Travelling Between States- By Air or By Road?

There are numerous ways of travelling between states; you could get the train, hitch a ride, ride a motorbike (or hike if you live right near a border!), but the two most popular options are to either fly or drive. So whether you’re snagging a last minute cheap plane ticket, or packing up the car for an impromptu road trip, here are a few tips to make either of them all the more enjoyable.

Flying

·      Pack light. By fitting all your clothes, toiletries, camera, money, etc, into one backpack, it will save the hassle of having to check a bag in. Many airlines charge for checking bags, so it will save you money, too. (Plus then there’s no chance of the airline misplacing your bag!)

·      Have a book and earphones handy at the very top of your bag so they can be easily grabbed at the beginning of the flight, saving you having to dig around and mess up your meticulous packing. Although a book may not even be necessary; make the most of the incredible view and watch the drastically changing landscape of America fly by beneath you.

·      Have everything on your phone. Download the airline’s app, a flight tracking app, your boarding pass and your motel/accommodation details all handy on your phone to save panic, and to minimise paper waste. The experience will be all the more relaxing without the added stress of losing any crucial paperwork.

·      Be prepared for the worst. If you’re mentally prepared for the possibility that your flight might be delayed or cancelled, or that your bag may end up somewhere it shouldn’t be, or any other possible spanner in the works, then it won’t floor you if it should occur. With the unpredictable weather in many states, flight times often become screwed, but if you have a back-up plan or simply an accepting mind-set, it will all be fine.

Pros

+ Flying is the quicker alternative, getting you across the country in mere hours.

+ Flying is also easier, requiring no thought into routes, gas, or potential car faults.

Cons

- Flying can also quickly become very expensive, with the addition of insurance, booking fees, checked bag fees and taxis.

- Airports can be a tiring and stressful environment, and your journey’s success lies in the hands of other people and the weather.

Driving

·      Go with a close friend. Road trips can get long and mind numbing, so going with someone who you know can entertain you (and vice versa) for many hours is always a bonus. Also, it’s helpful to have someone to navigate the route, and help out should a breakdown or car fault occur.

·      Be prepared to be bored. Many of the central states’ scenery does not change for hours on end, presenting you with flat plains as far as the eye can see. Make sure you have a long playlist, audio books or other entertainment with you to keep you awake.

·      Take food. The same old chain diners can get repetitive very quickly, and there may also be miles without any food in sight. Having lots of snacks and drinks is crucial to keep the hunger at bay and the morale high.

·      Keep an eye on gas levels. Generally there are always gas stations within a few miles radius but this is not at all the case throughout the whole of the states, and you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere without any gas or phone reception to call someone.

Pros

+ Driving across states enables you to truly see America, whether you’re driving through forests or plains or mountains. Unlike sitting on a plane, you feel truly immersed in what you’re driving through, and can always stop for a picnic or to stretch your legs in a particularly pretty place.

+  Road trips can be an experience in themselves rather than just a means of getting somewhere, with your friends, good music and plentiful snacks driving on the open road.

Cons

- Much more thought is required as you are the only one responsible for getting yourself to your chosen location. Finding where you’re going, navigating traffic or other potential issues, and keeping an eye on the functioning of the car are all in your hands rather than an airline.

- Driving to another state, depending on which it is, can involve a ridiculously long drive. This minimises the time you are able to actually spend in the other state, whereas when flying, you would arrive within a few hours.

Both are viable options and each provides a unique experience. However, if you have minimal time and want to optimise the time you spend in another state, flying is the quickest and easiest option. If you have a longer period of time and want to take your time getting there, enjoying all the beautiful scenery and company of your friends, then driving is the wiser choice.