Extended Stay America

Highways or Backroads

Highways or Backroads

You're renting a car for your travels.  Now... should you wander the highways or backroads?  The truth is you will probably use both.  Let's look at the pros and cons for highways or backroads.

For one thing, remember that distances are deceiving when you're traveling on back roads.  It'll always take you longer than you think when you wander the smaller roads.  You need to allow enough time.  

Most highways in the U.S. are freeways.  There are some toll roads.  You'll find more in the eastern side of the United States than in the west.  In Europe, many of the highways are toll roads.  Toll roads are becoming more common around the world.  They can be expensive, but they'll get you from one place to another faster.  There are times when that's the best thing.... just get where you want to be.  And in some countries, traveling the toll road might be safer.

But sometimes quickest isn't always best.  Toll roads will cost you money and whip you through the countryside... and just like highways and freeways anywhere, you probably won't see as much when you travel on highways and autoroutes.  They have a bland sameness about them... all over the world!

Sometimes secondary highways and other free roads are older.  They may be more heavily traveled especially in developing countries.  You'll pass through towns and villages where you'll have to slow down.  Slowing down is both a plus and a minus.

The smaller, free highways and back roads will often be the fastest way from small town to small town.  Big highways and autobahns tend to be routed around small towns.  If you have the time and want to see more of the country, stay off the toll roads.  Toll roads may not have exits where you want.  Sometimes there are long distances between exits.

In Europe, there are great rest stops for food, gas and toilette facilities on all the toll roads.  The food may not be as bad as American fast food, but it's still fast food.  American highways are littered with fast food stops and cheap restaurants.

On back roads or free roads, you can find food and gas in the towns you pass through.  Take your time and stop for lunch in a little local restaurant.  You'll get more of a feel for the local food and the countryside.

Driving those toll roads or freeways might be safer at night.  Some free roads or backroads are narrow and winding.  

In rural areas, you may find yourself stuck behind farm equipement... or behind a slow driver on those narrow backroads.  Of course, as a tourist enjoying the scenery, you might BE the slow driver... why not!

Does this sound like we're contradicting ourselves with the pros and cons?  We're just trying to show you what to expect with each choice.  It's slow travel versus getting there fast.  Highways or backroads, you'll want to use them both.

Prices on toll roads vary from country to country.... some tolls are nominal... in other counties they're expensive.  Decide if the old "time is money" saying is true for each leg of your trip.  Some days you may just want to get from one area to the other quickly, other days you might want to ramble.

Highways tend to take you to cities with expensive hotels, on the back roads you can find local budget accommodations in small towns.  So think about the focus of your trip.... highways or backroads.  There's a time for both and no reason to shun either.