Itโs true: I love a good road trip. In fact, one of my favorite ways to travel is by car. Weโve traveled by car from Boston to Nova Scotia, extensively throughout New England, and even rented a car in the Bahamasโand braved driving on the โotherโ side! Over the years, Iโve learned there are clear advantages and disadvantages of travelling by car.
Youโll want to consider both sides before planning your road trip. Read on to learn the pros and cons of car travel.
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CONTENTS — In this article, you will learn the advantages and disadvantages of travelling by car, including:
Advantages of Travelling by Car
If you’d like to travel by car and don’t have access to one (as in you’re overseas) then booking a rental car is a good option. Try a company like Enterprise Rent-A-Car to make the most of your next overseas trip.
But first of all, if you want to find the best deals on car rentals in your area.
I highly recommend Discover Cars. This online car rental agency will automatically compare car rental rates from a variety of different companies.
This way, you can efficiently choose the best price for your next road trip. Especially since, unlike many other websites, they will never hide additional fees and extra costs from you.
You can even plan to travel by car when you’re out of the country. Just get an international driving permit.
You’ll also want to also find out whether you’ll be driving someplace that might require a visa. For instance, in Turkey, you can easily file for a visa online at visumnaarturkije.nl.
Then, go ahead and search popular booking platforms like booking.com, expedia.com, and hotels.com to compare prices, amenities, and customer reviews. You’ll find some interesting options to extend your travels overnight.
When you take a trip by car, you have unlimited flexibility and independence. Car trips provide most travel freedom, especially when it comes to your itinerary.
Hereโs what I mean.
1. You Can Pack All Your Stuff in the Car
You can basically live out of your car, if you want to. And you donโt have to pay any baggage fees or lug heavy suitcases in and out of airports.
Plus, if you pick up souvenirs as you travel by car, you can get them home easily. You won’t have to worry about fitting them into your suitcase or shipping them, especially if they are valuable.
And to help keep things a little more organized, try using this Drive Auto Products Car Cargo Trunk Organizer. Not only is it incredibly affordable, but it features a fantastic tie-down strap system that fastens the organizer to your car. That way, items don’t haphazardly move around your trunk.
It’s also made of durable Oxford fabric available in black, gray, and tan colors. This trunk organizer has sturdy sides with 13 stiff base plates that maintain its overall shape.
There are also various expandable, smaller pockets that allow you to keep things neat and tidy while you’re on the road.
2. You are On Your Own Schedule
Think about this. When you take your own car for a trip, you won’t have to:
- Be at the airport several hours early
- Worry about missing your train or bus
- Rely on taxis or a sketchy Uber driver
The beauty of taking a vacation by car is you can start the trip when you want. Stay when, where, and as long as you want. And, you can leave whenever you want.
That way, you are completely on your own schedule.
3. You Donโt Have to Get Dressed Up to Go
A friend from a different generation talked about wearing what she called โa smart travel outfitโ for transcontinental flights.
Times may have changed, but itโs still a whole lot easier to throw on comfy travel clothes for a car trip. Then, you can hit the road without preparing to get dressed for a public trip.
If you want to wear a pair of chic but stylish sweatpants, try this pair from Leggings Depot. Not only are they under $20, but these jogger track cuff pants are available in thirteen different colors. So get a few of these comfortable pants for travel if you can swing it.
Made with supremely soft material, you’ll enjoy a flattering but relaxed fit that will be ideal for your next road trip.
Just pair them with this loose fitting, GADEWAKE long sleeve round neck pocket t-shirt and you’ll quickly have an ideal outfit for your next road trip.
4. Youโll See more Scenic Beauty When you Travel by Car
Sure, itโs faster to travel by plane.
But think of the views youโd take in on a great American cross-country trip! Or even consider the scenes you’ll enjoy on a weekend road trip north.
Youโll truly experience the natural beauty and character of the places you pass through by car. You’d miss all that scenery from a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.
5. You Can Go Off Course If You Want To
If you see something you want to explore thatโs off the beaten path or even just off your original plan, go ahead!
