With the rapid increase in the price of fuel and plane tickets, it is very difficult for people traveling for a vacation to choose whether they will use a car or a plane. For most short-time vacations, people think that driving a car is less expensive than air travel, although it would offer less convenience. However, there are factors to consider before deciding on the method of travel. There is tangible cost that is easy to differentiate the travel methods such as the total cost, the speed, and the cost of the travel methods (Christensen, np)
When it comes to comfort, there are intangible costs that a person must consider; such as, behavior problems of companions (children) when you are travelling with family or friends. These intangible costs may not be present if you will travel with peers. Nevertheless, in general, airplanes are more comfortable compared to cars, although there are some considerations to think about before deciding. There are different classes in a commercial airplane, the goal is to get to the first class as such will give the highest comfort; but, it will cost more. Airplane facilities are less comfortable in the lower classes. Most of the modern plane seats are not more comfortable than the car seats, but they are more convenient than cars since you can stand and sleep more comfortably on them. Car driving is not as comfortable as riding a plane. In the former, you will need to be very careful in driving – you have to obey traffic rules and be always alert to avoid accidents – on the latter, you need not worry about driving, because the pilot will do that for you. Car driving is more comfortable for short travels, however – it will not be a comfort to get off and ride another plane every 15 minutes (Christensen, np).
The price of care travel is cheaper than air travel for short distances, but the reverse is true for long distances. Moreover, car travel is considered more cost when the price of fuel is cheaper. The cost for air travel can include the plane ticket and other fees; such as, baggage fees and taxes. However, there are also many prices to consider for car travel; such as, the cost of fuel, food along the way, and hotel and dining. For short distance travels, car driving is better over riding an airplane; but, for long trips, it is better to use planes because you have more time for vacation, and your money will not be wasted than seating in a car for a long time (Fritscher, np).
For the speed of travel, it is easy to differentiate both of the travel methods. It is faster to travel on plane for long distance trips. However, for short travels, one must consider the time spent in the airports. Car traveling is also more efficient if your vacation requires short travels to many places (Fritscher, np).
In conclusion, if the risk and safety of both travel methods are not put into consideration – both have the same level of risk and safety – then cars are always better for short distance travels, while planes are for long distance travels. The comfort, price, and speed of travel rely on key factors such as the duration of travel, the current price of fuel and plane tickets, and the quality of facilities. In general, you can enjoy the trips for car driving although you can enjoy more vacation when you travel on planes.
Works Cited:
Christensen, S. Should you fly or drive in your Summer Vacation? 2011. Web. 26 June 2014 <https://www.mint.com/blog/goals/fly-or-drive-vacation-05122011/ >.
Fritscher, L. Air Travel vs Car Travel. Demand Media. Web. 26 June 2014. <http://traveltips.usatoday.com/air-travel-vs-car-travel-17776.html>.
