items in the car than we could carry on a plane, resulting in more savings. This includes snacks, ready meals, additional sunscreen, pool toys, small electronics, bigger water bottles, and board games.
HOTEL STOPS
Driving might necessitate additional overnight hotel stays, especially on longer journeys. If we drive to Chicago, we’ll likely add a couple of days to our itinerary for travel time, including a couple of additional nights in hotels. However, choosing to stay in cities along the route can be substantially cheaper than staying in Chicago.
FLYING VS. DRIVING SUMMARY
Ultimately, the choice between flying and driving largely depends on your travel preferences and family size. Flying offers less travel time and the benefits of fewer overnight stays. However, driving can be cost-effective for larger families and an opportunity to see other cities. Plus, you can pack as much as your vehicle can carry.
If you’re still undecided on the best option for your family vacation, consider using flyordrive.com. It has a built-in calculator that helps you determine whether flying or driving is more economical.
Regardless of your choice, make sure it fits your unique situation and budget.
When planning your family vacation, do you usually prefer flying or driving and what are your reasons?
