Road triiiip! Family vacations aren’t only about the destination but also the journey. Flying gets the family to where they’re going quicker, assuming no lovely airport or flight delays, but it’s not the only way to travel. My family and I love driving to Northern Arizona for trips. It gives us a great chance to spend time together. Busy entrepreneur parents can understand that it’s hard to step away from the business. When I’m driving I only get to focus on my family and we all love that! Driving offers so much in the way of family time, financial savings, and “usually” less overall stress when it comes to a big family vacation.
Family Bonding
Hours on the open road can seem endless when traveling, but these hours are the perfect excuse for getting the family together to spend some time conversing, playing games, reading, napping, and enjoying each other’s company. Parents can ride in the front seats and have an adult discussion, while the kids make their own entertainment in the back seats.
Screens can help during long road trips, but they are not a total necessity. Travel games that don’t involve a computer, smartphone or tablet can be engaging and fun for a variety of ages. Some common travel games include: I-Spy (the guessing game), License Plate Game (looking for and tracking different state license plates), 20 Questions, Rock/Paper/Scissors, Odds & Evens (a hand gestures game similar to Rock/Paper/Scissors) and more.
Sharing stories, listening to audiobooks, and taking the opportunity to see the outdoor sights can also contribute to family time that will be cherished long after the vacation is done.
Financial Savings
Driving versus flying for a family vacation will almost always save you money. Airline tickets are expensive and there’s always the worry about baggage fees or bags not making it there in the first place. Also, if a flight is delayed or canceled there are typically additional costs applied in order to make alternative arrangements.
Unexpected hotel stays, rental car fees and/or the need to purchase additional snacks and meals in the airport due to a delayed flight or cancellation can dip into the vacation budget.
Less Stress
Long hours on the road are almost always going to be less stressful than the hassle of going through airport security, making sure all family members have their carry-on bags, and getting seated on a plane in a timely manner. When flying, a parent must also think about the hassle of bringing their own car seats for their toddlers or renting one upon arrival at the destination.
Driving also allows parents to pack exactly what they need for their family. A stroller may be too big to haul through the airport, but it can be easily taken if a person knows it will fit in the family’s vehicle. Suitcase packing is much easier when a person does not have to consider the weight of a bag or be concerned with keeping their number of items low. When driving for a family vacation you don’t have to narrow down toiletry items, drinks, or baby formula.
I’d love to hear from you about ways that you spend valuable family time!
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