The Cost of a Road Trip from Blacksburg, Virginia to Scottsbluff, Nebraska
As summer approaches, many families are starting to plan their summer vacations. One of the most popular destinations in the Midwest is Scottsbluff, Nebraska, with its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. For those coming from Blacksburg, Virginia, the most economical and flexible way to get there is by driving. This article will explore the cost of a road trip from Blacksburg, Virginia to Scottsbluff, Nebraska, taking into consideration the different routes and gas prices.
Road Trip Routes
There are several possible routes one could take when driving from Blacksburg, Virginia to Scottsbluff, Nebraska. The most direct route would be to head west on I-64, then take I-57 towards St. Louis, MO, and continue on I-80 west through Nebraska. This route has a total distance of approximately 1,250 miles and would take around 20 hours of driving time, not including rest stops.
Another option would be to take I-81 south to I-40, then head west towards Oklahoma City, OK. From there, take I-44 north to I-70, which eventually leads to I-80 west towards Scottsbluff, Nebraska. This route has a total distance of approximately 1,550 miles and would take around 24 hours of driving time.
Finally, a third alternative would be to take the scenic route by heading west on I-64, then going north on I-65 towards Indianapolis, IN. From there, take I-74 to Iowa City, IA, then turn west onto I-80 towards Nebraska. This route has a total distance of approximately 1,600 miles and would take around 25 hours of driving time.
Gas Prices
Gas prices may play a significant role in determining the overall cost of the road trip. According to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report, as of May 2021, the average gas price in Blacksburg was $2.98/gallon. In comparison, in Scottsbluff, the average gas price was $3.26/gallon.
Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, here is an estimated breakdown of the fuel costs for each of the three driving routes:
| Distance | Fuel Cost (Blacksburg prices) | Fuel Cost (Scottsbluff prices) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route 1 | 1,250 mi | $119.22 | $130.13 |
| Route 2 | 1,550 mi | $147.07 | $160.17 |
| Route 3 | 1,600 mi | $151.08 | $164.80 |
Based on this table, the cost difference in fuel prices between Blacksburg and Scottsbluff adds up over the course of a long-distance road trip. However, the distance of the driving route can also play a role in determining the total cost of the trip.
Additional Costs
Apart from fuel costs, there are other factors to consider when road tripping. These may include hotel accommodations, food expenses, tolls, attraction tickets, and unexpected expenses such as car repairs.
On average, expect to spend around $100-$150 per night for hotel accommodations along the way. For meals, budget anywhere from $10-$20 for breakfast, $15-$25 for lunch, and $20-$40 for dinner per person, per day. Be mindful of toll roads along the way, as they can add up quickly. Additionally, plan accordingly for attraction tickets or recreational activities, such as national park entrance fees or amusement parks.
Finally, it's always a good idea to have some money set aside for unexpected emergencies, whether it be car troubles or medical expenses. A general rule of thumb is to set aside an additional 15-20% of the total trip budget for unexpected costs.
Recommendation
Based on the analysis done above, Route 1 seems to be the most cost-effective route, with the shortest distance and the lowest overall fuel costs. Route 2, while slightly longer, may be worth considering for those who want to see different parts of the country. Route 3, while the most scenic, is also the longest and will likely result in higher costs overall.
Conclusion
In summary, a road trip from Blacksburg, Virginia to Scottsbluff, Nebraska can be both fun and cost-effective if planned accordingly. Route 1, while the most direct, may be the most economical choice. However, routes 2 and 3 are also viable options for those looking to take a more scenic route. Regardless of which route is chosen, remember to plan for additional costs beyond just fuel, such as accommodations and meals.
In conclusion, a typical road trip from Blacksburg, Virginia to Scottsbluff, Nebraska, taking the most direct route, could cost anywhere from $750-$1,000 for a family of four, depending on the duration and other expenses. However, the memories and experiences gained from such a unique adventure will undoubtedly make it all worth it.