The Cost of a Trip Between Bloomington, Indiana and Springdale, Utah: Calculating Gas Prices

Traveling from Bloomington, Indiana to Springdale, Utah involves traversing over 1,500 miles of land, passing through varied terrain, and stopping at major cities. The cost of this journey is influenced by the method of transportation, accommodation arrangements, choice of route, and other factors, with gas prices being a crucial aspect of consideration. In this article, we will analyze the most efficient routes and their costs using current gas prices to assist readers in planning their travels.

Possible Routes

There are several routes one can take when traveling from Bloomington, Indiana, to Springdale, Utah. Based on common paths, these routes are generally categorized as the less time and more time consuming routes.

The first route passes via Nashville, Tennessee, Little Rock, Arkansas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Amarillo, Texas, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Flagstaff, Arizona. The less time-consuming path travels along the Interstate 65, I-40, I-44, I-40, I-25, and I-17 highways and stretches over 1,700 miles. The second route passes via Chicago, Illinois, Des Moines, Iowa, Omaha, Nebraska, Denver, Colorado, Grand Junction, Colorado, and St. George, Utah. The route generally follows the I-55, I-80, I-76, I-70, and I-15 highways and takes about 2,000 miles.

Calculation of Gas Prices

To calculate the gas prices of each route, we will use the following assumptions; the fuel price is $3.05 per gallon, the average fuel consumption of the vehicle is 26 miles per gallon, and the distance of the journey is 1,700 and 2,000 miles. With these figures, we can calculate the fuel expenses and provide a rough estimate for traveling along each path.

The first route (1,700 miles) would require approximately 65 gallons of gasoline, which will cost $199.25 based on the given fuel price estimate. The second route (2,000 miles) would require approximately 77 gallons of gasoline, which will cost $235.70 under the same fuel price assumption.

Note, however, that the calculation may vary based on vehicle type, traffic, and fuel price increases.

Accommodation Arrangements

The cost of accommodation and food expenses should also be factored in when planning the trip's budget. The duration of the journey, route distance, and the traveler's budget can influence the choice of arrangements, whether it's a budget or luxury lodging option. Choosing more affordable or cheap hotels or motels could be an excellent way to save some costly expenses.

The average cost of a hotel room in most cities along Route 1 ranges from $60 to $150 per night, depending on the season. On the other hand, hotels in cities along Route 2 cost between $80 and $200 per night. The price of budget hotels and motels may vary, ranging from $40 to $120 per night. In calculating the total expense, a reasonable estimate would be about $800 to $2500 for lodging, food, and other incidentals.

Pros and Cons of Each Route

The travel time and the scenic experiences can significantly influence the route decision. Route 1 will take approximately 27 hours of driving time, covering twice as many miles as Route 2, which takes approximately 35 hours of drive time. Route 1 passes through some historic locations such as Nashville, Alburquerque, and the breathtaking Flagstaff, Arizona. Along this path, travelers can experience diverse terrains, including mountains, forests, and desert areas.

Alternatively, Route 2 presents a more diverse range of natural sceneries, including farmland, plains, mountain ranges, and desert areas. The traveler can witness Nauvoo, Illinois, where the Latter-day Saint history commenced, enjoy the scenic drive along the Rocky Mountains, and pass through Colorado National Monument, and Zion National Park.

Recommended Route

For travelers looking to avoid the long distance, Route 1 is more efficienct with shorter driving time, 27 hours. On the other hand, Route 2, with 35 hours of drive time, provides a more scenic drive along historic and mountainous terrains. Route 2 also offers more diverse stops for travelers' exploration and the option to visit captivating national parks such as Colorado National Monument and Zion National Park.

Conclusion

The Bloomington, Indiana-Springdale, Utah trip route presents a myriad of options for travelers, both for transportation and accommodation arrangements. With current fuel prices at $3.05 per gallon, the journey requires a considerable amount of expense. The choice of route depends on how the traveler wants to experience the trip, preference for driving time or scenic views, budget plans, and interesting stops along the way.