Benefits Of Choosing Travel Destinations By Car

By Paul Violet


The choice to visit travel destinations by car is actually a lot smarter than most people realize. It is less expensive and better for the environment. Add to that the lack of airport hassles and the ability to enjoy both the journey and the destination.

When comparing car vs. Air travel, the cost of every passenger mile has to be considered in addition to the regular MPG (miles per gallon) provided. It has been found that cars on average emit 0.77 lb of carbon emissions per passenger mile while planes are responsible for 1.05 lb. So visiting a nearby destination in a hybrid vehicle is cheap and harmless for the environment.

The best option is what is popularly known as a one-tank trip. This is a location that can be reached with one tank of gas with no refueling on the way. Open up a map (online mapping works better) and see which destinations or attractions can be visited keeping in mind the tank capacity and MPG.

Another possibility is a cross-country road trip. This can be something like a tour of major cities in Western Europe, or a Great American Road Trip on the Mother Road (Route 66). A scenic drive is a third alternative, such as N. Ireland's Causeway Coastal Route or California's Pacific Coast Hwy (Highway 1).

People on the road can enjoy the warmth of the sun and the fresh outdoors, while air travelers are stuck in airport terminals or on the tarmac. Vehicles pass through border customs with minimum delay and virtually no hassles, while airport security takes hours and passengers undergo pat-downs after long waits. Road-trippers can stop along the way and get to know small towns and taste the local culture and food.

No doubt there are limitations when choosing travel destinations by car. Far off places that need a day or two to reach by air are out of the question. But a vacation is a state of mind and can be enjoyed anywhere. The choice of a nearby destination and a hybrid vehicle actually makes for a better holiday experience, with no travel hassles or carbon guilt.




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