Modes of Transportation for Vacation: Car, Camper, Ferry, Train, Airplane

The trials and tribulations of modes of transportation for vacation with the family. For the most part, our family used a passenger van crammed full of two adults and five children, together with things to do during travel on the road and snacks and drinks. Duffle bags full of clothes, a second pair of shoes for seven people, meals, camping equipment, sleeping bags, pillows, etc., were stuffed either in the cargo carrier on the roof of the van or in the tent trailer we lugged behind the van.

There are other modes of transportation for vacationing with the family of course. We just found driving and camping the cheapest method for seven people to get from one place to another and stay for a while. Driving seemed like the mode where we had the most control. We oversaw our own timeline. But one person needed to do the driving. Switching drivers is always a good choice when traveling any distance.

We used ferries and trains for more local destinations. Yes! We have taken our camper and van on an all-day ferry to Newfoundland, leaving from Cape Brenton Island. You can read of our adventures Camping with Five Kids here https://www.victoriamarielees.com/2010/11/01/newfoundland-hospitality/ and here. https://www.victoriamarielees.com/2011/02/16/nippy-nights-in-newfoundland/

This was the first time we traveled east from where we lived. We didn’t understand that we were losing precious driving hours. We usually traveled west from New Jersey, gaining extra time for travel. We learned all about time zones and ferry schedules on that family camping vacation.

Again, the importance of knowing transportation schedules is clear when taking trains, buses, monorails, and tramcars. We used these modes of transportation in the big cities; like, Halifax, Nova Scotia, or Florida’s Disney World. And we needed to stay close together. Busy places always made me nervous. I used helium balloons tied to my five kids’ backpacks at Disney World. I could always see a balloon over the crowds. It came in handy when one of my twins got swept away in a crowd at the monorail. You can read about this adventure in my Camping with Five Kids post. https://www.victoriamarielees.com/2014/11/02/keeping-children-safe-in-crowded-vacation-areas/

But to get to Disney World, we took a plane. Planes are at the mercy of changing schedules, connections, and layovers. While I realize you can get to a distant place faster in the air, the time spent at the airport—with five kids in tow—can be tedious.

Checking in at the airport two hours before our flight. Never having enough snacks when kids get bored. Waiting in lines with antsy young children to get through TSA—taking off our shoes and any metal we happen to be wearing. Emptying our pockets—even paper matters in pockets. My husband has a knee replacement. He needed to enter the airport proper through a different portal. TSA stopped him.

“What’s inside your pocket, sir?” The man with a handheld, metal detector wand asked.

“I don’t have anything in my pockets.” My husband patted the outside of his flat pants pockets.

“Inside,” the man said.

My husband stuck his hands inside his pockets and found a receipt, which TSA looked at.  

Dealing with changing gates at the airports. No. We are glad we drive to most destinations when camping with five kids.

The point of this post is to always be prepared for change. Yes. Plan all you can—especially when traveling with kids. But change is inevitable. Road construction detours. Missed ferries. Time zone challenges and cancellations beyond your control. The only constant in life is change.

So, what modes of transportation do you use for vacation? Please share any experiences you may have with getting to your vacation destination here at Camping with Five Kids. We’d love to share in your adventures.

Thanks for stopping by my little spot on the internet. I hope your 2025 family adventures are filled with laughter and fond memories.