I have been doing some research as to whether to drive or fly to Atlanta, Georgia from Maryland on Easter weekend for three days. Here's the situation:
I am traveling alone, I am 55 years old and I drive a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis with 104,000+ miles on it. It runs well, no oil leaks, etc. By car, the trip will take 11 hours one way and by plane it will take a little over 2 hours. My cost for fuel excluding the $4 toll will be $117 one way. If I stay at a Motel 6 they have free parking and the room per nite is $89.99. If I rent an economy sized car it'll cost $197.86 plus unlimited mileage, and $150 deposit fee.
Now, if I fly it'll cost around $300 for the airline ticket, a carry on bag, and a backpack. I would stay at the Westin (a lot nicer hotel) downtown with a discount bringing the rate from around $125 down to $104. I can catch the subway from the airport to the hotel for about $2. If I drive and park at the Westin it'll cost me $22 per nite. If I don't drive I can ride the subway system to any place I desire to go or walk since most attractions are within walking distance.
Now one more thing, my cousins advised me that if I drive my car to Atlanta (which they recommend I do) and something happens a long the way they are willing to drive the 11 hours to pick me up if need be. I have had people tell me to drive and some say to fly. My physician even told me to fly, get there early and have more time to sightsee, etc. and even get a nicer hotel (Westin) to stay in for about $20 more. What do you advise? Thanks.
By Clarence J.
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I would fly if I was you! If you have car trouble how and what will it cost to get your car home? Plus it will keep those extra miles off your car.
I had a friend who loved to drive, and would think nothing of taking off for this drive. However, I would find an 11 hour drive exhausting. You must consider how you feel about this. Would you like to have your own car while you are there? Is the drive something you would enjoy, or just drudgery? Would you be happy using public transit or walking when you in Atlanta? I didn't total up the costs, so I don't know which is the cheapest option, but if price is the only consideration, go with the cheapest. If you value your time, fly. It will be much easier all around.
Fly! At holiday time the roads will be even busier. You will be much safer and have more time to share with relatives and friends when you are there.
Clarence. Make it real easy on yourself. Fly! Enjoy yourself, have fun and be safe.
Make it an adventure. Drive to Atlanta in your car with a couple of audio books (that you can borrow from the library if you want) and stay in the best hotel you can afford. You can still take the subway if its more convenient for you. Yes, you'll pay to park your car but it makes that option available to you. I am hopeful that you have an auto club membership and a cell phone and either a map of GPS so I can be comfortable having given you this advice.
Whatever you choose, enjoy the trip!
Couple of other things to consider :
1)When traveling by air, will you need to pay for parking while you are gone?
2)Is the parking area secure?
3)How long is the drive to the airport?
4)How much time should you allow for parking, check in, walking to the terminal, security?
5)How long is the drive from the airport to your actual destination?
6)How much will your car rental deposit be?
7)How much time will you need to allow for the process of renting and fueling a car?
8)The return trip should also be considered for these points.
In looking at planning a trip from these angles, a trip that will take 8 hours to drive may take 6 hours to fly.
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