MIL has planned a family holiday and instructed us asked if we would like to join them. We are looking into it...
The holiday is in the UK, but the other end of the country - top to bottom, about 600 miles. It's not a fancy destination and we have a toddler so not going to be particularly relaxing when we get there.
My reasons for flying:
- It's quick! 1.5hrs in the air, about 5hrs total with from leaving home to arriving at accommodation.
- Saves us spending approx 20hrs driving for a weeks' holiday.
- I hate long distance driving - especially when the pay-off is to spend a week with DH's family
- DS is only 2 and I don't think it's fair to pen him in his carseat for that long; the alternatives are splitting the drive over 2 days and having lots of long breaks, or driving at night - DS will sleep, the roads will be quieter, but I don't sleep much when DH drives and we would both have to spend a lot of time recovering from no sleep at either end.
- Roadworks. Looks like lots on the route.
- Temperature - air con in car doesn't work well and if it's remotely warm, we will be sweltering.
- I have an intermittent bad back and sciatica, and sitting in a car for hours might not have any effect but if it does, I'm limping around for days with the prospect of another long drive in a few days to help things along.
- If the car breaks down (moderate chance), that's a nightmare to deal with even without factoring in short timescales and cranky toddlers. If the plane is delayed etc, at least we can let DS out of his seat...
DH's reasons for driving:
- He doesn't mind driving long distances (but I will still have to take a turn).
- It's cheaper than flying by at least £300, even factoring in two overnight stops at Travelodge prices.
- We don't have to worry about packing (I always overpack but am getting better every time... so one day I might get it right!).
- Don't need to worry about what we need to bring for DS - will all fit in car.
- We'd have to hire a car if we fly (no option not to) so another £100+ for the week.
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I can pack loads of booze and drink my way through the holiday
I'm sure there are more pros and cons for each side but what do you all think? AIBU to want to spend another £400-500 to make things a lot less unpleasant in my view rather than bookmark a holiday (that I'm not overly keen on already) with a very long drive either end?
Yes, I'd much rather spend the money elsewhere (on a nicer holiday), yes to many similar points... But for the purposes of this AIBU, we can afford it, it's just whether or not to spend it on the relative convenience of flying.