66% of Americans prefer road trips to flights.3 benefits of traveling

Image Source: Getty Images

It’s worth considering traveling by car.

Key Point

• Recent data shows that Americans are more likely to travel by car than by plane.
• The thought of driving may seem daunting, but it could be the best time of your life.
• Road trips allow you to save money and avoid the stress of flying.

Despite the high cost of living due to inflation this year, many Americans are still eager to get out and travel. A recent Wells Fargo report said 66% of travelers would prefer a road trip to a plane to their destination.

If you’ve never taken a road trip before, you may be wondering what the topic is all about. Hmm.

But actually, taking a road trip has multiple benefits. Here are some things you should know.

1. Save money

Recently, air fares have become very expensive. Gas prices aren’t cheap, but the advantage of taking a road trip is that you can split the cost with fellow travelers. When traveling by air, each person needs their own ticket. Plus, you might be surprised at how much you can save by keeping your car topped up with a credit card that offers generous cashback on the pump.

2. Can be insane

When you fly from one big city or metropolitan area to another, there are few opportunities to explore small towns and parks along the way. And that could mean missing out on great restaurants, fun festivals, and stunning scenery. And once you find a place you really enjoy, you have the flexibility to stay there.

3. Avoid the stress of canceled or delayed flights

Summer 2022 could easily be called the Summer of Cancellations. Among other things, airport staffing issues have led to a significant number of travelers canceling flights this year. If you travel by car, you don’t have to worry about your flight being canceled or significantly delayed. Nor do you have to deal with the substandard customer service many air travelers have received in recent months.

Plus, you don’t have to stress about lost or delayed luggage when you’re road tripping (as many travelers have experienced this summer). And nothing ruins a trip like having to re-dress your underwear because your bag won’t arrive for a few days.

Need to leave for your next trip?

One of the challenges of taking a road trip is that you usually need a good amount of time off to make it a success. If you can only go out for long weekends, it may not be the ideal time to travel.

But if you’re using up two weeks of paid vacation, it’s a good idea to gather some friends and plan an itinerary that allows you to explore new parts of the country. You may find it to be an eye-opening experience—much more fun and less stressful than taking a plane to one destination.