Planes, Trains or Automobiles: Which to Choose When Traveling with Kids

One of the crucial questions when traveling with kids is: How are we going to get there? The answer will depend on the combined number of children and adults in your family, the length of time available for travel and the amount of money you’ve budgeted for the trip. Obvious choices include planes, trains or automobiles – or, some combination of the three. Below are the pros and cons of each.

Train travel is one of the more comfortable ways to travel . Everyone enjoys stretching their legs once in awhile and you can do that on a train without losing travel time. A major plus!

Pros:
•    Active kids can stretch their legs and go for brief walks with their caretakers.
•    You don’t have to worry about getting lost.
•    Best of all, kids receive generous discounts. On Amtrack those 3 and under travel for free, while older kids travel for ½ price. Similar deals are offered through Europe’s Eurail system.

Cons:
•    Delays and late arrivals.
•    Can be slower than car or air travel.
•    Limited Service Area

Air travel is one of the more popular ways to get from point A to point B. It’s quick and allows maximum time to enjoy your destination point. Of course, it too has its downfalls.

Pros:
•    Service to both major and remote locations.
•    Shortens travel time, extends time to enjoy your vacation.
•    Deals widely available and kids under 2 fly free!

Cons:
•    Aggravating process of getting through security and onto the plane.
•    Delayed and cancelled flights are becoming a regular occurrence.
•    Tight spaces make travel uncomfortable for both kids and adults.

Traveling by car is one of the more flexible ways to travel and road trips are a type of vacation all their own. You can take your own car or save the wear and tear by opting for a rental.  (If you go this route, be sure that affordable auto insurance for your rental is available.  To do this, compare auto insurance quotes for the rental car through your insurance company, your credit card company and the rental company.)  Of course, with travel by car, there’s always the risk of getting lost.  But that’s what a GPS is for!

Pros:
•    Your car isn’t likely to leave without you – no missed “flights.”
•    Flexibility: See the sights or zip straight through. The choice is yours.
•    Stop as needed.

Cons:
•    Strapping kids in for extended periods of time is challenging for everyone.
•    Endless questions of: “Are we there yet?”
•    Potential for getting lost.

Considering the needs of the entire family can help you decide between popular air travel, comfortable train travel or flexible car travel.