Would you drive to save $500?

[codimouse]

we have driven more than a few times on our many trips to the world.
sometimes air fare from San Antonio is too expensive and a rental van+gas+hotel for two nights (round trip on the road) was cheaper than airfare by $500-$900 for a family of 4.
with the savings we were able to do a few extras at the parks/resort.

 

[dntd]

We chose to drive this time as we would save a great deal of money, even after the $600 in gas( high estimate as cal said $400) and $150 in camp fees( bought a spiffy quick set tent, we are truly a camping family) , I have to pay half of that so $375, food being $200 over 4 days and $200 spending money for the sightseeing we plan to do I'm still a head by at least $800 which I think is personally worth it. We are making the way to/from disney a trip itself stopping off at places that will be fun to visit

 

[WicketsMom]

For just $500, I would definitely fly. My time is worth more than that. Our drive is only about 9 hours and we are flying too!

 

[dntd]

We chose to drive this time as we would save a great deal of money, even after the $600 in gas( high estimate) and $150 in camp fees( bought a spiffy quick set tent, we are truly a camping family) , I have to pay half of that so $375, food being $200 over 4 days and $200 spending money for the sightseeing we plan to do I'm still a head by at least $800 which I think is personally worth it. We are making the way to/from disney a trip itself stopping off at places that will be fun to visit

 

[LidoDeck]

I hate road trips so my options would be to pay the extra $500 or stay home. I agree with the contingent who factor the value of their time into the savings calculation. But I do have friends who actually enjoy the drive and consider it "part of the fun".

 

[C&G'sMama]

But I do have friends who actually enjoy the drive and consider it "part of the fun".

That's us. I hate flying. Not out of fear. Just the having to go the airport get checked in. Maybe my flight's on time maybe it isn't. Keeping my packing to a minimum. Being on someone else's schedule, someone else driving. Yeah, it's a control issue.

We like being able to pack whatever we want, leaving when we feel like it. We like having our vehicle with us, we like staying on the last day for as long as short a time as we feel like etc. We truly enjoy driving. I'm really looking forward to getting in the car next week and heading out. We talk and watch movies, play games (I sleep, DP does all the driving). We stay at a couple hotels en route etc.

 

[ksc37]

$500 is our current tipping point in the fly vs. Drive debate. This time we are considering driving instead of flying for the first time, mainly because we will be on vacation for 12 days, and not our usual 5 or 6. We actually have the time to make it a road trip. We also want to have a car with us.

Right now, the math has us driving, as it looks to be about $800 cheaper (considering all the expenses for both, and assuming $5/gallon for gas).

I'm actually looking forward to the possibility of driving (I have to try it at least once). Plus, I hate the hassle of flying. A "2.5 hour" flight to Orlando actually takes us close to 8 hours once you factor in driving to the airport, parking, going thru security, waiting to board, sitting on the runway, the actual flight, waiting for luggage, waiting for rental car, and finally driving to WDW.

 

[SondraC]

$500 is our current tipping point in the fly vs. Drive debate. This time we are considering driving instead of flying for the first time, mainly because we will be on vacation for 12 days, and not our usual 5 or 6. We actually have the time to make it a road trip. We also want to have a car with us.

Right now, the math has us driving, as it looks to be about $800 cheaper (considering all the expenses for both, and assuming $5/gallon for gas).

I'm actually looking forward to the possibility of driving (I have to try it at least once). Plus, I hate the hassle of flying. A "2.5 hour" flight to Orlando actually takes us close to 8 hours once you factor in driving to the airport, parking, going thru security, waiting to board, sitting on the runway, the actual flight, waiting for luggage, waiting for rental car, and finally driving to WDW.

I'm glad to brought up the "total time to fly". I am always amazed how people forget that.

 

[sam_gordon]

$500 = 40 hours (round trip).
That's $12.50/hour you're saving.
I'd fly.

