As We Take On A Life Of Travel, I Wonder, Are Road Trips Worth It?

Road Trips sound like a fun way to get around. I mean we surely live the road trip life as a travel nurse. We stay in places for 2–3 months and then venture somewhere new. We love driving along at our own speed and getting to stop along they way at some scenic areas.

Take for example our trip down to Arizona from South Dakota. We ventured through Utah, seeing Salt Lake City and Zion National park. Then down to Nevada for the Valley of Fire. We loved taking our time and stopping, but I often wonder if road trips are truly cost efficient or if hopping on a plane is the best way to go.

What Guzzles Up Money

Lets talk Gas – hauling a big rig down the highway is no easy feat. Stopping every 3 hours or so for a fill up costing 100 or so each time. Gas tends to guzzle away money.

Tolls – One thing I learned is that the east coast really loves their toll booths. Just trying to get out of the east costs 200 or so dollars each time. They should be more like the west wink wink.

National Parks – Depending where you are venturing to state parks can cost anywhere from $10-$40 dollars. This adds up quickly when hitting up 1-3 parks in a weekend or road trip.

We’ve estimated with gas, RV payments and tolls, we spend roughly 2000 dollars just for a trip home. Crazy right? BUT the other side is 5 plane tickets which is not cheap either and doesn’t allow stopping brakes (unless you want to sit in an airport) for your little’s and for adventure.

Whats the best way? I don’t know, everything seems more expensive these days and were just doing our best to be as efficient as possible. What’s your preference? Road trip or plane ride? Let me know in the comments below.