I travel 17 hours by car for the same reasons, plus the freedom of having my car when I'm there. I also often bring things with me, or back with me, that I woul

I travel 17 hours by car for the same reasons, plus the freedom of having my car when I'm there. I also often bring things with me, or back with me, that I wouldn't be able to do on a plane (like a kayak). If you have people to visit along the way, that makes it a no-brainer IMO.