Seeing America by Car: When It’s Worth Driving and When It’s Smarter to Ship

Few experiences will capture the American spirit like a road trip. Cruising along sprawling highways, soaking up diverse landscapes, and exploring historic routes is as much a rite of passage as a way to get from point A to point B. 

While the open road has its attractions, it’s not always the most practical choice. For these occasions, weighing the benefits of driving against the option of car shipping is essential. 

The Joy of Driving Across America

From Route 66 to the Pacific Coast Highway, American roads are steeped in history and beauty. Whether you’re sitting behind the wheel or fortunate enough to be a passenger, you have a front-row seat from which you can enjoy stunning scenery, quirky roadside attractions, and the freedom to set your own pace. 

For many people, driving across the United States is not just about the destination. It’s also about the stories they create along the way. Whether you’re crossing the desert, winding through mountain passes, or stopping in small towns for local flavor, road trips offer a personal connection to the country. 

There are countless iconic routes to choose from. The Great River Road traces the mighty Mississippi through ten states, while the Blue Ridge Parkway offers panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains. Food lovers may prefer the barbecue trails of Texas or the seafood coast of New England, while history buffs can explore Civil Rights landmarks in the South. 

When Driving Makes Sense

Driving makes more sense if you’re traveling shorter distances or when the drive is a big part of the adventure. If you enjoy being behind the wheel and want to stop at iconic landmarks along the way, driving is the way to go. Scenic routes, family vacations built around exploration, and road rallies make the trip more rewarding than arriving at a final destination. 

The Challenges of Long Drives

It’s worth pointing out that cross-country driving is not all glorious sunsets and banging soundtracks. Long hours behind the wheel can be draining and dangerous, and the accompanying costs, such as gas, food, and accommodation, quickly add up. 

Seasonal weather can also affect driving. For example, snowstorms in the Rockies or hurricanes along the Gulf Coast can make driving very hazardous. Let’s not forget the wear and tear on your vehicle, which is an often-forgotten cost.

Practical issues include traffic congestion around major cities, which can add hours to your trip, and construction delays in rural states, which can throw off your carefully planned schedule. 

If you’re traveling with kids or pets, frequent stops are essential, and these can turn a two-day trip into four. Let’s not forget the unpredictability of America’s vast highway system, which includes detours, road closures, traffic jams, and other frustrating issues that even the best GPS can’t fully prepare you for.  

Pro Tip: If you’re planning a long road trip, build in rest days to explore key stops rather than pushing through endless miles. Resting makes the journey more enjoyable, helps reduce driver fatigue, and makes the trip more memorable. 

When It’s Smarter to Ship Your Car

Cost Comparison: Driving vs. Shipping

While driving might seem cheaper, it does come with plenty of hidden costs. There are meals, hotel stays, tolls, and gas that must be paid for, not to mention any potential maintenance after putting thousands of miles on your car. 

Car shipping, on the other hand, requires the payment of one all-inclusive fee. The cost might look higher initially, but the figures tend to balance out when you factor in everything you’d spend driving cross-country. 

Q: How do I budget for a long-distance road trip?

A: Factor in gas, food, accommodation, tolls, and potential maintenance/breakdowns. Create a daily budget, as this is the best way to keep expenses under control. Remember to set aside a contingency fund for any unexpected costs.  

Combining Driving and Shipping

Of course, there is the option of not choosing one but making the most of both. It’s not uncommon for travelers to enjoy the best of both worlds by driving part of the way and then choosing to ship their car to another state for the rest.

This approach is especially successful for families or students who want the fun of a road trip experience, but don’t want to drive thousands of miles. Simply soak up the best highlights of the route, then have your car shipped from a mid-point city to the final destination.   

Q: How many miles a day is realistic on a long road trip?

A: Most drivers find 300 to 500 miles daily most manageable, depending on how often they stop. Pushing past that limit can lead to fatigue, making the drive less safe and enjoyable.

Preparing for Your Journey

Preparation is key to a smooth experience, whether you’re driving or arranging car shipping. For drivers, that means:

• Checking tire pressures
• Checking brakes
• Topping off fluid levels
• Planning fuel stops and rest stops

For those who choose to ship their car, preparation includes:

• Cleaning out personal items
• Documenting your vehicle’s condition with photos
• Confirming pick-up and delivery details

Taking the time to prepare means fewer surprises on the road and makes the overall trip more enjoyable and stress-free, regardless of whether you’re behind the wheel or shipping your car by carrier.;   

Conclusion

Choose to drive across America and you’ll have an adventure to remember. It will be filled with unforgettable memories and offer discovery and freedom on the open road. However, there are times when it’s more practical and smarter to ship your car. For example, you could be relocating, short on time, or want to preserve your vehicle. 

The key is knowing what you want to get out of the journey, whether arriving quickly and stress-free or exploring parts of the country you’ve never seen before. Whichever path you choose, America’s roads are waiting to be explored. If not this time, perhaps there’s a road trip around the corner.