It might be an opportunity for you might experience something wonderful and unexpected. The beauty of traveling by car is it does not tie you to a firm itinerary.
The only limits are those you place on yourself.
6. You Can Snack as You Go and Enjoy Meals Out, Too
When you travel by car, you can pack a bunch of good snacks and lunches in a cooler for the ride. And when you come across a great place with a view, you can have a picnic.
While youโre on the road, you can also stop to check out a cute coffee shop or enjoy a nice dinner out. This way, you can truly get a real โtasteโ of a destination by seeking interesting places to eat.
You should always check online reviews before you commit. My advice is to ask a local for their dining suggestion, if you want to find the best places to eat.
And if you want to avoid the high prices you’ll find at most convenience stores, then you can always purchase a BiteBox Care Package prior to the start of your trip. It’s reasonably priced, can be delivered right to your home.
In fact, it’s brimming over with sixty different name brand snacks like Cheez-its, Pirateโs Booty, Mini Cookies, Chex Mix, Goldfish, Animal Crackers, and more.
So stock up before you go!
7. You Can Take Your Time and “Slow Travel”
As much as I love destination tours, sometimes there is so much on the itinerary that you feel rushed.
When you travel by car, there is no need to rush from place to place. Itโs a perfect opportunity for slow travel. That way, you can catch the scenery and relax.
As the famous travel quote goes, โitโs about the journey, not the destination.โ
However, before you go on any road trip, it may be wise to invest in a premium Escort Radar Detector. Sure, they are a bit pricey at $750 per unit. But Escort brand radar detectors are easily some of the best driver alert systems on the market today.
They cover two times the distance,. include 360ยฐ directional awareness, and feature hands-free Wi-Fi capabilities. In addition, Escort Radar Detectors offer GPS-based auto learn technology. They also have IVT false alert filtering and include blind spot warning.
Heck, they even provide essential information on traffic flow monitoring.
These essential features are all packed inside one tiny, easy-to-use, highly portable device. This allows you to rest easy and drive safely during any future road trips you take.
8. You can Listen to a Fun Mix List, Podcast, Book on Tape, or Talk Radio.
Drive time is a great opportunity to catch up on the things you might not otherwise make time for.
And it replaces that awkward silence that unavoidably happens several hours into a drive. Introducing music or audios can lead to some interesting discussion points, too!
That’s why one of the first things I do before any road trip is download some fantastic audiobooks from AudioBooksNow. Because no matter what type of reader you are, they definitely have the perfect plan for you!
Just choose from among the millions of books that they have on their platform. You will never again have a dull moment on any car trip you take.
Plus, with their affordable Club Pricing Plan, you pay just $5 per month after an initial 30-day free trial. Then, enjoy 50% off your first purchase of the month. You’ll also get an additional 35-40% off of every additional purchase thereafter.
9. Youโll Bond With One Another
Depending on who youโre traveling with, a road trip has the advantage of being a great bonding experience.
I especially remember having important conversations with my teenage kids while en route to destinations. Think about it: When was the last time you spent several undivided hours with someone you love?
This could be your spouse, your bestie, your Mom, or your kids.
Both they and you will have each other’s undivided attention on the road together.
10. You Can Safely Control the Germs In and Out of the Car
If youโre concerned about germs (and we all are, more so now than ever), when youโre travelling by car, you have a semi-protected environment.
You control who goes in and out of your car.
This minimizes your exposure to a lot of different people who you might encounter on a plane or public transportation. Stock up on masks (preferably a cute but effective one, like this mask), hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes.
Then, when you make stops along the way, youโre further protected from unwanted germs.
Related Article: Criteria for Choosing The Best Face Mask for Travel
11. You Easily Can Go as Far Off Grid as Youโd Like
Remember I mentioned living in your car, above? I was only half kidding.
If you wanted to go totally off grid, you can pack an easy pop-up tent and turn your vacation into a tent camping trip. This keeps the expenses down and takes you further off the grid.
