Why We Chose a 16 Hour Road Trip to Florida Over Flying and What We Discovered Along the Way
- Jenny Clemans
- May 4
- 3 min read
When I told my friends we were about to drive 16 hours down to Florida, most of them thought we were crazy. The common question was, “Why not take a plane? It will be so much easier.” Growing up, my family never flew. In fact, the first time I flew was in college, out to Colorado. So for us, roadtripping felt natural. Looking back, that long drive turned out to be one of the best family travel experiences we’ve ever had. It gave us a chance to see unique places, enjoy spontaneous adventures, and create memories that flying simply couldn’t offer.
Why We Chose the Road Over the Plane
Flying is fast and convenient, but it often comes with stress, especially when traveling with kids. Airports, security lines, and tight schedules can make family travel feel overwhelming. For us, the idea of packing up the car and hitting the open road was more appealing. It offered flexibility and the chance to explore at our own pace.
Here are some reasons why we chose the road:
Cost savings: Flying with a family can get expensive quickly. Between tickets, baggage fees, and airport meals, the costs add up. Driving allowed us to control our budget.
Flexibility: We could stop whenever we wanted, whether to stretch our legs, grab a bite, or check out a roadside attraction.
Comfort: Our car was our space. We packed snacks, toys, and entertainment, making the trip more comfortable for the kids.
Adventure: Roadtrips offer surprises and discoveries that airports and planes don’t.
Discovering Hidden Gems Along the Way
One of the best parts of our trip was the chance to explore places we wouldn’t have seen otherwise. We made intentional pit stops that turned out to be highlights for the whole family.
Pooler, Georgia: An Unexpected Surprise
During a pit stop in Pooler, Georgia, my boys were thrilled to see a replica lighthouse. It might sound small, but for them, it was the coolest thing ever. They kept looking out the hotel window staring at it. When we left the hotel, they begged us to drive by it. It was a simple moment, but it sparked curiosity and excitement.
Exploring Hotel Rooms Like Mini Adventures
Every night, we stayed in different hotels. For the kids, arriving at a new hotel was like opening a present. They loved exploring the room, checking out the beds, and finding little surprises like a pool or a breakfast buffet. These stops broke up the long drive and gave us all something to look forward to.
Buc-ee’s: The Unexpected Highlight
We all know Buc-ee's is an experience. To my boys, it was a wonderland. The clean restrooms, endless snacks, and quirky souvenirs made it feel like a theme park. That stop alone made their entire day. It’s funny how something as simple as a gas station can turn into a memorable part of a roadtrip.
Why Roadtrips Work Well for Families Traveling with Kids
Roadtrips offer unique advantages for families, especially when traveling with kids. Here’s why they can be a great choice:
Control over schedule: Kids get hungry or tired at unpredictable times. On the road, you can stop whenever needed.
More space: Cars allow you to bring along toys, blankets, and snacks without worrying about baggage limits.
Learning opportunities: Roadtrips expose kids to geography, history, and culture in a hands-on way.
Quality time: Long drives encourage conversations, games, and bonding moments that planes don’t.
Planning Your Own Roadtrip in 2026
If you’re thinking about a family trip next year, consider packing your bags and hitting the road. Roadtrips can be less expensive and more rewarding than flying. Here are some tips to make the most of it:
Plan intentional pit stops: Look for amusement parks, national parks, or unique landmarks along your route.
Pack smart: Bring snacks, entertainment, and comfort items for the kids.
Book hotels in advance: Choose family-friendly places with pools or breakfast options.
Stay flexible: Allow time for unplanned stops and detours.
Engage the kids: Let them help choose stops or plan activities.
Final Thoughts on Our Roadtrip Experience
Choosing to drive 16 hours to Florida instead of flying turned out to be a decision that enriched our family travel experience. We discovered cool sites, enjoyed hotel adventures, and found joy in unexpected places like Buc-ee’s. Traveling with kids on the road gave us control, comfort, and countless moments to cherish.
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