Feb 26 2011
Why I Prefer Road Trips to Airplane Travel
As regular readers of this blog know, we are a road-tripping family. When it comes to packing up the kids and the car, we are nearly fearless. We map out a route, usually taking some back roads, put the car in drive, and go.
While other families are well-accustomed to airport procedures and can offer tips for successful flights with kids, I’ve yet to be brave enough to take my kids on a plane trip, much to their disappointment. My husband and I get on a flight once in a great while, but this most recent trip has reminded me why it is that I’m a road-trip gal at heart.
Why I Prefer Road Trips to Airplane Travel
- The only luggage restrictions have to do with how much will fit in the trunk of my vehicle.
- I don’t have to separate my liquids when packing or remove my watch and shoes in order to get on my way.
- If I want to have beverages en route, I can buy them on sale at the grocery store ahead of time.
- I can move the seat backward or forward at my leisure, have room for my legs, and not have someone reclining into my personal space.
- I’m not cooped up for hours with people who are coughing and sneezing and sharing who-knows-what illnesses with me in a metal tube. There may be plenty of germs in my minivan, but I know exactly who they belong to, and they’re the same ones that are in my house.
- Any personal electronic devices can be used at any point of the trip.
- When I get to my destination, I’m driving my own car. It’s waiting for me right where I left it. I know where the controls are, I have a spare key for it, and I don’t have to document nicks and scratches before driving away so that I’m not charged for them upon its return. The carseats are installed, our necessities are packed ahead of time, and emergency and convenience items are already in place.
- If I’m close enough to see the Grand Canyon, I can get out and explore for a while.
- If the weather is less than favorable, I can change my plans at any point in time to take a different route, find a different destination, adjust my schedule, or even just stay home.
- The traffic of even the noisiest roadside hotel is at least a steady sound, unlike the roar of airplanes taking off and landing overhead.
- I usually only cross one time zone in a day, so jet lag isn’t an issue.
- I don’t have to wait. I’ll admit it, I’m impatient, and I prefer moving forward on an empty road to standing in line and waiting in lobbies.
Yes, there are times when plane travel is a necessity, the only way to get to my destination or the only way to fit the vacation I want into the available time. But given a choice, I’ll take a road trip. Taking a flight to see the end of Route 66 just doesn’t seem right.
What do you think? Are you a road trip family, or a flying family? Tell me your preference in the comments.
I completely agree! Unless we are planning a single destination trip and time is of the essence, we drive. I think being in the middle of the country does this to you, though. You look at a map and say to yourself, “It’s not that far… and look what we can see on the way.”
Or maybe it’s just us, Linda.
Maybe it is just us, Jody. And I’m ok with that, too.
I actually LOVE a good road trip…it’s getting tougher with gas prices now…but I much prefer the road trips for all the reasons you state and more!
My one drawback…is that darn job! I wish I had more time off…it’s tough to go too far when you have to drive the same distance back to report to work on time!
darcie´s last blog ..2 Truths and a Lie – Blog Carnival
I TOTALLY hear all your points, Linda, but I have to say, even w/ all the annoying restrictions on an airplane (not to mention delays, TSA grabbiness, etc.). Honestly, my heart goes flip-flop when I’m driving to an airport. I still see the romance and excitement in it all.
THAT SAID, I do get nervous flying. Especially by myself w/o my family. I always think, “What if…” Still, I love hopping on a plane in snowy Colorado and being in hot and humid Cancun, Mexico, within 5 hours. Can’t beat that for combating cabin fever!
My kids love to fly; they were each on a plane by 3 months (that’s how it is when Grammie lives across the country). We take family trips by air at least 3x/ year. We *all* get giddy about plane trips. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Granted, I have 2 kids, not 4.
When there’s not an ocean involved, I love road trips. If someone would just built a bridge to Greece, I might consider the drive.
On the other hand, I love the ability to get far away in a short time and I don’t hate the flight procedures as much as some people do.
But your pluses for driving are why we rent a car as soon as we get over that ocean. (Or take a train, which is the subject of my last post.)
VEra Marie Badertscher´s last blog ..When Train Travel Was “It”
Darcie, you’re right. A roadtrip definitely requires more time off. We also find that we see an awful lot of Iowa and Wisconsin while getting on our way to somewhere else. Linda
Kara, I used to get that plane excitement but I’ve become increasingly fearful of heights over the years so now it’s mostly just being uncomfortable and jumping at every little creak and groan the plan makes. I think my kids would think flying was the most exciting thing ever. I suppose we’ll brave it with them someday.
Linda
Vera, that ocean thing does present a road-trip problem. I love your idea of renting a car and exploring once you’re across the water. Linda
We like to travel, no matter what the mode of transport! But road trips allow for spontaneity and serendipity, if you’re open to it.
I hear ya about the germs…at least the ones in our car belong to our family!
I’m with you! I was road tripping before cell phones and GPS and will ALWAYS take the open road when possible. Air travel has its perks (for me just the shortened time frame) but it comes in third. My husband and I will always opt for our vehicle, then the train, and finally air.
We make the most of whatever mode the trip requires and always focus on the journey. The best part of our trips is spending time together and celebrating the unexpected. I’ve learned keeping a positive frame of mind helps weather/equipment delays, schedule changes and such pretty trivial.
I love a good road trip. We drive to California at least twice a year. That being said, I would love to take road trips to new destinations and fly to California to visit family. It takes so long to get there and visit that we don’t travel as much as I would like. Though we have explored many a nook and cranny along I-5 over the past 8 years.
We try to take a short road trip at least once a month. My kids are great and we can run around when they get restless.
Heather´s last blog ..There are no words
[...] Why I Prefer Road Trips to Airplane TravelGosh, I love both roadtrips and air travel (apart from the TSA ridiculousness, that is). [...]
I used to think I was an airplane person, but as my daughter has gotten older and I’ve gotten (slightly) wiser, I now understand the advantages of road trips.
Our last two trips have been road trips, and they’ve been wonderful. We got to see and do some things that we wouldn’t have experienced if we’d been flying, and I’m thankful for that. I’m particularly fascinated by really tiny towns. They’re so different from what I’m used to, and they’re the places you miss when you travel by air.
Sarah V.´s last blog ..Photo Essay- West Texas
[...] Travels with Children: Why I Prefer Road Trips to Airplane TravelGosh, I love both roadtrips and air travel (apart from the TSA ridiculousness, that is). [...]
Aside from all the reasons you have pointed out, you also get to experience the road. I mean the sceneries while traveling, the people you get to meet during the trip, etc. You’ll never get to experience that when you’re on a plane.
Ezper´s last blog ..racing games online
Airplane travel is so fast. Sometimes it is more boring coz you have limited view to the surroundings. Land travel really makes us appreciate nature more. Besides, I think it is more enjoyable to land travel with friends too.
Ludvig´s last blog ..angry birds for android
I love a good road trip. We drive to California at least twice a year. That being said, I would love to take road trips to new destinations and fly to California to visit family.
bombshell5´s last blog ..Diabetic Diet Guidelines
I love hopping on a plane in snowy Colorado and being in hot and humid Cancun, Mexico, within 5 hours. Can’t beat that for combating cabin fever!. |
pooh´s last blog ..car games
I much prefer on road trips rather that plane, cause you have so many places to drop by.
Kisha´s last blog ..Basketball brings the family together
i love road trip too…it’s more fun than sitting on a plane seeing nothing except clouds/sky…ehhh!
Betty´s last blog ..What are the Health Risks Associated with Black Mould?