Leeway and Drawbacks of Long Drive Vacations

Our family loves to travel.

We love to go places we have not been.

But traveling could be expensive. So we have found a way to be able to afford our favorite activity while sticking to our goals and budget.

We drive. 

We drove our way to Vancouver

And a lot of different places like:

Whistler Canada

Lake Havasu, Arizona

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Las Vegas, Nevada

Los Angeles, California

San Francisco, California

Park City, Utah

Branson, Missouri

Saint Louis, Missouri

and all the places in between.

After several of these experiences, we have observed some leeway and drawbacks of long drive vacations:

Leeway:

1. It is cheap, especially for a family of four. We have Nissan Frontier truck and spent only approximately $250 for gas from Denver all the way to Canada with no additional charge of paying for extra luggage and renting a car upon reaching our destination. Aside from that, we were able to save food by packing our own. In order to avoid paying costly hotels on layovers, we make use of certain hotels rewards program, freebies from Swagbucks or Ebates, our own timeshare (which we paid off only the remainder of the amount as it was foreclosed and without paying interest rates) and bookings on cheaptickets or other travel bargain websites.

2. It is more fun and educational. By driving, you'll be able to explore the distinctiveness of one place to the other, the erratic change of temperature from rapidly moving to different longitudinal areas and of the many landscape our earth is rich of. My daughter has been in-charged of a travel log which is a journal of important events of the trip, essential information of a place and its people, and some photographs to go with it. 

3. We have more freedom of our time. While some kids would want to discover a city, we can do so because we are the captain of our ship. On one of our trips, we passed by Oregon, a gorgeous and green state. We then stopped on one of the scenic picnic areas and celebrated the breathtaking gift of God.

4. We control our layovers. Since layover is defined as a period of rest of waiting before a further stage in a journey, our family redefines it as an exciting part of our journey that enables us to rejuvenate and to sustain the fun (not to cease it by waiting in vain). If we have to sleep in one place, we always choose a hotel with pool and hot tub, free breakfast and nice sheets. By the next day, we all have a relaxing dip in the pool and tub, a good night's rest, and happy tummies. Then everyone is ready for the next day's adventure.

5. Food cravings are satisfied. My son only eats meals with rice (it's an Asian thing :)) so I always cook at least 3 entrees and freeze some of them before our trip. By the time we reach our layover or destination, everyone craves for a hot adobo or baked salmon with rice. What a blessing to have those foods ready to feast on. However, during planning for the trip, we always make sure to book a hotel with microwave and refrigerator.

6. Travel bug, begone!

Drawbacks:

1. More demanding on time.

2. More demanding of our energy.

3. Flying is the only option for traveling overseas.

Musts:

1. Prepare.

2. Budget.

3. Bring Rice Cooker.

4. Assign responsibilities.

5. Have Fun

Must Not:

1. Drive when tired.

2. Compare your lifestyle with other families- Some families post luxurious family vacations on social media whether it was paid by cash or credit card, it's none of our business. What is essential is we know our own financial status when it comes to vacations and we don't end up paying all the mounted credit card bills racking up during the trip. 

3. Think that the effort is yours alone- That's why assigning tasks is important and not to be taken lightly because as a mom, I don't want to travel mad. I want my crew to know that they can contribute to this wonderful event as a family. And of course, it would give each and every family member a sense of responsibility and therefore a sense of pride to be accomplishing something phenomenal.

4. Forget your camera!

I hope this post provides at least an inspiration that family vacations do not have to be expensive. I believe most families keep postponing overdue trips due to that reason. There is never a best time to travel but now.

Enjoy you life and your family. The world is full of adventures!

Love,

Ehma