For most people, the festive season is about more than a few weeks away from school or work. If you’re like most South Africans, the two weeks at the tail end of the year are reserved for family time. Whether it’s a visit to extended family, or a holiday with a spouse and kids, there’s a common denominator that binds most festive family time: Travel. If the holiday destination or relatives are in another province, you can bet your last Rand that most people are going to travel by plane.
But for the more adventurous, a family road trip is the best way to travel and bond during the festive season.
Here are a few reasons you should consider foregoing a flight for a road trip.
Road trips are cheaper
We could all do with a bit more in our savings account, especially in January. One way to save quite a bit of money is by slashing your travel costs. Depending on your destination and the amount of people travelling with you, the cost of a full tank and a possible refuel might be all you have to spend to get there. On the other hand, plane tickets for the whole family will probably force you to dig much deeper into your pocket.
Road trips give you more control
Flights have one stop: Your destination. With a road trip, you can turn the journey into an adventure. Every province has a few tourist attractions and hidden gems, so you’re bound to bump into something special along the way regardless of which direction you’re travelling in. To get the most out of your road trip, it’s better to plan your itinerary. This includes pit stops for resting and refuelling. The best place to do both is Engen Wimpy. Pop in for your favourite all-day brekkies or lunch meals while you and your family take a break from the travel. You can plan your road trip pit stops with the Engen Wimpy map, which shows all the outlets along your route.
Road trip lunches are something better
Who really eats on a flight? For most people, flights are one long nap. Those who do have an appetite might nibble on a snack, but few people get excited at the thought of an in-flight meal. Road trip pit stops, on the other hand, are far more exciting. Let’s say you’re going to an Engen Wimpy. It’s more of an experience than having a bite on an in-flight meal tray. At Engen Wimpy, you can choose from a menu filled with some of Mzansi’s favourite meals. And you’ll probably get the opportunity to score a PAW Patrol collectable for your little ones if you order a Kids’ Combo Meal.
Road trips have less luggage restrictions
Unlike a flight, you don’t have to pay extra for another bag. If you’ve got camping gear or sports equipment, packing it in your car is easier and cheaper than getting it onto a plane. If it can fit in your car, you’re allowed to pack it.
The festive season is fast approaching. Make this one worth remembering by taking the path less travelled and opting for a road trip instead of a flight.
