Should you buy a train ticket or slide behind the wheel and drive to your destination? The answer to this question depends on many factors. Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of road trips.
Road Trip Pros
- You're in charge. You control your departure time, arrival time, itinerary and stops along the way.
- You don't have to eat airplane food – that is, if any airlines still offer real food. Instead, you can hit Cracker Barrel, pack a picnic or swing through a drive-through.
- You can change your mind. If you don't like a particular place, you can just drive away.
- You can see the real world, not just a train track or superhighway. Meandering through the countryside is a great way to relax and find out what it's really like to live in a particular area.
- You can pack anything that fits into the trunk of your car, and you don't have to pay extra to do it.
- You can save money, especially if you're traveling with a group. Taking four people somewhere by car is usually less expensive than buying airplane or train tickets.
Road Trip Cons
- Driving takes time. It's one of the slowest ways to travel between two points, especially between large cities with good rail and airline service.
- You have to do all the work. From route planning to navigation to spending hours behind the wheel, it's all up to you.
- Traveling by car can be expensive, especially when you factor in gas, tolls, parking, and meals and lodging along the way.
- Bad weather can affect your trip. Getting stranded in a snowstorm is not a fun way to spend your vacation.
- Wear and tear on your car costs you money – and you might break down while on the road. If you drive an older car, you might want to rent a car for your road trip, which is a more expensive option.
Making Your Choice
It's always a good idea to break out your trusty calculator and add up your travel costs before you decide how to get to your destination. Traveling by car isn't always the cheapest way to go. You may decide that time is more important than money, in which case flying might be your best option. If you really want to get to know a particular place, driving is probably your best bet, even if it takes longer and costs you more. You may need to transport camping gear or sports equipment, which is easier to do by car than by bus or train. Carefully consider your needs, wants and transportation options before making your final choice.
