
Requires 33 hours drive time, one way. At least four or five days with stops.
That was the question. We were planning a trip to Seattle to visit our daughter, son-in-law and grandson. It was hard to decide as we love travelling in our RV. It gives us a place to stay so that we aren’t intruding on our daughter’s family all the time. It also gives us a chance to relax and be alone. Staying with them is lots cheaper and gives us more time with them and our grandson. They have a big house and we have our own room when we are there. On the other hand, is it fair to stay with them? I feel like it is a lot to ask having to put up with us. If we drove we would need to be there for a longer time period, maybe 2 or 3 months. If we fly we can stay a shorter amount of time and go back for another visit sooner. Our grandson who is growing up fast (he is 6) and started 1st grade this year was a big part of our decision. We need to see him more often. We have done both and have been happy with each visit.
After much debating we decided to fly. This decision was based on many things. We didn’t really want a long road trip at this time. The coronavirus has kept us away from family a long time. We did have a quick visit as our son’s wedding, but we wanted and needed some quality time with each of our 5 kids and their families. We also thought that maybe we could help them while we were visiting. We can cook some meals and help keep the house straightened. When we decided to look at it as a we can help trip, instead of being a burden it became more definite that we should fly.

Flying time: 4 hours 53 minutes, non-stop (Photo courtesy Alaska Airlines)
So next week we begin our journey to Seattle, WA. We are flying on Alaska Airlines and were able to get a direct flight for a very good price. We bought our tickets with our Chase Freedom card and we like the points we get when we use it. We usually fly Delta and have lots of points built up on their plan, but couldn’t find a direct flight for the right times and dates. Our daughter tells us that the Alaska Airlines miles program and credit card are the best, so we will be looking into that. Would love any suggestions on what you think is the best travel miles and credit card choices. We check out doctorofcredit.com and will often find good deals on his site. We don’t spend enough to really take advantage of his credit card finds, but we have made extra money by opening checking account he suggests. We get nothing by mentioning his site, but it is an interesting site to check out.
We are excited about our trip next week and have started packing. We will be posting pics of our bags in the next few days.
~Sher
Wow, have a wonderful trip, guys! I was going to suggest flying. Less stress on you both and so much faster. Since you’ve seen each other so little, I think they would love to have you both at their home. Safe travels!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, John. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
– it sounds like you have another great family visit coming up; it is touching how considerate and reflective you approach the matter of visiting family. Go safe – and lots of pics please 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Barbara. Yes, we’ll be posting lots of pictures for sure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Safe travels friends.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Suzette!
LikeLiked by 1 person
With corona still dogging things, I would say flying is your best bet. That’s a long drive across country when you’ve had a long lay off from serious road travel. A year and a half now? Laurie’s parents are in Seattle now, that’s why I had the Lizard photo at their house. They stay with Laurie’s sisters. If you have a good relationship with your daughter and son-in-law, they probably love having you stay with them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Tim. We both really appreciate your very thoughtful comment. Makes sense!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have a wonderful time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, we are planning to have a great time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
See the country up close
LikeLiked by 1 person
Since I have never liked the idea of flying my vote would be to drive, especially if you could take some time and explore there and back. But with the state of things these days I definitely cringe at the thought of the close quarters of a plane.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Appreciate your thoughts and concerns.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We live in Seattle and use the Alaska Credit card and fly Alaska because they have direct flights to both Washington DC (where we regularly visit grandkids) and the other two destinations we tend to fly to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the information! We’ll look into the Alaska Air card for sure.
LikeLike
Enjoy your trip, both of you. You raise a question about internal travel in the States – such long distances, how is it possible to reduce carbon footprints?
LikeLike
Derrick you do raise a very interesting question. Unfortunately here in the States carbon footprint reduction is not a daily topic, nor daily actionable by the general public. I do not know if a 2300 mile trip (one way) in an 8 mile per gallon motorhome has a larger footprint than the same mileage during a 5 hour flight of a loaded commercial jetliner. So I guess, hopefully without sounding flippant, the answer is that it currently is not possible to reduce the carbon footprints of travel within the US.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just as I thought, Maj. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have a great trip. Enjoy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like you thought things through well. Have a safe trip and enjoy your family. Kids grow up so fast. I’m glad you are getting to spend quality time with your grandson.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so right, kids grow too fast! We’ve got grandkids in Seattle and Austin and Columbus Ohio plus our hometown. We want to see them all at least twice a year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I understand. That’s a lot of traveling. Do they come to see you too?
LikeLike
Occasionally, but not nearly enough. They are so busy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is hard when the kids are in school and the parents are working. Glad they do come to you when they can.
LikeLike
Yes, and that fits all of them! But it is great when they can visit us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi / it seems like flying was the perfect choice for right now!
☀️☀️☀️
LikeLike
Yes, we think so. Took lots of discussion, but we think for now it is best. Thanks for visiting and commenting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
It sounds like you made a good choice. Have a great trip.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! We fly out tonight. We’ll be posting about what we’re doing soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would always drive. I love seeing the beautiful scenery through my huge window. And if I am hungry, I can find something to eat. And I don’t miss anything of interest on the way. Some of our best finds were accidental.
LikeLike
We still love to travel in our RV. Just that this time we thought it best to fly.
LikeLike
Pingback: Indiana to Seattle: fly or drive our RV? | page one
Enjoy your trip.
Thanks for sharing
LikeLike
Thank you for visiting! 😉
LikeLike
Pingback: Indiana to Seattle: fly or drive our RV? — Roadtirement – Ms Coletha’s Blog
TYVM
LikeLike
Hope you have a safe but wonderful trip!
LikeLike
Thanks, we’re really enjoying our trip!
LikeLiked by 1 person