What mode of transportation do you prefer when deciding on a vacation destination? You might be planning some fun in the sun, snow skiing or maybe going island hopping in the Caribbean. But how do I get there is usually a good question to ask yourself. Do you drive, fly or float? I guess whatever tickles your fancy and/or feels comfortable. There are many advantages and disadvantages to the three primary forms of travel that take you to your happy place of choice.
I spent time talking with people about their preferences on which mode of transportation they use and why. There is a broad prospective of reasons why people select their chariots of travel. They range from liking the food and water views to being only hours away from their chosen spot for relaxation. A few people responded by saying they like keeping their feet planted directly on the ground while traveling. Others like the day-to-day adventures of getting to where they are going. No matter what their favorite choice is for mobility to new adventures, arriving safely was everyone’s greatest priority.
Lets start with ground transportation. When I was a young boy, our family use to drive almost everywhere we went for a vacation. However, I do remember my first plane trip. That memory has stayed with me for a long time. Besides being the forefather of traveling, touring around on four or more wheels offers you lots of countryside sight seeing. It also allows you to stop and visit with friends and family along the way, explore the terrain or do some unexpected stay overs. It can possibly be the most economical way to vacation. There is a hybrid group of road warriors and they are called RV’ers. Typically these motor coach enthusiast are retired or pretty close to it. They enjoy “roughing it” in their luxurious home away from home; that just so happens to motor-down the highway very comfortably. They set up camp and then sleep in the cozy confines of an air conditioned or heated bedroom. This is not a bad way to see America.
Air travel is a very popular form of getting from home base to your favorite vacation destination quickly. This type of transportation is more for the people who can’t wait to get started on enjoying their rest and relaxation. With increasing technology, air travel is one of the safest forms of transportation in today’s “Get there now” attitude. However, air travel does have its downsides. Flight delays, unruly passengers, breathing-in every one else’s germs and the dreaded crying kid can make for an awful flight. Thank god for the health supplement Airborne. The longevity of flight time in the air, speaking from my personal experiences, usually doesn’t last more than 4 hours. On the same day you leave for your trip, you could be on the beach or poolside, golfing or skiing within hours of arriving. This will ultimately depend on how many continents you are crossing to get to your final destination. If you do your research ahead of time, airfare can be purchased at very reasonable prices. Once you get to your destination and put up your travel accessories, you have the choice of doing day trips or just hangout and relax. You will be all set until its time to pack-up and fly home, usually in the same day. Air travel, unlike driving, can take you places that a car or RV can’t go or get to easily. Up, up and away!
Lets look at cruises. This is probably the less expensive way to see lots of places. You can visit several destinations with one cruise. You pull into port, exit the ship and explore the surrounding areas. You then return to the floating resort and your off to another port of call. While sailing to your next adventure, the cruise lines offer unlimited food, recreation activities,
poolside entertainment and beverages. The ship also provides all the amenities you would find in a land-based mega resort and sometimes more. Again, there are a few drawbacks to being on a floating community. You most like people, expensive beverages and smaller living quarters. Depending on which cruise line or ship you select, you could be traveling with 2,000 to over 6,000 people for your entire trip. If you are a partier, your favorite spirits could cost you a pretty hefty credit card bill. However, the basic non-alcohol beverages and cafeteria style buffets are free of charge. For an additional fee and required reservations, you can dine in one of the specialty eateries per your choice. The excursions and on-board amenities could also be a little pricey. Another thing to take into consideration is that when you pull into port, you are on a very strict timeline. You usually have approximately eight hours from the time you depart the ship to the time you have to be back onboard. But again, taking a cruise can introduce you to lots of future staycations.
My recommendations to a young and unexperienced traveler is to try a few of these transportation methods. See which form of travel is the best way to get where you are going. You might want to also consider cost, comfort, the time spent in one place and how much time it takes getting there. If you would like more information about traveling or destinations, please don’t hesitate to email me at youmeandthedock.dt@Hotmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Author: Anthony Scopel
Photographer: Maureen Scopel
You, Me and The Dock
