Thursday, September 13, 2012

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.

Use the 1-tank rule for travel research. Create a shortlist that can be reached with one tank of gas and no stops for refueling. Based on the MPG the vehicle provides and the tank capacity, use an online map service to find the places and attractions within range.

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).

Instead of twiddling thumbs or counting sheep at an airport terminal, enjoy the refreshing outdoors and the wind on the road. While air travelers are being harassed and patted down by airport security, vehicles on the road sweep across borders with barely a second look from the border guards. Road-trippers can stop and see towns on the way and get a taste of their food and culture, while airline passengers gag on the tasteless meals.

Visiting travel destinations by car does have its own shortcomings. For instance, many far off but popular destinations are off-limits. But the vacation is mostly a state of the mind, and it can be taken anywhere. Piling into a hybrid to take a holiday somewhere close eliminates the travel stress and carbon guilt, thus adding to the pleasure of the vacation.




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