Pros & Cons of Road Trips: Is Driving Worth It?

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Are you thinking of taking a road trip? If so, you’re not alone! Road trips are a great way to see a country and visit friends and family. But before you hit the open road, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of this type of travel so you decide if it’s right for you.

In this post, I will discuss the benefits and drawbacks, as well as look at some health advantages of road trips compared to flying or other public transport options.

Finally, I’ll share my top reasons for loving road trips and how I make the decision of whether to hit the open road or stick to the skies. Let’s get into it!

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What are the pros of going on a road trip?

The pros of traveling by car are many. For one, you can move at your own pace and make spontaneous stops along the way. This type of travel also allows you to pack as much or as little as you want – perfect for those who like to pack light!

And if you’re traveling with friends or family, there are more pros than cons for road trips because they can be a great bonding experience. Let’s dive even deeper into why you should go on a road trip.

To save money on travel.

By driving yourself, you eliminate the need to pay for airfare or bus/train tickets. You can also pack your own food and snacks along the way, saving you a lot of extra cash at restaurants.

And if you’re extra about it, throw a tent in the back of the car and call it a camping trip – extra savings on accommodations. Now that’s traveling on a budget, and an absolute perk when considering the pros and cons of road trips!

To have more control over your travel schedule.

One of the great things about planning a road trip is that you have much more control over your schedule than if you were to fly or rely on public transport.

You can plan your stops, choose your route, and make changes as you go. This would never happen if you were flying because you would have to plan everything out in advance and stick to your schedule.

INSPIRATION ROAD TRIP: Traveling slowly through Italy should be on everyone’s road trip bucket list!

There’s something about being in control of your own destiny on a road trip that is an unparalleled feeling. It means you’re able to take advantage of any amazing spontaneous opportunity that might come your way – and for an extrovert and Enneagram 7 Personality like mine, that’s the spice of life!

To see more of the country and the world.

Going on a road trip is a great way to see more of the country and the world. You can customize your itinerary and make pit stops to see what you want to see – not what happens to be on the itemized tour guide.

This type of travel is great for taking your time to explore an area rather than treating every trip like a checklist of productivity. (Yes, I’m looking at you, corporate America!)

To bond with your travel buddies.

If you’re traveling with others, a road trip is a great way to bond. You can spend quality time talking, listening to music, and playing games while you’re on the road.

This type of travel can be more intimate than flying for example because real conversations and healthy debates happen on those longer drives. Plus, you can split the gas with your buddy!

PRO TIP: If you’re going for a super long drive, I’ve got you – check out 7 Unique Ways to Pass the Time on a Road Trip before you hit the road.

And quite a few other perks…

You can get off the beaten path and stop whenever and wherever you want!

You can go at your own pace, and you’re not restricted by airline schedules or baggage limits. In fact, here is my tried and true guide on how to pack Comfy Road Trip Outfits like a pro.

You can avoid airplanes, especially if you are among the folks who are afraid of flying or dislike the experience.

You can bring your pet with you and can pack whatever you want and need for your fur baby. And this is the ultimate pro versus con when going on a road trip.

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What are the health benefits of going on road trips?

You can get some fresh air and exercise.

Because you’re planning your own adventure, you can stop along your route for quick hikes, a nap in the sun, and you can stretch your legs as often as you like.

INSPIRATION ROAD TRIP: One road trip that’s great for this is through the Italian Dolomites and Swiss Alps, and may I say, WOW!

You can also eat healthier on a road trip than you would if you were flying because you’re packing your own snacks.

And because you can stop wherever you want, you can plan stops at healthy restaurants along your route and stop at those little roadside fruits stands to stock up on fresh goodies.

Give your mind a break.

When considering the pros and cons of road trips, consider the mental health benefits as well. We’ve already talked about the scenario where you’re going with friends or family as a great opportunity to bond through stories and laughs.

Also, consider going solo as a great opportunity to clear your head and have some space and time to yourself.

INSPIRATION ROAD TRIP: One place I loved doing a road trip was Turkey, exactly for this reason.

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What are the Cons of going on a road trip?

Where there are pros, there are also cons to road trips. Consider these disadvantages before booking your next road trip.

The cost of gas and maintenance.

Before you hit the road, it’s important to factor in the cost of gas and maintenance for your car. Depending on the length of your trip, this can add up quickly, especially these days.

You’ll also want to make sure you have a reliable car before hitting the open road – the last thing you want is for your car to break down in the middle of a foreign country and leave you stranded.

You may have to drive for long periods of time.

Bottom line – the road can be tiresome. If you’re traveling with a group, it can be hard to find activities that everyone will enjoy. And if you’re traveling solo, you might get lonely on long stretches of highway. There are ways to turn those long drives into fun times, but there’s no way around the time you spend on the road.

You could get hurt.

My personal worst nightmare is getting in an accident in a country where I don’t speak the language. This is where travel insurance kicks in, and thank-the-stars traveler insurance is inexpensive.

Take a minute to review the top 5 Medical Insurance Policies for Travel in Europe. My go-to is SafetyWing, see if and what works for your trip:

This is what I use when I hit the road:
➡️ SAFETYWING: Insurance & Remote Health ⬅️

You could get lost.

I know everyone has Google Maps on ready, but here’s the deal. Your phone connection can go out, you’re on a barely-there road that was supposed to be a major highway, you’re almost out of gas, you don’t know where the next fill-up opportunity will be, there are fields of sheep all around you, and no human to be seen for miles.

That’s what I mean by lost, and yes – this was me in Norway. Now just because you’re lost does not mean you need to lose your head. 🙂

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Go or No Go on a road trip?

Consider your destination and time of year.

Winter months and tough weather are a killer for road trips, at least for me. There’s always more risk, more gear, and more headache involved than is worth.

Stick to good weather and good road conditions as the main qualifier when weighing the pros and cons of road trips.

Think about your budget and time.

Road trips can be cheaper than flying, but they still require some planning and budgeting. They can also take a lot of time, so make sure you have some flexibility in your schedule or can work remotely if you need to.

As an example, this was as detailed as I got for my month-long trip across southwest America. The fun part was when we had to stay in Arizona for an extra week because my transition went out – have a plan, but be flexible.

Consider your travel companions.

A road trip can be a great way to see the country and meet new people if you’re going solo. If you’re traveling with a companion who is opposite to you, set some expectations and intentions together first.

You don’t want to be driving for hours on end with people who are miserable. And finally, if you’re traveling with young children, you may want to consider the pros and cons of road trips even more carefully.

You should also think about what kind of traveler you are. Do you like to plan every minute of your trip, or do you prefer to wing it?

If you’re the type of person who likes to be spontaneous and maintain some flexibility in their itinerary, a road trip is probably a great option for you.

If you’re the type of person who gets car sick easily, maybe not be the best choice.

And lastly, consider the pros and cons of road trips above.

After considering all of these factors, I usually make a pretty clear decision about whether or not a road trip is right for me.

And more often than not, I find that it is. Something about being on the open road feels freeing and wonderful.

I hope this helps you decide whether or not a road trip is right for you. So, what’s the verdict – is a road trip in your future?

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A Few of My Favorite Road Trips

I love road trips because they give me a sense of freedom. I can go where I want when I want and stop whenever I want. Plus, I find the open road peaceful and calming. It’s a great way to clear my head and relax.

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