My grandson’s 8th-grade graduation is coming up, and I need to decide how I will get from Florida to Kansas. It is not a simple choice. Each option—flying, driving, or taking the train—has its own set of pros and cons, and my anxiety makes the decision even more complicated. I want to be there for this important milestone, but I also want to travel in a way that feels manageable and safe for me.
Option 1: Flying
Flying is the fastest way to get there, but it comes with its own challenges. I am at about the same distance from five different airports, and each has its own advantages and drawbacks The biggest airport with the cheapest flights is an hour and a half away from my house, and taking a ride to and from the airport last time cost me $160. If I drive myself, I will still have to pay for gas, tolls, and parking, which would add up to the same.
My son has kindly offered to buy my plane ticket, which is around $350, and to cover a hotel stay since it is always busy in his house, but I am welcome to stay there if I would like. However, I would still have to deal with airport security, crowded planes, and the stress of flying itself. Once I land, there is another nearly three-hour car ride to his house, which he would have to drive four times! Car rental is too expensive right now. Edit: I just checked again and the round trip flight has increased in 6 days to $466 total
Pros Flying:
Fastest travel time (only a couple of hours in the air)
No wear and tear on my car
My son is covering the cost of the ticket and a hotel
I would not have to drive myself through heavy traffic
Cons Flying:
The airport is far, and transportation and/or parking is expensive
Security lines, delays, and general airport stress
A nearly three-hour car ride after the flight and on return
I have always had a lot of anxiety when flying
There have been a lot of recent aviation incidents in the US https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/statements/accident_incidents
Option 2: Driving
Years ago, I would have driven without hesitation. A road trip was an adventure, and I did not mind the long hours behind the wheel. Now, I am more nervous about driving even locally, let alone long distances. Traffic has gotten worse, and the thought of getting into an accident worries me. If something happened to my car, I could not afford a costly repair. Medical bills from an injury would be another concern.
My son has offered to pay for my gas, so the cost itself is not the issue. The bigger problem is whether I feel comfortable driving over 21 hours covering 1,400 miles over a two day period, stopping at a hotel which is costly or napping at rest areas, but that may be a little risky particularly at night. Then doing it all again five days later.
Pros Driving:
No airport hassles or security lines
My son would cover gas costs
I could stop when and where I wanted
No need to rely on anyone for transportation
Cons Driving:
21+ hours of driving and my car is 19 years old.
Increased risk of an accident or car trouble
Hotel costs if I break up the trip
Safety risk of stopping for fuel, lodging or food in unfamiliar towns
Heavy traffic or construction in certain areas would add stress
Crossing bridges by car makes me nervous even in great conditions
Option 3: Train
Amtrak has a deal where I could buy a $499 USA rail pass that allows ten legs of travel across the country. Getting to my grandson’s graduation would take two legs. I could also visit my brother in Colorado for another leg. I could either return home to Florida using two more or travel out to San Francisco, California, for instance, using two legs, then return home to Florida using 2 - 3 legs There are many possibilities, but the pass must be used within 30 days after the first use.
The downside is the time commitment and expense considering I have never been on a train. I wouldn't be able to actually do anything on the extended trip, but just seeing the sights by train would be exciting for me. The train ride to Kansas would take over 50 hours, making it the longest option by far. I would have to deal with layovers, transfers, and unpredictable delays at train stations in major cities. I have no idea how comfy the seats are, but sleeping on a train in front of others may not be ideal. I do not sleep much, so being awake when others are trying to sleep could be awkward.
Pros Train:
No stress of driving through big cities or flying
The rail pass offers flexibility for more travel
It would be nice to visit with my youngest brother
I could make extra trips within a month
More space to move around compared to a plane
The train station is in the town where I used to live
Cons Train:
I would need to find a ride or a place to park my car
Takes more than two days to get there
Arrival and departure in Kansas (Nebraska) is after midnight
The trains station is 1 hour 30 Min (closer than the airport)
Sleeping on a train may not be ideal
Layovers and transfers could be stressful
Unpredictable delays could affect my schedule
A train crossing a long bridge over water would be terrifying.
Train robberies may seem like a thing of the past, but the thought still crosses my mind, especially on long, unfamiliar routes. It could happen!
The Decision
My biggest concerns are cost, mental comfort, and safety. While my son is willing to help financially, I need to choose what feels best for me. I can bring food on the train and in my car, and I hope I can save up some extra eating money. No matter how I get there, I know I will be proud to see my grandson graduate—it is a big deal where he lives. I have not seen my grandkids since 2019, but at least I am able to talk with them on the phone. My son already let me know that in two years my granddaughter will be graduating 8th grade (2027). Then two years after, my grandson will graduate high school (2029), followed in two years by my granddaughter graduating high school (2031). If God does not have other plans, 2031 year will be a milestone birthday for me. My trip will start in mid May, and what ever works this year may not work at all in two, four or six years. Each option has its challenges, and I am weighing them carefully. The plane is fast, but extremely stressful especially during takeoff and landing. There is also quite a concern and cost getting to and from the airport on both ends. The train is an adventure, but it will be a long trip. I can envision it in my brain, but it is possible I have a romanticized idea of travelling the country. Driving gives me control, but also brings anxiety.
My current thoughts in order are train, automobile, and plane. If I was travelling with someone, it would be the train ride without a doubt. Going outside everyday for the last 157 days is preparing me for this trip! I just need to calm the nerves and really decide which option works best for me and figure out the best way to make that happen. I am very grateful to even be given this chance to visit them—I hope I do not let them down. More importantly, I hope I do not let myself down.
Psalm 121:8 "The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."
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