Texas to Vegas

[visual]

I am in Lubbock, TX trying to get there... Anybody close going?

[octalpus]

Re: Texas to Vegas

Driving from Texas is teh suck. Seriously. Unless you're hauling out a bunch of people and a footlocker of ammo, fly.

[Deviant Ollam]

Re: Texas to Vegas

yeah, nowadays with gas prices what they are coupled with the special promos that airlines always run to vegas* you'd be hard-pressed to find a deal that makes more sense on the ground as opposed to in the air.

the only way that you'd see economic benefits would be if you were carpooling with about half a dozen others in a long passenger van or something.


* if you're booking flights online, you've no doubt seen that they fluctuate wildly in price. mid-week evenings are the best time to check fares and lock-in something good. look for flights on a wednesday evening (which, ironically, is tonight)

[Floydr47]

Re: Texas to Vegas

Other ways to save would include flying "standby", booking your flight at least 30 days in advance, check with FedEx (they sometimes can get you on one of their flights extremely cheap, or if you are in the military (or have a family member Military ID card) there is always MAT (Military Air Transport, which is free). Cheap is good, free is better.

[visual]

Re: Texas to Vegas

But then I'd miss the beautiful desert countryside!

[Floydr47]

Re: Texas to Vegas

Well, driving from Lubbock to Las Vegas is only about 890 miles (13 hours driving time and approx. 2 tanks of gas). It would probably be cheaper than flying and you would get to enjoy both the desert and the mountains of New Mexico. If you decide to drive I would suggest a detour down route 380 in New Mexico, there are many interesting things to see along that route. I especially enjoy Lincoln, NM and the Smokey the Bear National Forest. Plan extra time to enjoy the scenery. I drive it myself every two weeks ( I live in Odessa, TX and work in Springerville, AZ). Good Luck to you on your trip, Visual.

[cashmoney]

Re: Texas to Vegas

I'm in Amarillo, but I grabbed an airline ticket two weeks ago. The rates this far in advance aren't that bad.

[Shinobi]

Re: Texas to Vegas

I'm in Amarillo

Can you point the way to Amarillo??

[octalpus]

Re: Texas to Vegas

Well, driving from Lubbock to Las Vegas is only about 890 miles (13 hours driving time and approx. 2 tanks of gas).

For one person, you should be able to get a roundtrip ticket under the $200 range. When you factor in the astronomical gas prices (4 tanks total), food breaks along the way, and the inevitable hotel on the way back when you realise there is no way in hell you can drive straight through after not having slept for 4 days, it comes out significantly more expensive to drive. We did this twice from San Antonio. The drive there is fine, it's getting back that's a bitch. I can tell you horror stories about birds committing suicide into our windshield and a flat tire going through the border control checkpoint requiring a stay of several hours in Van Horn. While I admit that the Chuy's there is awesome (just ask John Madden), this is NOT a plan I recommend by any stretch of the imagination.

[Floydr47]

Re: Texas to Vegas

I have to admit it, Octalpus, when you're right, you're right. What you say is true about the cost of flying vs. driving. However, Visual did express an interest in the desert. That is a beauty that would be missed at 30,000 feet. Even though my travels are on business, I always leave a day early so that I have time to enjoy some small, unexpected adventure along the way. On the return, if I get tired, I pull over in a roadside rest and catch a quick nap or stop in some small out of the way town to sample the local cuisine. Life is short enough as it is, everyone should treat themselves to a slow trip down the back roads of America...

[octalpus]

Re: Texas to Vegas

I have to admit it, Octalpus, when you're right, you're right. What you say is true about the cost of flying vs. driving. However, Visual did express an interest in the desert. That is a beauty that would be missed at 30,000 feet. Even though my travels are on business, I always leave a day early so that I have time to enjoy some small, unexpected adventure along the way. On the return, if I get tired, I pull over in a roadside rest and catch a quick nap or stop in some small out of the way town to sample the local cuisine. Life is short enough as it is, everyone should treat themselves to a slow trip down the back roads of America...

I agree completely... but not for Defcon travel. When you're going for a simple business trip or a holiday, road trips are awesome. When you're about to spend 4 days in the desert without sleep and consuming little else beyond Red Bull and vodka, it's ill-advised. You're exhausted when you get there, so you're not as your best the first day or so and getting back is downright painful.