When it comes to family vacations, the method of getting to your destination can be just as important as the destination itself. My family has always had a bit of a divided opinion on whether to drive or fly. While my husband and middle daughter prefer the open road, my excitement for flying is hard to suppress. For us, it’s a balancing act of preferences, logistics, and cost considerations.
The Case for Road Tripping
My husband and middle daughter are die-hard road trippers. My husband dislikes flying, not just because of the discomfort but also because of the costs involved. When we drive, we have complete control over the journey, and that’s something he really values. Plus, my middle daughter tends to get airsick, so the thought of a flight just doesn’t appeal to her. Road trips allow us to stop and stretch when we need to, and the whole experience is just a little more relaxed.
With three kids in tow, road trips also make sense for the cost savings. Flights for five people add up quickly, especially when you factor in the added expense of luggage, snacks, and possibly needing to rent a car when you get there. By driving, we save money on airfare and have a vehicle waiting for us at the destination, which is an absolute game-changer.
One of our favorite aspects of road tripping is the journey itself. We love seeing new places, and we always make a point to stop at quirky gas stations for snacks (the gas station candy aisle is a family favorite). A road trip allows us to explore along the way, often making detours to check out local landmarks or hidden gems.
For meals, we’ve developed a clever little trick: stopping at restaurants with indoor playgrounds. This is a great way to let the kids burn off some energy while we refuel ourselves. If a playground isn’t available, we’ll grab takeout and head to a nearby park so the kids can run wild for a bit. It’s an essential part of keeping everyone sane during long stretches on the road.
Another huge perk of driving is avoiding the hassle of airports. No need to worry about baggage fees, the long TSA lines, or the mad scramble to make it to your gate. And as much as I love flying, managing three kids through an airport is always a challenge. With a road trip, we can bring everything we need—car seats, extra snacks, and enough entertainment for the long drive.
The biggest downside to a road trip is the time it takes. The journey there is usually full of excitement as we anticipate our vacation, but by the time we start the drive home, everyone is exhausted. The last leg of the trip can feel like a grind, especially after days of fun activities and relaxation. But we’ve learned to make it bearable by planning rest stops, games, and lots of music to pass the time.
The Allure of Flying
Now, I’m someone who loves the thrill of flying. The excitement of being high above the clouds, the adventure of traveling through airports, and the idea of getting to your destination quickly makes flying feel like an event in itself. I’ve learned how to manage my own airsickness with the right medication and some simple tricks, like looking out the window and distracting myself with an audiobook or podcast.
Flying also means I get a few hours to unplug and just relax. The journey feels like a mini vacation, and it’s refreshing to have a few hours of peace and quiet before diving into family fun at the destination. The downside, of course, is the cost. Airfare for a family of five can be prohibitively expensive, and you don’t have the flexibility of having your own car once you arrive.
Despite the cost, flying is appealing for short trips or when the destination is far away. You can get there so much faster, and you’re not as worn out from the travel itself. But with young kids in tow, navigating the airport and managing everyone’s bags can be a bit overwhelming. I’ll admit, I do miss the convenience of having a car at my disposal when I fly.
The Best of Both Worlds
For our upcoming trip to Orlando, we’ve come up with a solution that combines the best of both worlds. My husband and middle daughter are going to take the 18-hour road trip while I fly with the oldest and youngest. We’ll all get to experience the journey in our own way. My husband and daughter will enjoy the freedom of the open road, while I’ll get to savor the convenience of flying. When we all arrive in Orlando, we’ll be reunited, ready to hit the parks, and I’ll have had a little “me” time on the flight.
What’s Your Family’s Preference?
At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preferences and the unique dynamics of your family. For some, the idea of road tripping is an adventure all on its own, with plenty of pit stops and the joy of spending hours together on the road. For others, flying is a more efficient, relaxing option that gets you to your destination faster.
For us, it’s about finding a balance between both. It’s not always easy, but we’ve learned to appreciate the different experiences that both road trips and flying bring to the table. What do you and your family prefer? Road trips or flying? Or maybe a bit of both?
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