BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — Generally, taking a plane is the quickest and easiest way to get to where one needs to go for both work and vacation. Unfortunately, recent concerns in the aviation industry ranging from excessive delays to high fees have caused many to reevaluate whether or not speedy travel is worth all the hurdles they must jump through to use it. In many cases, this can even lead the residents of many states — including North Dakota — to travel in a different way entirely.

As part of a study on these airport aversions, Gunther Mazda surveyed 3,000 individuals from across the country on how far they would be willing to travel by car if it meant avoiding the airport. According to the results of this research, the average North Dakotan would drive a total of 11 hours and 15 minutes if it means not having to deal with the hassle that comes from air travel. While this is fairly high compared to other states, there are many other areas that would hit the road even longer, with Rhode Island in particular having the longest alternative at 14 hours and 33 minutes.

In addition to the main question of how far of a respondents would be willing to go if it meant skipping the airport, the study also made note of several details pertaining to the other option itself. Below is a glimpse at how Americans hitting the road will face some of a long car trip’s most prevalent problems:

• When it comes to staying alert during long driving periods, 38% of respondents said they would rely on caffeinated drinks to help power through, with 36% opting to take the safer choice of taking frequent breaks. An additional 14% said they would ease these concerns by taking turns driving with their partner, and others said that they would get by through listening to audiobooks or podcasts (8%) or napping at rest stops (4%).
• A massive 58% of all polled individuals note that they are likely to stay in hotels if their trip involves overnight stops — but other popular rest stop choices include motels (14%), vacation rentals (12%), campsites (8%), and staying with friends who happen to live on the route (8%).
• Delving further into the idea of accommodations, when discussing the topic of ideal trip housing, 30% of all survey respondents stated that they would prefer to rest in cozy bed-and-breakfast inns, with another 26% taking an interest in rustic log cabins and lodges instead. 20% noted that they would be willing to splurge on luxury hotels, and in contrast, another 6% stated they would choose to camp or sleep in their cars.

As a final, more “relaxed” question to end the survey, respondents were asked about what sort of itinerary they would prefer on their own road trip. Here, it was determined that a majority of travelers would take a special interest in visiting examples of natural beauty along their route, with other popular choices including visiting locations known for their historical value, food culture, or pop culture significance.

• Nature Expedition (exploring natural parks and scenic areas) – 40%
• Historical Journey (visiting historical landmarks) – 32%
• Culinary Tour (exploring local foods and restaurants) – 22%
• Pop Culture Pilgrimage (visiting locations from movies and TV shows)- 6%

“While it’s understandable that many families are turning to road trips as an alternative to flying, it’s crucial to remember the dangers of driving when tired,” says Joe Gunther IV of Gunther Mazda. “Fatigue can significantly impair your reaction time and decision-making abilities, increasing the risk of accidents. We strongly encourage travelers to plan for frequent breaks, share driving responsibilities, and prioritize rest to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.”

To view the full study — including a detailed infographic showcasing how far residents from each state would be willing to drive rather than deal with potential flight problems — view this page on Gunther Mazda’s website. If you are interested in taking a road trip yourself, but not willing to drive as long as most North Dakotans would to visit a spectacular location, visit our One-Day ND Destinations travel hub to learn about great local stops near you!

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