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When traveling, not many people consider how they’re going to get to their destination. However, it can be important to weigh the pros and cons of each method, to make your travels as smooth as possible. Let’s break down a few of the most common forms of transportation and their positives and negatives.

Plane

Pros

Flying by planes is one of the most common forms of transportation. You can travel nearly everywhere in the world by plane, making it a top choice for people looking to travel internationally. Within some countries, you can also travel by plane, making it a good choice for people living in larger nations. Flying also means you can truly be a passenger, as the time between takeoff and landing won’t be interrupted.

Cons

Everyone knows the disappointment of flying with a crying baby, but that’s not the only negative. The cost of flights can be incredibly high, especially if you’re traveling a reasonably short distance. Additionally, security checks can be tedious and take a long time, meaning you can easily spend more time getting screened and waiting around than flying.

Car

Pros

Unlike any other form of transportation on this list, you have full control over your itinerary when you travel by car. You can make stops as often as you need to, you can eat what you like, and you won’t be surrounded by total strangers.

Cons

Traffic is the biggest inconvenience when driving. Missing exits or having to stop for gas can also be an inconvenience. Furthermore, you can’t fully relax while driving somewhere, so your vacation won’t really start until you arrive at your destination.

Train

Pros

Train rides are very scenic and can be an experience in and of themselves. Some can also be reasonably priced, compared to flights. Trains can go shorter distances than planes, making them a good choice for short-term trips. Additionally, trains are a great form of transportation if you’re looking to travel to several places in a close geographical area.

Cons

Train rides can be expensive at times, so you’ll have to carefully map out your plans ahead of time. Trains may also take longer to reach their destinations, and you still may have to deal with crying children.

Bus

Pros

Bus rides are similar to trains in that they are a great option for shorter distances and spontaneous travel. Buses also tend to be one of the more inexpensive choices. You also may have fewer limitations on bringing on food and drinks, and you know where your luggage will be the entire time.

Cons

Buses are slow and can run into traffic just as easily as cars. This means traveling by bus is not always a reliable option when your itinerary is time-sensitive. And, just as with trains and planes, buses may be uncomfortable and have annoying passengers.

Next time you travel, think carefully about how you want to get to and from your destination. Make sure you pick the option that works best for you, as transportation can make or break the start and end of your vacation.