Plan a route to your destination from your starting location. This can be done with the use of a map or an online map route planner. Print off, or copy, the directions to your destination. In the case of air travel, contact your local airline customer service department for flight information including distance and flight plans.
Fuel up if necessary for ground travel. Reset and start your odometer. Note the time. Begin traveling to your destination. If you are in a automobile, go exactly at the speed limit as often as possible. Note any detours that you encounter on the way. Note when and if you needed to fuel up, and where you went. Note pit stops for meal breaks and the length of time you stopped. For air travel book your one-way flight and board it.
Note the time when you reach your destination for all forms of travel. Record the odometer reading and your fuel level for ground travel.
Plan to take the same way back for ground travel and go the speed limit on your return trip. Calculate the return route by assuming you will be required to stop at all the same spots, for the same length of time as well as to take the same detours. Your total gas used, length of time taken, money spent and distance traveled is equivalent to your trip there. It is exactly double. Air travel calculation is limited by many factors including flight plans, detours, delays and wind speeds. Doubling the time and costs of the destination flight can be used to give you a rough estimate of your total round trip costs and travel time. Consult your airline for more accurate information.
