Should we walk or fly?

[DBC]

With the way airfares and gas prices have been skyrocketing lately we have found ourselves considering walking to Orlando instead of flying as usual.

Since Mapquest shows a driving trip of 1,310 mile I figure walking will probably be close to 1,500 miles each way since they probably will not let us walk on the highways. I think we can average about 3 miles per hour. I could certainly do 4 on my own, but with the kids I think it’s best to estimate low. At 10 hours walking per day that would take us about 50 days each way. So it looks like our cost would be:

Food per day-$50.00
Lodging per day- $75.00
Total food/loding-$12,500
8 extra pair of shoes to replace worn out ones-$400.00
Total walking expense-$12,900.00

At first glance that doesn’t look to bad but I figured since it is a large expenditure I would do what Ben Franklin would do. Make a plus/munus list and go with longest list.

That got me to:

Plus:
See places we've never seen before
Meet lots of people
Extended vacation time
Be in shape for commando-like trip through parks

Minus:
Need to look for a new job when we get back
Kids will need to make up a grade
Dog will forget who we are and growl at us when we return
Need to stay at moderate hotel because of money spent

As you can see that doesn’t get us anywhere. Can anyone add to the plus/minus column to help us decide? Don’t wait too long, we are leaving one way or the other on Sunday.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[kaytieeldr]

You know, with a little publicity about your adventure (contact your local newspaper or tv station), I bet you could get enough donations of clothing, shelter and shoes that the trek really wouldn't cost you much at all!

Oh, and if you check Mapquest again, there's an option for directions that will allow you to avoid highways - so you may be able to do it in less than 1,500 miles!

 

[wdwfan1]

If you leave on Sunday (walking), dont forget to change your hotel ressies. Of course, you will be charged a cancellation fee either way.

Good luck and have fun deciding.

 

[Lewisc]

You might consider bringing tents to save on the hotel expense. As an alternative divide up into 2 groups of 2 and hitch hike. See who gets to Orlando first.

 

[CarolynNC]

How about biking? You might be able to make it in half the time. You could also get one of those little trailers you pull behind your bike. You could carry a small tent or tarp and a collapsable cooler for sandwich stuff. You could cut your budget considerably. If your kids are real young you can get a bike seat or one of the kid trailers. You wouldn't have to worry about stopping when they got tired, you could keep right on going.