Related Article: Essential Planning Tips for Camping [with Supply List]
Disadvantages of Travelling By Car
As much as I love travelling by car, I promised to share the advantages and disadvantages of travelling by car.
So I will truthfully share the negative.
But I will do better than that by offering solutions that may help you overcomeโor at least minimizeโthe disadvantages.
1. It Can Be Long, Boring, and Exhausting Driving for Hours
After driving hundreds of miles on the interstate, your enthusiasm can start to wane. The scenery can all begin to look the same.
Solutions:
- Take the back roads instead of the interstate for a change of scenery.
- Play highway games, like the old โfind the state license platesโ game.
- Take turns driving where possible.
- Space your stops closer together, taking at least 15-minute breaks every two hours to stretch.
- Get plenty of rest each night if youโre on a multi-day trip.
2. The Car Can Get Messy and Stale, and Youโll Feel a Little Claustrophobic and Uncomfortable
Itโs almost unavoidable that spending so much time in close quarters is going to get a little โripe.โ Plus, the trash and wrappers begin to accumulate, and you might feel confined.
Solutions:
- Bring a few bags for trash and then ditch them at pit stops.
- Keep your bags organized and reorganize along the way as needed.
- Limit the number of hours youโll be in the car per day, and limit the number of days, too.
- Pack some creature comforts, like a pillow and a cozy throw blanket.
- If youโre a passenger, wear comfy slippers and a neck pillow in case you need a nap. This adjustable roll pillow can also be used for lumbar support and leg support, too.
- Bring baby wipes, deodorant, and breath freshener.
- Drink water to keep from getting dehydrated.
- Follow these tips to organize your car for a road trip.
Related Article: Consider these alternative ways to travel without flying.
3. You Have to Pay for All That GasโAnd the Exhaust is Really Not Good for the Environment
Believe it or not, with great flight deals available today, it may be cheaper at times to fly than it is to drive. And youโre spewing out carbon exhaust while you drive.
Solutions
- Find the lowest gas prices near you using the GasBuddy app.
- Maintain a speed of 55 mph when possible for the best gas mileage.
- Buy gas using a credit card that will give you points.
- If you have a gas-guzzler, consider renting a more fuel-efficient car, like an economy, hybrid, or electric vehicle.
- Bring along your bikes and do more exploring at stops without the car.
4. Youโll Put Wear and Tear on Your Car
Yes, for every mile you drive, you are adding wear and tear (and depreciation) to your car.
That’s why, if you use your car for your next long-distance road trip, you may want to invest in quality auto parts from Eckler’s Automotive. They stock a wide array of top-quality automobile essentials for almost every type of vehicle on the road today.
Alternatively, thereโs only one way around putting additional wear and tear on your car, other than not going.
Solution
- Rent a car. (That will spice up your vacation with a little novelty, too!)
5. You Could Run into Car Problems or Have a Car Accident
Sometimes the unexpected happens.
As the old saying goes, โexpect the best but be prepared for the worst.โ I believe thatโs sage advice.
Solutions
- Sign up for roadside assistance and travel insurance.
- Pack a Roadside Emergency Kit and a First Aid Kit.
- Drive carefully and watch for other drivers who might jeopardize your safety.
- If your travel mates are not family, know their emergency contact person(s).
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being involved in a car accident, you’ll want to seek the expertise of a firm like Harrell and Harrell experienced car accident attorneys. Their professional and knowledgeable team can provide you with the legal guidance and support you need during such challenging times.
6. You Could Get Lost
Even with todayโs mobile GPS and google maps, itโs possible to go off track. That’s especially true if you’re crossing through regions that donโt have Wi-Fi.
If you have a good sense of direction, it can be fun to get a little lost.
When you donโt, it can be unnerving.
Solutions:
- Bring a paper map, as old-school as that sounds. You can usually pick one up at state Visitor Centers.
- You may also want to turn on location services on your phone so friends can locate you.
- Get a GPS that doesnโt rely on Wi-Fi.
- Double check that you put in the right coordinates on your directions app.
