Driving vs. Flying - decisions?

[Frivi]

First of all I live in Arizona, so Cali is not too far. We were comparing flight vs. driving prices the other day, and trying to decide which one would be better price wise (trying to save as much money as possible so that we can spend it in more fun areas!).

We would have to rent a car, because neither of ours can be trusted to drive all the way there and back But even with the rental and gas totals, it turned out to be almost $300 less than flying out of Tucson (and that was with a major deal on tickets on Southwest), and about $100 less than if we were to drive up to Phoenix and fly from there.

Our thought is that it may actually be a fun little trip (about 7 hours), and we could pack snacks and water and such in the car which would bring down some snack costs at the hotel. We're all adults, so no small children to worry about. Has anyone made a trip similar to this? What's your advice about the driving vs. flying?

 

[blackjackdelta]

We always drive, it is about 18-20 hrs. Since we do not see much of each other during the year it is great family time and it is much cheaper than flying besides that my 18 yo daughter is terrified of flying even with something to ease the fear. Since we may head up to USH again this year it is nice to have the SUV. Everyone reads while I drive.

Jack

 

[Midnightred]

We are driving the 16 hours from Texas, and I couldn't be more excited. We are driving 8 hours to Bisbee for the first leg of the trip, and staying there 2 nights at the Copper Queen. We are doing the same on the way back o break up the trip. An old-fashioned car trip wih the kids is fun. They have never been to these places, so we can show them all of the sights along the way. It's always fun to pull off at rest stops and look at maps, and stop at truck stops for treats. It's always nice to have a vehicle for many reasons. Flying has been a hassel since 9/11 IMO. We are 3 1/2 hours from a major airport, so it's really not worth it to us!

Cheyenne
DLR July 2011

 

[sonnyjane]

I know plenty of people that drive from AZ to SoCal. In fact, one girl that I work with drives from San Diego to Phoenix every weekend to see her husband that has stayed there for work. Now, that seems crazy to me, but she seems to think that a 6 hour drive each way is cake. If you're going with a group and can split up the driving, that will make it even easier. Just be sure you're factoring in new (and expensive) gas prices in your savings. It might not be as "cheap" as you think!

 

[usschmidt]

We always drive (San Jose to Anaheim takes approx 7hrs for us.) Timewise it's not too bad and we have 2 kids. 4 adults should be fine

 

[Frivi]

Thanks for the input everyone! Yes the gas prices are a bit of a killer, but hopefully the smaller savings (like bringing more of our own supplies) will make up for it, and I do agree that the time just "hanging out" together might be fun ^^

 

[ahutton]

We did the drive in March and split it up by driving to Yuma after work/dinner on a Friday night, then for lunch Saturday we were at Mission Beach to eat and play. Then at our Disneyland hotel by about 3:00 that afternoon. Went to Downtown Disney for the evening and had one of the best days ever with my parents and kids!

 

[TheColtonsMom]

When we lived in Mesa Arizona we used to drive to DL always. Try Cabazon Calif. for a great break spot... Outlet malls and shopping inside a dinosaur what could be better LOL

One thing to factor into your costs that has not been mentioned is parking fees in Anaheim..check your hotels fees and if you are planning on driving to the park you have fees there too.

 

[Shimmer]

We always drive from Oregon. About 15 hours, not counting the 1 million stops driving with kids requires.

I'd say to drive. You can bring your own food for breakfast and lunch which will save you so much money. And, you'll be able to spread out and not pack so tightly.

7 hours with adults seems like a snap to me. And, easier than getting undressed at airport screening.

 

[skiingfast]

7 hours with adults seems like a snap to me. And, easier than getting undressed at airport screening.

I'm sure it will be easy. When you consider that flying the shortest flight possible usually takes about 3 hours, from getting out of a car at the curb, checking in, security, actual flight, and then getting out of the airport. Not to mention adding time if you check luggage. And most likely getting just to and from an airport isn't easy either.

 

[starshine514]

We're driving from Tucson as well. We've been doing the drive to San Diego or Escondido for a couple of years now. It's not too bad. For two adults, it will be a piece of cake. I would much rather drive than fly.

Consider the 'flying from Phoenix' scenario. Leave Tucson 4 hours before the flight (2 hours to drive and 2 hours to park/get to your gate. Believe me, at times we've needed this with the lines and security and once we got a flat tire on the drive!), spend 1 hour on the plane, catch a shuttle to the hotel... - you've already spent almost 6 hours and you've had a more expensive and more stressful trip and only saved about an hour!

Yup, I love my driving-distance vacation spots!

 

[Dobie]

The Dobies always fly from SE Washington because it is a very long drive from here.

If it were just 7 hours of flat freeway driving, we would drive in a heartbeat. Especially with several adults to share the driving.

Of course, I hate driving SO MUCH that when I take Dobie Daughter back to Bozeman for college each summer, I rent a car, drop it and her off, and fly back!

 

[wazski]

Oh yeah, with adults and only 7 hours! Piece of Cake! I would drive in a heartbeat at that distance!!

 

[calidreamz]

I also say drive, we drive about 8-9 hours from Northern CA with two kiddos and it's fine. My only exception to this would be if you are only taking a really short trip like a quick weekend, then it might be worth flying because it can eat into you park time.

 

[alivingxerox]

We are in CO and we always drive, we stop over in Vegas for a night or somewhere nearby. Then onto DL in the early morning. I don't mind the drive except when we go through icky weather.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

First of all I live in Arizona, so Cali is not too far. We were comparing flight vs. driving prices the other day, and trying to decide which one would be better price wise (trying to save as much money as possible so that we can spend it in more fun areas!).

We would have to rent a car, because neither of ours can be trusted to drive all the way there and back But even with the rental and gas totals, it turned out to be almost $300 less than flying out of Tucson (and that was with a major deal on tickets on Southwest), and about $100 less than if we were to drive up to Phoenix and fly from there.

Our thought is that it may actually be a fun little trip (about 7 hours), and we could pack snacks and water and such in the car which would bring down some snack costs at the hotel. We're all adults, so no small children to worry about. Has anyone made a trip similar to this? What's your advice about the driving vs. flying?

Since you need to rent a car to drive, have you thought about taking Amtrak? Its about $100 per person, plus cab fares to get you from the station to your hotel (about $20 each way). It looks like the trip is overnight from Tucson (how are you at sleeping on the train?) and leaves at 3 pm with a 1 AM arrival on the return. You do need to connect each way in Los Angeles. Even if you miss a night of sleep, it might be better to leave on say, a Thursday night at 10 pm and arive Friday morning at 10:30 AM, rather than spend all of Friday on the road.

I HATE driving and we sometimes take the train even though its only a 4 hours drive to DL. -- Suzanne

 

[tinksdreamwishes]

We have gone to Disney by plane, train and car..... they have all had their own perks. By plane- factor in extra costs for baggage, airport parking for your car for the week, and dont forget to add the shuttle or cab fees once you arrive in Anaheim! It does add up! Plus you would need to hire the shuttle back to the airport. By- car- well you can always play an audio cd- those are fun! Plus you can bring home unlimited amounts of snowglobes and Balloons!!! Have fun picking!