Travel tips and hacks allow seasoned travelers to manage their crowded schedules and budgets and look for deals that can make their future trips more affordable and comfortable.
While the idea of travel is exciting, it can often lead to exhaustion and stress.
Whether you are in a car with not enough legroom or cramped in the middle seat of an aircraft, here is a rundown of some travel hacks if you are confused between the two modes of travel.
Costs
When it comes to traveling, the bottom line often boils down to how much money is in your wallet and whether flying or driving is cheaper.
While this depends on variables like the number of travelers and distance to be traveled, there are some benchmarks that can provide a clearer picture:
Flying
Domestic airfare in European countries can vary between $150-$200 per person for short flights.
Add another $50 for potential parking fees and transportation.
However, for frequent business travelers, flying is a better option to accumulate frequent flyer points that can get free tickets, and the airfare can also be used as a tax write-off.
Also, read The ultimate guide to stress-free Long-distance travel
Driving
For groups of three or more, driving under 600 miles tends to be more budget-friendly.
Moreover, road trips offer flexibility, no baggage fees, and the cost can be split.
For solo travelers over 800 miles, flying takes the lead, especially when you consider the convenience and time saved as compared to a long-distance trip.
Convenience and ease
Traveling by air, usually involves getting to the airport hours in advance, trudging bags through security and at times long layovers.
In contrast, driving allows you to travel at your own pace and make pit stops, as well as with the ease of starting the journey at your doorstep.
Speed and time considerations
If there are time constraints, flying is generally quicker to reach your destination, considering you are cruising at 500 miles per hour.
The catch here is while the flight is faster, the actual travel time to get to the airport well in advance, coupled with potential delays can add many hours to the trip.
Driving might take longer, but for shorter trips, it can be on par with flying, especially when you consider the total time taken from door to door.
Family and stress considerations
When traveling with a family, driving might take the lead in terms of convenience and comfort.
Packing liquids, carrying baby food into tiny bottles, and keeping the kids in check in the tight aircraft aisles are all taken care of on a road trip.
Moreover, a car journey can be paused for a spontaneous stay at some scenic spot.
However, long drives can be stressful and tiring, more so for the car driver, whereas flying might afford opportunities to read a book, relax, or watch a movie.
Having the right travel bag can make these spontaneous adventures or long journeys more enjoyable and stress-free.
Check out our curated collection of travel bags designed to keep your essentials organized and accessible on the go.
Fun and experience
Hitting the road and feeling the wind in the hair is no doubt exhilarating and exciting, with a cache of snacks at arm's length and music blasting on the radio.
Road trippers highlight the joys of traveling as they pace, opportunities for spontaneous adventures, and the pleasure of sharing the experience with their family and children.
On the other side, those who fly frequently point out that they get whisked away to entirely new cultures and book easy-to-book and cheaper getaways in different countries that are hard to match on a road trip.
Airports, on their part, have enhanced passenger amenities, dining, and shopping options, which significantly reduce the stress of long-haul flights.
All this transforms into taking the opportunity to enjoy and relax before the boarding gates open.
Safety
When it comes to air travel, after studying the safety records of 435 different carriers around the world, air travel was found exceptionally safe.
Airlines also pass all the safety standards of international air travel and are generally free of fatalities as compared to road trips.
Environmental impact
Those who travel by air may be subjected to a vat of smells of jet fuel that may linger in the cabin or bear the cries of an infant getting the diaper changed.
Passengers don't get to change their clothes on long flights.
People who travel by road are not subjected to any such inconvenience and can easily open the car window to let in fresh air.
Travelers by care are not subjected to body searches, carrying liquids, and invasions of privacy.
Flying vs Driving: Making the best choice
After taking all things into consideration, it is quite evident that for short to medium flights, driving offers are advantageous and more affordable.
For those averse to flying or looking for an alternative to short-haul flights, a chauffeur-driven car that provides interstate service in a comfortable and seamless manner allows you to travel in style and ease.