 

[PattnFmly]

We have done that! Our last trip we spent under $400 RT for the gas, kept the hotel under $150 and brought fun things to eat in the car. Even adding in the pre/post car upkeep, it was under $700.00 RT for the 4 of us. The lowest airfare I could find for the 4 of us for that trip was $1200. The savings were well worth it. Plus, count us among the ones who enjoy the drive and the time together as a family! Also, picnic-ing at the rest areas and playing a little catch with the nerf football was fun! I like that I don't have to stress about packing, weights of bags, etc. It all depends on your family! We tried it and liked it!

 

[realhousewife]

I'm glad to brought up the "total time to fly". I am always amazed how people forget that.

True, it takes time, but 8 hours is still way less than 20 hours. And it is time to relax, read, sleep, talk, and not have to pay attention to driving. I still opt for the flight because the travel is up to someone else.

Also, from a safety perspective, I would rather be on a plane than a highway. It's way safer.

 

[39CINDERELLA]

not me! I would pay 1500. 00 if needed to get there faster

a 20 hour drive home after vacation would feel like 100 hours

 

[isabelcampana]

We are driving from Austin, TX to Disney in 14 days, I have a 10 yr, 13 yr old and a one year old....It was just too expensive to fly for us. It's more cost effective to drive We are saving about $700-$800 driving....Good Luck with tirp

 

[sam_gordon]

I just checked my math...

Flight
5 air tickets @ $182.50pp (including tax): $912.50
rental car: $200
Gas for rental: $40 (est)
Parking @ airport: 10 days @ $11/day: $110
TOTAL Flight: $1262

Drive
1650 miles round trip/20 mpg*$4/gallon: $330
2 nights hotel (one each way): $200
2 extra meals/snacks: $100
TOTAL: $630

So we're spending ~$600 more to fly. BUT, flight will take ~8 hours (from leaving home to getting to GP) each way. Drive is ~14 hours each way. That means driving takes an extra 12 hours. Sorry, I'd rather have more time relaxing (and even sitting in an airport is more relaxing to me than driving on a highway).

 

[Keishag]

Thank you all for all of the input! I really appreciate it. I can tell from the responses I guess it's just such a personal decision and whether or not you feel your time is worth that extra $500. I'm more confused now than ever. Luckily I've got some time to think about it and I've got my "Ding" enabled on my desktop so maybe just maybe I'll get lucky and that perfect flight/cost will come up before then.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Don't forget to factor in the wear and tear on your vehicle. Or what if you get into a traffic jam or heaven for bid your car breaks down! Plus the person doing the flying will be tired. Flying is the way to go.

I just checked my math...

Flight
5 air tickets @ $182.50pp (including tax): $912.50
rental car: $200
Gas for rental: $40 (est)
Parking @ airport: 10 days @ $11/day: $110
TOTAL Flight: $1262

Drive
1650 miles round trip/20 mpg*$4/gallon: $330
2 nights hotel (one each way): $200
2 extra meals/snacks: $100
TOTAL: $630

So we're spending ~$600 more to fly. BUT, flight will take ~8 hours (from leaving home to getting to GP) each way. Drive is ~14 hours each way. That means driving takes an extra 12 hours. Sorry, I'd rather have more time relaxing (and even sitting in an airport is more relaxing to me than driving on a highway).

 

[Disneybuckeye]

No, I do not think it is worth driving to save $500.

 

[Keishag]

Well after driving 3 hours yesterday to my brothers graduation with the kids in tow Dh made an executive decision and said we will NOT be driving.

 

[ksc37]

Well after driving 3 hours yesterday to my brothers graduation with the kids in tow Dh made an executive decision and said we will NOT be driving.

That's probably the best way to make the decision! If you can't do 3 hours, you shouldn't try 20! Now you can sleep easier

We're planning a 7 hour drive to Niagara Falls in two weeks. That will probably be our indicator if we should attempt the 17 hour drive to WDW in August.

 

[brockash]

Heck No! The only way I'd ever consider driving, anything over 8 hrs. or so, instead of flying would be if it were the ONLY way we could go. I would absolutely spend the extra 500 to fly.