Whether you’re heading to the mountains for a weekend or traveling overseas for a weeklong getaway, taking a trip is just good for the soul. Studies have even shown that taking a vacation can improve your mood and productivity and decrease your feelings of depression of anxiety. Travel can also bring you closer to your travel companions, whether that includes your family or a group of friends.
But as you prepare to travel, it’s worth weighing your transportation methods. In some contexts, a car might be the most convenient. Other times a plane is the obvious choice. But what about in those in-between situations where you can’t quite decide between a car ride, train ride or plane ride? Here are a few things to keep in mind as you weigh your options.
Comfort
When you’re traveling, you want to be comfortable. After all, you could be sitting for a long time. If sitting for long periods of time is painful for you due to an existing condition, you might want to opt for a plane ride, as that’s much quicker than a train or car ride. If you do end up opting to go by car, ensure you take breaks along the way to stretch and walk around. This is particularly helpful if you’re the one driving.
One benefit of train and plane rides is the variability in comfort. If you want to pay more, you can spring for a business- or first-class ticket. This offers you more leg room and a nice comfy chair. You can also enjoy more food and drink options to keep you satisfied throughout your trip.
Value
Every travel option comes with a price tag. Your cheapest option is usually going by car. In that situation, you’ll only need to pay for gas and any expenses along the way, like stopping for food or tolls. A plane, meanwhile, is the most expensive. Flight prices are always changing — and in order to get the best deal, you might want to use a flight website or app to keep up-to-date on prices. Frequent flier miles and other promotions can also come in handy.
Consider your options in context. If you’re traveling down the coast, you’ll likely be able to find a train ride that’s comfortable and maybe even scenic. And if you’re traveling only a couple hundred miles, it might not be worth the money and fuss to opt for a plane ride. Always consider your budget and priorities.
Ease and convenience
No matter how you’re traveling, you want to stay organized. This is particularly important if you’re traveling with family and have lots of luggage and gear in tow. If you opt for a plane ride, it might be a good idea to invest in some custom patches from StickerYou to put on your luggage so that everyone knows which bag is theirs at all times. And no matter which mode of transportation you pick, stickyou.com vinyl lettering on water bottles and other glass or plastic objects can help you keep track of everything and avoid mix-ups.
The right mode of transit can make all the difference as you head off on your trip. Pick the option that will minimize stress and maximize comfort while fitting your budget. Who knows? Maybe you’ll just fall asleep on the trip and wake up happily at your destination!