- You can also try this Garmin Drive 51 Navigation System. It retails for well under $100 and will automatically update your directions if you happen to get lost during the course of your road trip. It also features reliable GPS navigation that rarely drops a signal, and comes with a suite of preloaded maps that are ready to go. So, with one simple touch, you can see your chose route come to life on the high-definition, five-inch dual-orientation, 480 X 272-pixel screen. A display area that will immediately notify you of any treacherous weather conditions that might arise during the course of your trip.
7. Your Car Could Get Broken Into or Worse, Stolen
Just as itโs an advantage to have all your stuff in one place when you’re traveling by car, if the car is stolen, your valuables and all your stuff is gone. And now youโre stranded. Ugh!
Solutions:
- Never leave valuables in plain sight.
- Lock the car whenever youโre not there and be sure you have the keys with you.
- Get travel insurance.
- Renting a car may have the added advantage of a quick replacement vehicle.
- Park your car where you can see it, if possible.
- Avoid parking/staying in dangerous places
- Park under lights.
9. You Could Hit Bad Weather or Traffic
It’s a bummer when you hit bad weather or traffic on a road trip. These two external factors are definite disadvantages outside of your control.
In fact, you kinda have to expect that youโre going to run into one or the other at some point during your travels.
Solutions:
- Check the weather before getting on the road so you know what to expect.
- Avoid car travel during icy/snowy conditions in the Northeast or extreme heat, like in Death Valley.
- Check for live traffic updates and navigation using the waze app. This app can also predict (within reason) the best time(s) to leave so you avoid traffic.
- Make sure you have the right gear for the weather.
- Avoid rush hour traffic.
- Check your mindset, which makes the biggest difference in sailing through bad weather or traffic.
Keep in mind that many of these disadvantages are small in comparison to the advantages above.
Even so, youโll find some suggestions to help minimize the disadvantages of travelling by car.
Related Must-Read: A Beginnerโs Guide to Road Trips
Final Thoughts on the Advantages and Disadvantages of Travelling by Car
So, as you can see, there are quite a few advantages and disadvantages to travelling by car. And you have alternatives. But given the choice of plane, train, or automobile, car travel ranks high on the list for me, especially now.
If you decide you are tired of traveling by car or you put a lot of miles on your car, you might decide to get rid of it all together.
One easy route you can take is to work with a company to sell your car. Various companies like CarMax, and others will purchase your car from you no matter the condition. They make it a lot easier than dealing with classified ads and private sales.
And, you could pocket the money for your next trip!
How about you? Which of the advantages and disadvantages of travelling by car is most important to you? Are there any Iโve overlooked? How about disadvantages of travel on the whole? Share in the comments below!
This was such a great read! I love love love road trips, but they do come with some occasional disadvantages. When getting lost or tired. I always remind myself it is all part of the journey!
I think that’s a great outlook, Jordan! I’m glad you enjoyed reading this, too.
I love all the solutions you provided in this post. I have a feeling i’m going to be taking a lot more road trips in the near future!
I’m glad you found some helpful solutions here for your upcoming road trips. Perfect!
Great tips! I LOVE a good road trip. Although I really miss making mix tapes ๐
Haha, mix tapes were the best! Perhaps “playlists” would be a better term to use these days… (Thanks for the kind words, too.)
We love road trips, for all the reasons you mention. We plan itineraries to avoid too much driving on any given day, and make sure to plan in plenty of sightseeing time as well as rest time. We love being able to carry what we need, including a coolbox and picnic set so we can buy great food from fresh food markets (this is especially wonderful in France). And being able to spend more or less time somewhere we discover off the cuff is great!
100% agree! Glad you enjoy road-tripping as much as we do!
Thanks for such a detailed and interesting post. I am a novice traveler and it is valuable for me to know the experience of others. I liked the point about important conversations with your teenage kids while en route to destinations, I think it’s cool!
I appreciate your feedback, Albert. Enjoy your travels! That time in the car with teens is priceless–and fleeting!